National 9 (Spotlight Weekly)

Promising Talent

Sugam Pokharel, probably the most popular pop singer of the recent years, marks a bright future of Nepali music in the years ahead

By THAKUR AMGAI

Pokharel : Growing popularity

When Sugam Pokharel, 25, hung around the streets of his hometown in the fringe of Industrial City Biratnagar, singing songs of Hindi movies with his friends, he did not had the slightest hint that this pastime would catapult him one day to the position where he is today - as one of the most famous pop artistes. Even during late teens, when songs by Sanjaya Shrestha and Harish Mathema left a deep imprint on him as 'songs of our kind', he never thought he would become as popular as his ideals then. He knew he could sing but not that well.

He had nurtured a dream of being a cine actor since his childhood. Music was his second passion. With the overwhelming popular response from his fans, Sugam now does not regret for not becoming a 'hero' in a cinema.

Sugam's early childhood passed listening to songs from Hindi movies as there were limited Nepali songs that suited his taste. Modern songs aired from the Radio was 'too difficult' for him to understand. As he grew up and started going out of his hometown, the English songs that he heard from cassette shops by the roadside inspired him. He desired to listen to similar Nepali music. Later on, when he heard songs like 'maya meri maya' from then pop singers Sanjaya Shrestha, among others, he found the 'our kind of songs.'

Sugam had to taste failures twice, in his endeavor to establish himself as a singer, as he jumped into the business without much homework and preparations on acting and singing. When he was in the middle of his school days, he got an opportunity to play a role of a child character in a stage play. It was only then, that he found how difficult it really was to act and become a 'hero.' The charm towards becoming a cine actor was lost and he instantly dropped the idea.

He started giving attention to music and participated in stage musical programs. He used to get a lot of appraisals from audience, friends and family members. That always made him feel he could sing.

But the same excitement led him to another set back in 1996 when he recorded two songs without preparation. Had he given up his another passion in a similar manner, the Nepali pop music anthology would be without the beautiful songs like 'afailai jalauna ma saktina' and 'kati din bite.'

He was so upset by the quality of the songs he had recorded that he not only did not bring it to the public, he even burnt up the master copies of the records. Perhaps they were not beautiful songs, but he destroyed the history of a beautiful singer. The incident, however, changed his attitude. He felt, "Singing good songs without learning music is impossible."

Clearly it was this failure that prompted Sugam to learn more about music and practice more. He joined guitar classes and in the coming days he would hum new and old songs with the guitar. He still does the same as his style of 'riyaj' and that is how he composes new songs.

Sugam's passion towards music got further boost when he joined Radio Sagarmatha in 1998 as an audio librarian. He not only got submerged in the musical ambience of a Radio station, but also got encouraged with the interaction with renowned people of the music industry. Moreover, being a host of 'Naya Pusta', a musical program playing Nepali pop songs added confidence in him. He was assured he had a forum to present his songs.

Soon after his first album was released, he realized that he did not need the 'good office' to promote his songs. His songs instantly struck music lovers. Children and teenagers started singing his songs. His posters covered the walls and his album sold like hotcakes. Understanding the demand of the audience, event organizers started highlighting Sugam to promote their programs. Sugam had turned out to be a celebrity from an ordinary man in a short span of time. The next year, he was awarded the 'Best New Artist' in the 'Hits F.M. Music Awards', in 2059 B.S., a testimony to his growing popularity.

Sugam continues to grow. He has now added responsibilities, to maintain his standard, if not sing better. His songs are influenced by western music. They are usually a blend of catchy voice, easily comprehendible words, and touching music. The quality of music videos also supported his career boost. He has by now, brought out two solo albums and sung over 50 songs in collection albums. He writes most of the lyrics by himself. He plans to bring out the next album early next year.

Sugam, who claims to have sung for self-satisfaction, marks a future of Nepalese pop music industry. At a time when the music industry is going through uncontrolled transformation, popular younger generation artistes like Sugam Pokhrel have the responsibility to give a Nepali touch in their songs while keeping abreast with the demands of younger generation.