Folk singer Prakash Dutraj embarked on a new musical journey

MYAGDI:- Folk singer Prakash Dutraj has embarked on a new musical journey starting from his hometown of Myagdi. A concert featuring the band ‘Dutraj Prakash & Lineup’ was held in Beni on Saturday, with the aim of blending folk music with modern presentation styles and ensemble instrumentation.

The band, led by Dutraj, performed at an event organized by the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Khulamanch grounds in Beni, the headquarters of the mountainous district of Myagdi.

Dutraj, who was born in Arman, Mangala Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, spent a significant part of his childhood and adolescence in the district headquarters, Beni. Recalling that it was here that he first envisioned his musical dreams, he has launched his new campaign from his very birthplace.

At the event, Dutraj stated that the unveiling of the musical band was not merely the announcement of a new group, but also an opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream. Noting that he had envisioned the band for nearly 14 years, he expressed his excitement at being able to bring that dream to fruition right where he had originally conceived it.

“This is Nepal’s first folk music band,” he said. “I have launched a campaign from my own hometown to reach audiences through a novel approach to folk music, bringing together instrumentalists and technicians from diverse genres.”

Born and raised in the rural setting of Myagdi, Dutraj has harbored a passion for music since childhood. The days spent in Beni during his early years and his experiences of struggle have served as a vital foundation for his musical journey. Having established himself in the music industry through perseverance despite coming from an ordinary background, Dutraj has recently carved out a distinct identity for himself in Nepali folk music.

His folk songs—such as ‘Manmaya’, ‘Ghar Kata Ho Bainiko’, ‘Rimai’, ‘Resham’, ‘Chaina Ra Maya’, and ‘Ainajhyalaima’—are widely popular. His creations, which convey authentic folk melodies, experiences of rural life, and the sentiments of Nepali society, have earned him popularity even among the younger generation.

Dutaraj’s musical performances will no longer be limited to backing tracks; the band now features twelve artists, including live instrumentalists. The concert in Myagdi marks the first step in his plan to make folk music more vibrant and impactful through live instrumentation.

“Future musical performances will feature live instrumentation by the band rather than relying on backing tracks,” he said. “I am happy and excited to have the opportunity to start right where I once envisioned it. My goal is to promote traditional Nepali musical instruments globally through the band.”

Prakash’s band has also begun preparations for a musical tour across various locations in Nepal. Dutraj plans to introduce traditional Nepali instruments and folk music to audiences both at home and abroad through a fresh, contemporary style.

A program previously scheduled for Bhadra 12, coinciding with Janai Purnima, had been postponed due to the floods in Rasuwa. The rescheduled event took place in Beni on Saturday, Bhadra 27. During the program, tributes were also paid to those who lost their lives in the Rasuwa floods.

Subin Shrestha, President of the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry—the event’s organizer—stated that the Chamber supported the initiative to encourage Dutraj’s musical journey.

“We have extended our support to encourage a talent who began his singing journey at the festival organized by the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he said. “The struggle and hard work of Prakash, who comes from an underprivileged community, are truly inspiring.”

Audiences from Baglung and Parbat, in addition to Myagdi, traveled to Beni to watch the performance by Dutraj’s band. The event featured free admission, and the Khulamanch venue was packed with spectators. Even as a light drizzle fell from the sky, the audience danced and enjoyed Dutraj’s performance.

Before the performance, Dutraj reflected on his past struggles and the individuals who have supported his musical journey. He expressed hope that the audience, well-wishers, and music lovers would continue to extend their support and cooperation as he moves forward with this new endeavor, which began in his hometown of Myagdi.

Child artist Creation Rokamagar from Myagdi also gave a performance during the event. Following the performance, she was honored by the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.