Kutumba comes to the UK

February 6, 2013 , by DREAMS, Leave your thoughts

In their maiden UK tour, Nepalese folk-fusion band Kutumba left a memorable musical mark. A noteworthy performance at St. Paul church at Covent Garden in London was a highlight of their musical journey.

Minutes before the Nepalese folk music ensemble Kutumba played at St. Paul’s church in Covent Garden, London, Pavit Maharjan, the percussionist of the six-member band, said it had been “a totally new experience.”

After all, it was their first performance in the United Kingdom. Having played at the Edinburgh Mela, and two other venues in Scotland, Kutumba landed in London, giving this multicultural city a taste of Nepalese folk music.

In a gothic setting, inside St. Paul church, Kutumba’s music evoked Nepalese sentiments. There was a celebratory vibe when they performed “Festival,” a tune that encapsulates the joy and melodies of the many festivals that Nepal boasts. With the perfect synchronisation of folk music instruments that our young generation has almost forgotten, the show was a recognition of Nepali folk music, uplifting the mood of a predominantly young crowd, and also entertaining them.

“Kutumba’s main goal is to bring all the [Nepalese folk] instruments together and represent Nepal,” Maharjan told DREAMS before the event.

During the show, he interacted with the crowd, introduced each instrument they played and hit some nostalgic notes.

While the classic Nepalese tune “Reshan Firiri” was an instant crowd pleaser, the 200 plus audience provided a chorus to evergreen song “Asarai Mahinama.” And the audience did not deter from dancing in the typical Nepalese way to a medley of nostalgic tunes that included folk songs like “Lekali” and “Sodha Ramalai” and popular soundtrack from Nepalese movies like “Mohani Lagla Hai” and “Maitighar.”

: Photo: Kutumba

: Photo: Nilesh Singh

: Photo: Nilesh Singh

: Photo: Nilesh Singh

: Photo: Nilesh Singh

: Photo: Nilesh Singh

For London-native Madleine Marsh, Kutumba was a “real surprise.” The 51-year-old said she heard about the concert from a Nepalese friend and did not know what to expect.

“I knew nothing about Nepalese music, and I love it now,” she said as she wiped her sweat as she exited the dance floor.

While the band members were on a mission to promote Nepalese folk music in the UK, they said it was also a good time for them to learn. They collaborated with Scottish artists Sharon Hassan and Callum Forsyth fusing Nepalese folk with fiddle, bagpiper and guitar.

Kutumba played five venues in London and four in Scotland during their first UK tour. But the band members said they would return.

“This is just like a demo concert,” Maharjan said.