Cover Story

In Retrospect:

10 years is a long time, but just how long? Success and the next generation are two ways to measure: Robin Tamang became a rock star in Nepal and his daughter is already five years old. Coming a long way from his days as a struggling artist to becoming a pop sensation, Nima is on the top of the scene with a six-year-old son. WAVE’s founder, Yubakar has gotten married and has a two-year old daughter. As part of our celebration of WAVE’s 10 years, we catch up with a few of our favorite personalities.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Nima Rumba: I was trying to get my music career happening so I was busy struggling in the music field. I hadn’t left for Hong Kong at the time.

Nirnaya ( Rappaz Union): I had just returned from the U.S. so, I was learning my ka, kha, ga, gha etc. I had joined St. Xavier’s (class 9) so I was learning the basics of the education system as well as the whole of life in Nepal. It took me about two years to get back on track. It had been five years outside of Nepal living with no Nepalis around us.

Amrit Gurung (Nepathya): 10 years ago we had already released two of our album - chekyo chekyo, euta chitthi, himal chuchure were alreday hits by then. We were preparing for our 3rd album - min pachasma. So, I was pretty much into music along with my friends in Nepathya.

(1974 A.D.) :
Nirakar Yakthumba: Starting the band 1974 A.D.
Sanjay Shrestha: Studying in 10th Grade at St. Xavier’s School.
Manoj Shrestha: I had just finished my schooling and was planning to apply for a medical college, but I joined Business Management instead.
Adrian Pradhan: Unemployed

And where are you now?

Nima: Things have changed over the last 10 years. Just recently, I won a Video Music Award and my last album FAITH has been doing very well and so have the others in the past.

Nirnaya: Life has been a roller coaster. Right now, I’m on my quarter century of my life and I’m trying to get something done because this is the time to do it.
[Download Nirnaya’s first song at www.wavemag.com.np]

Amrit Gurung: All friends who were with me 10 years ago are no more with me in the Band. All have left for better proffesions and settlement abroad. But I have new musician friends - who are extremly good. After releasing our last Album - Bhedako oon Jasto, we just concluded a 14 city Peace Concert Tour - advocating - Shanti ko Lagi Sikchya. and now We are preparing for our new Album. So, I must say I am very much with Nepathya and still doing music on a more full time basis. So, in brief one common factor in my life 10 years ago, and now is MUSIC. I wish my answer will be the same when you ask these questions for your 25th year issue as well.

(1974 A.D.):
Nirakar Yakthumba: Still with the band 1974 AD.
Sanjay Shrestha: Kathmandu, playing music with 1974 AD.
Manoj Shrestha: All of my plans have been changed and I’m in a different profession…Ke garne? I’ve become a musician and I’m enjoying it.
Manoj Shrestha: I’m working in my home studio. I just got new software so I mess around with it the whole day.

What do you remember the most in WAVE from the last decade?

Nima: Several things I guess. I recall a blow up photo feature of me. This was back in 95 or 96, before Huri Batas was released.

Nirnaya: Well, the size. I think the old WAVE had a pretty comfortable size. And we can’t forget the articles. It had some unique articles too.

Amrit Gurung: The Issue that had a cover story - Is Rock Dead [Rock Is Dead?] or something like that. It was really good. I still have a copy of it preserved. And Yes, I also remember the humble - Yubakar. All the best WAVE - you have done great - be better with each issue. Nepathya’s wishes are with you.

(1974 A.D.):
Nirakar Yakthumba: The coverage Junoon received. I’m not complaining, I think they deserved it.
Sanjay Shrestha: The “Horoscopes” & the “Horrorscopes.”
Manoj Shrestha: It’s hard to answer but I remember an article about Sudha Shah who was featured in Fortune Mag. I always wondered about her living standard after she became a millionaire. Fortunately, I met her in our USA tour (2002). It was like, WOW!!!
Adrian Pradhan: The cover girl Kalpana Gurung