LONDON, Jan 6: As a part of its "First home, and abroad" campaign, Pokhara-based band Kandara performed its first concert in London.
On Saturday, Kandara completed its historic concert at the renowned Indigo at The O2, with an audience of over 2,500. The band celebrated its 32nd anniversary on stage, marking the occasion as a milestone in its musical journey. Kandara described the O2 evening as both historic and unforgettable.
Singer Bibek Shrestha, accompanied by instrumentalists from Nepal, captivated the audience with nearly two hours of mesmerizing live music.
Kandara shows no stage rust during their return gig
Shrestha performed a series of hits, including Tagaroma Rumal Rakhi, Jindagiko Yo Utsav Ho Bardaan Ishwar Ko, Bideshiyera Gaiin Uni, Lekki Hey Maya Mohani Sabailai Lagaaune, Hong Kong Pokhara, Timi Haase Haasidincha Roae Fakaula, Ilame Chiyale Miteri Layo, Chiso Chiso Hawama, Sangrila Ko Lek Bhari Fulai Fulkako Basana, Hey Kasto Thau Ma Aiyo Solti, Fulchowkiko Dandai Ma, Chanchale Kanchhiko, Kaha Hideki Kun Thau Manki Hey Pari, Timi Pari Tyo Gaunma, and Balla Talla Bhet Bhako. The audience enthusiastically called for encores after every song.
According to the event organizer Mamaghar Entertainment, nearly 2,800 attendees witnessed Kandara's performance at The O2. Singer Shrestha concluded the event with Gopal Yonjan’s Dherai Cha Garnu Swadeshko Sewa Nepali Bannalai, appealing to Nepalis in the UK to return to Nepal.
After the successful concert, Shrestha shared, “Performing at a venue that has hosted global music legends was a dream come true. Singing in front of Nepali brothers, sisters, and parents in this historic hall still feels like a dream to me.”
Kandara’s current lineup includes Bivek Shrestha on vocals, Sunil Thapa on drums, Dev Lama on lead guitar, Pankaj Jha on bass guitar, Avinash Gayak on madal, and Umesh Thapa on keyboard. Sunil Thapa, the drummer, has been a member since the band's inception.
Celebrating its 32-year musical journey, Kandara has declared 2024–2025 as its anniversary celebration years, with the slogan "First home, and abroad." The band has announced its national and international tour schedule, starting with concerts in Dubai, Qatar, and Hong Kong this June. It will then perform in Australia and New Zealand in March–April, the USA in May, Canada in June, various European countries in July–August, and Japan in August–September.
With a legacy of 32 years in Nepali folk-pop music, Kandara continues to bring a fusion of pop and modern music to Nepali youth while preserving and perpetuating the nation's musical heritage.
