Kiran Nepali, the man behind “Project Sarangi” is a well known Sarangi Player himself. He is from Gandarva family who has been playing Sarangi for generations. Kiran gained his popularity as a member of KUTUMBA, a popular Nepali folk instrumental group which he joined in 2008. He has also been playing for Bipul Chettri and the Traveling Band since 2014.
Due to globalization and commercialization of music, tradition of Nepali folk music is slowing fading away which also impacts on instruments such as “Sarangi. “Project Sarangi” was thus born which is an initiative started by Kiran “is committed to the preservation and promotion of the living art of Sarangi through crafting professional-grade Sarangis and souvenirs to raise awareness and keeping the craftsmanship alive. Project Sarangi also develops the common ground to learn the ethnic folk instruments of Nepal.” Through “Project Sarangi” Kiran hopes to revive the disappearing Nepali Folk instruments and promote among new generations of music lovers. According to Kiran, the responses have been very positive and has also seen an increasing number of youth willing to learn Sarangi, which has given hope to Kiran and his team to even move further with the project.
When asked about his recent cover of classic hit “Stairway to Heaven” on Sarangi and guitar, Kiran said that he was a guitarist himself before turing into a Sarangi Player, and for every guitarists songs like “Stairway to Heaven” is a must to play on a guitar. Thus he wanted to try playing such tunes on Sarangi. The cover version of the song was well received by his friends and family, and has given hope to him that Sarangi is not just for folk music, but can be played in different genres of music. Kiran adds that by covering non-folk Nepali Music, can also pave a way for young generations to pick up and learn Sarangi.
Kiran Nepali’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/nepali.kiran
Project Sarangi’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSarangi/
Stariway to Heaven on Sarangi by Kiran Nepali and Akriti Rai.
Asaar (The Soundcheck Series) Feat. Kiran Nepali, Rishu Nepali and Bipul Chettri
Kutumba Live at Wembley Arena, London – Joon Festival 2017
Project Sarangi | Sarangi Trio at the JAMARKO
