About Narayan Gopal

Narayan Gopal Gurubacharya is by far the most prominent and popular singer in Nepali music. When people think or talk about Nepali music, the name most associated is that of Narayan Gopal. For most people, he is the singer. He was also an accomplished music composer in his own right. Not only was he gifted with a great voice, he was very versatile. His voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre. His songs are often richly orchestrated with the sitar, harmonium and the flute. Some of his most popular songs include "Euta Manche Ko Maya le Kati)"(trans. For the Love of One Person), "Jhareko Paat Jhai"(Like a Fallen Leaf), "Yo Samjhine Man Cha"(This Heart remembers) and "Saawan ko jhari bani"(Like the Autumn Rain). Narayan Gopal has been accorded with title "Swor Samrat" (literally, King of Voice) which affirms his position as the supreme virtuoso of Nepali music. His death was due to organ failures, said to have been caused by his notorious drinking. The cassettes and CDs of his music still make significant sales in Nepal. He has sung over 500 songs, including in films, ballets and drama. Most of his songs are melodies. It is said that he was very selective about which songs he sang. Although 500 songs is not a lot for some of his caliber, they are outstanding in some ways--be it the lyrical depth or superb rendition. In recognition of his contribution in the field of Nepali music, he has received several national honors and awards, Trishakti Patta, Chinnalata Puraskar to name a few. Continued sales of his albums attest to his immense popularity. Even more than a decade after his death, his songs are equally liked, loved and sung.His legacy lives on. Current sensation, Ram Krishna Dhakal, a very popular singer, sang Narayan Gopal's songs and modelled his singing style after him when starting his career. Below is a translation (in part) of one of his most famous songs, "Kehi mitho baata gara" (Say a few sweet words), used with permission of Suckypoetssociety: "come, let us dance in this dark- like fireflies float with the wind- like fibres of simal leave your sorrows for tomorrow for, "tomorrow" is to be suffered anyhow whisper sweet words to me-- dusk fades away in vain later tonight, to solitude-- we return, to weep again"