- The National Folk and Duet Song Academy submitted a report to Nepal's Culture Minister detailing the folk music sector's current state and challenges.
- The Academy warned against rising vulgarity, intellectual property theft, and the loss of cultural authenticity in modern folk and duet music releases.
- The report urges the government to provide social security, health insurance, and systematic regulation for 'Dohori Sanjh' restaurants to protect artists' livelihoods.
- Industry stakeholders are encouraged to practice self-regulation to preserve the dignity and heritage of Nepalese folk music alongside state-level policy support.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The National Folk and Duet Song Academy (Rastriya Lok Tatha Dohori Geet Pratisthan) has submitted a comprehensive report to the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Ganesh Paudel, urging state intervention to curb growing anomalies in the folk music industry. A delegation from the Academy handed over the ‘Integrated Report on the Nepalese Folk and Duet Music Sector-2083’ at the ministry, outlining the current state, challenges, and future prospects of the genre, along with policy recommendations for the government.
The report emphasizes that Nepalese folk and duet music has transcended beyond mere entertainment, evolving into a vital sector directly linked to the nation’s cultural identity, social cohesion, and economic activity. It notes that folk music is no longer confined to the older generation, as recent years have seen a massive surge in interest among the youth. Furthermore, rapid technological advancements and digital platforms have democratized access, allowing Nepalese folk music to expand its footprint globally and provide livelihoods for thousands of artists, creators, and entrepreneurs.
However, the Academy warned that this rapid expansion has been accompanied by severe irregularities, drawing the government's urgent attention to the loss of authenticity, intellectual property theft, and the underestimation of artists' labor. The report expresses grave concern over contemporary trends, noting that several recent releases feature vulgar language, obscene lyrics, and provocative music videos that render them unsuitable for family viewing. It also highlights the unauthorized and distorted use of cultural content on digital platforms as a growing threat to the industry.
To address these challenges, the Academy has urged the government to prioritize the social security of folk performers by establishing a dedicated social security fund, health and accident insurance, and regular incentive programs. These welfare schemes, the report suggests, should specifically target veteran artists, financially underprivileged creators, and performers based in rural areas. Additionally, the report calls for the systematic regulation of 'Dohori Sanjh' (duet music restaurants) across the country to transform them into dignified cultural centers by providing clear legal recognition, ensuring fair remuneration, and integrating them into the national cultural tourism circuit.
While seeking state intervention, the Academy ultimately stresses that policy alone cannot clean up the industry. The report concludes with a call to action, stating that music creators, producers, and industry stakeholders must exercise self-regulation and take collective responsibility to preserve the integrity, dignity, and heritage of Nepalese folk music.
