On Friday, 15th November 2024, National College had the incredible privilege of hosting Lochan Rijal, a renowned multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and ethnomusicologist, in our Life Talk Series. Dr. Rijal, with three acclaimed albums and a legacy of national and international awards, shared insights that struck a chord with students, inspiring them to connect with their roots while embracing new, innovative possibilities.
Dr. Rijal’s journey began in Nepal’s Panchthar district, where his exposure to local festival music ignited a lifelong passion for sound and culture. As a young artist in Kathmandu, he began teaching music to school children and simultaneously working in Nepal’s pop and rock scenes, where he produced award-winning albums. Yet, his desire to explore the cultural depths of music led him to academia. In 2014, he earned a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Massachusetts and Kathmandu University, a milestone that opened new doors for him as an artist and scholar. Today, Dr. Rijal leads the Department of Music at Kathmandu University, where he inspires the next generation to blend tradition with innovation.
Through his music, Rijal explores the boundaries of Nepali sound, uniting ancient traditions with modern expression. His latest album, lr (meaning “raw sound”), is a testament to this, featuring the rare Gandharva lute ‘ārbājā’ and other indigenous instruments, blending poetic storytelling with music to convey themes of life, resilience, and social progress. He spent years traveling across Nepal to learn about traditional music-making and instrument-building techniques, a dedication that students found deeply moving.
During the talk, Dr. Rijal encouraged students to celebrate Nepali music and heritage and to view creativity as a way to effect positive change. His journey exemplifies how music can be a powerful tool for connection, inclusion, and sustainability. We are grateful to have learned from his experiences and hope his message inspires students to pursue their passions with a commitment to both innovation and tradition.
