At the end of the first quarter of the year 2023, the seemingly coherent music taste of youths in the country are increasingly being interested in genres such as hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM) and indie music. Though, arguably, many would suggest the music business is still a trial-and-error place, it is hard to overlook how artists have embraced and incorporated popular (tried and tested) elements from across the globe. Such a scene can hardly be underrated.
Hip-Hop
The success of Nepali hip-hop singers like the late Yama Buddha, and VTEN, whose songs have become huge sensations on social media, is evidence of the genre’s appeal among young people in Nepal. New ones like ‘Ashish Laure’ have also emerged as a result of the growth of Nepali hip-hop. Isn’t even the capital’s mayor a rapper too? That must count for something, right? Day by day, more and more rappers and hip-hop artists are becoming well-known among young Nepalis.

EDM
Youngsters in Nepal have now become fans of EDM too. This genre has been big in the West for a while. Can the western influence ever cease? Highly improbable. Slowly and steadily, the EDM hype entered Asia too and now, the emergence of music events in Nepal, like the Soundrenaline Festival and the Nepal Music Festival, have brought in foreign EDM performers. Moreover, as the clubbing culture is on an exponential rise, EDM is here stay and grow in Nepal.

Indie
Indie music embraces the strengths of other genres like alternative rock, folk, and pop. It is extraordinary how the genre has grown in popularity among young people in Nepal. Several Nepali musicians, like Bipul Chettri and Sajjan Raj Vaidya, have been influenced by the global indie music scene. Even without the interference of major record companies, indie music is leading artists and their music to bloom. It is one major reason why indie music has become so popular.

In a Nutshell
The popularity of hip-hop, EDM, and indie music is indicating a rising interest in Western genres. Yet, traditional Nepali music continues to garner attention, demonstrating that young Nepalis are both passionate of and receptive to a variety of musical influences. The youths aren’t tasteless modern heads, mind it ! It will be interesting to observe how these tendencies grow and affect the musical landscape of the country in the years to come. No matter what, the Nepali music business continues and will continue to change.
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