Santosh Ghale whose voice soars with the breeze that blows through his heart shot to fame as the winner of Khukuri Music Nation. From working as a labourer to buying his first guitar to staying up all night as a security guard… all to pay his bills in Kathmandu, Santosh’s musical journey has not been an easy one.
Santosh is from Lamjung and has lived in Chitwan for 18 years. He moved to Kathmandu to enroll into a music school and earn name and fame in the music industry. He even tried his luck in several music contests including the Voice of Nepal but couldn’t qualify to the top rounds. But patience and perseverance pay and as the winner of Khukuri Music Nation, he will soon release his own composition. Excerpts from the interview with this rising star:
Your love for music started with the quest to learn how to play the guitar. What were the challenges you underwent in your pursuit of music?
I bought my guitar with the money I earned from labour work because my parents wouldn’t get me one as they thought that it would distract me from my studies. Then I started looking for people who could give me guitar classes. Only a few people from my village knew how to play the guitar. I leant from them initially but later started playing and learning by myself.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My grandfather used to talk a lot about Maruni and Ghatu. My elder brother used to sing too which inspired me to become a musician.
Coming from a middle class family, how difficult was it to choose music as a career?
It was very difficult for me. I had the pressure to earn for my family but I always wanted to do something in music since the very beginning.
What is the music scene in Chitwan like?
Initially there were a very few music centres in Chitwan where we could actually go and learn even though many people were interested in music. But now, the number of music centres has grown along with an increase in artistes. There are many talented musicians in Chitwan now.
You shifted to Kathmandu to get enrolled into a music school. What was the experience like?
I shifted to Kathmandu to get enrolled in a music school but I also had to manage everything financially. I started working as a security guard. Only then could I join my classes.
What role do music competition platforms offer to new musicians?
For artistes like us, these contests are a very good platform. These shows play a vital role in bringing out hidden talent which in itself is a very big thing. I myself have taken part in a lot of these shows; and it has made me who I am today.
You have been doing cover songs and now you will be creating your own…
Now I want people to listen to my own songs which I am working on. I am creating songs which are a mix of pop and slow rock.
Your favourite song to perform: Jauki basu by Sabin Rai and The Pharoh
An artist or band you want to collaborate with: Jeevan Gurung, The Edge
Favourite venue to perform: Club Platinum
Current hooked on: Samjhanchu Ajhai Ma by Sabin Rai and The Pharoh
