Nepali Fusion at Its Best: Inside Sonāgi Blues’ Musical World

Entertainment
Peoples
The Buzz Nepal
August 29 , 2025

Fusion Music Rooted in Nepali Tradition and Contemporary Vibes

Kathmandu’s music scene has a new ensemble making waves—Sonāgi Blues. Born from the creative minds of ethnomusicology students at Kathmandu University, the band’s name is a clever nod to its origins: So for sarod, Na for nagara, and Gi for guitar. What began as a trio has now grown into a five-member collective: Appeal Poudel on sarod and vocals, Aayush Thapa on guitar and vocals, Nischal Rai on nagara and percussion, Prashant Shakya on bass and vocals, and Shreejal Sayanju as their sound engineer. Together, they blend instruments and voices to create a truly unique musical experience.

A Unique Sound for Every Listener

Sonāgi Blues’ signature sound is a vibrant fusion of Nepali folk, Shastriya Sangeet, and rock, crafted to resonate with audiences of all ages. “It’s an essence of communal music in contemporary form,” the band shares. Their music reflects a dedication to both tradition and experimentation, creating an experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Debut Album: Jaded Sahariyā

Their debut album, Jaded Sahariyā, explores the story of a simpleton through the eyes of an urbanite. It critically examines how centralization in Kathmandu affects people beyond the city, weaving themes of greed, loss, and social hypocrisy into its lyrics. While many of their songs are deeply personal, some experimental tracks didn’t make the cut—leaving fans eager for what’s next.

Live Energy Beyond the Studio

Having performed at iconic venues such as Eden Amphitheatre and the KatJazz Festival, Sonāgi Blues emphasizes the power of live music. “Recordings are great, but they don’t do justice to the songs. Performing live is our forte,” they explain. Their performances are interactive, improvisational, and deeply rooted in communal energy.

Inspiration and Collaboration

Drawing inspiration from Nepali folk traditions, global music, and personal experiences, the band thrives on collaboration. “Democracy! Ideas are open to all, majority wins, and we jam,” they reveal. Improvisation shapes their evolving arrangements, ensuring that each performance feels fresh.

Balancing Roots and Innovation

Sonāgi Blues stays true to Nepali roots while exploring blues, jazz, and contemporary music. By incorporating traditional rhythms and melodies into modern arrangements, they create a sound that honors heritage yet embraces experimentation. Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, including a sold-out debut album launch—a moment they proudly celebrate.

Future collaborations are open-ended, with the band expressing interest in working with hip-hop artists, singer-songwriters, or filmmakers keen on highlighting “Nepalipan” through music.

Sonāgi Blues is more than a band—it’s a cultural dialogue, merging Nepali heritage with modern sounds, creating music that is both meaningful and universally enjoyable.

Have you listened to Jaded Sahariyā yet? Which track resonated with you the most? Are there experimental sounds you’d love to hear from Sonāgi Blues in the future?