Pahenlo Batti Muni: Lighting Up Nepal’s Music Scene One Song at a Time

Peoples
Entertainment
The Buzz Nepal
May 14 , 2025

In the heart of Kathmandu, under flickering candlelight during Nepal’s notorious load-shedding days, a band was born Pahenlo Batti Muni. The name, which literally translates to “Under the Yellow Light,” is more than just poetic. It’s a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the spirit of making music even in the darkest of times.

Formed during the energy crisis of 2015, when Nepal endured up to 18 hours a day without electricity, this experimental rock band didn’t wait for the light to return they created their own. What started as candle-lit jam sessions evolved into a powerful musical journey, now led by four distinct yet harmonious souls: Kus KC on bass, Lav Jung KC on drums, Pravesh Thapa Magar on guitar, and Rochak Dahal on vocals.

A New Era for Nepali Music

Asked how they see the music industry evolving, the band speaks with hope and clarity:

“There is no longer the fear of not being heard.”

In the past, reaching an audience required access to radio stations and TV media houses, gatekeepers of exposure. But the digital age has shifted the game. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have opened the floodgates, allowing Nepali artists to break boundaries and find listeners across the globe. The rise of independent digital media means artists like Pahenlo Batti Muni can directly share their stories, songs, and souls with fans without filters.

Wildflowers in a Musical Garden

The band sees the Nepali music industry as a vibrant, ever-growing garden.
“We believe we are the wildflowers in it. We bloom where we are planted and are not afraid to grow where the wind takes us.”
Their music doesn’t fit a mold and that’s exactly the point. They write love songs and protest anthems. They sing about rivers and question god. Like life itself, their music is complex, shifting, and free. It mirrors the multifaceted human experience, never confined by genre or expectation.

A Cry for Concert Venues

But it’s not all harmony. One persistent challenge remains: the lack of proper indoor music venues in Nepal.
“Kathmandu has countless party banquets for weddings and receptions. But where are the concert halls?”

The band makes a compelling case that there’s no shortage of talent or eager audiences, but there’s a shortage of spaces designed for live music. They dream of venues with great sound systems, stage lighting, and acoustics tailored for musical performance. Their plea is loud and clear, echoed by fans and artists alike:
“Imagine having real indoor concert venues instead of endless party banquets—who would complain?”
“Concert halls over party banquets now that’s a trade worth making!”
“Nepal needs real indoor music venues. Let’s swap some banquets for better sound!”

Moments That Matter

So, when did the band feel like they had finally made it?
“The day The Buzz Nepal approached us for an interview!”
While that’s said with a smile, they acknowledge deeper milestones: packed venues where fans sing every lyric, messages from across borders, moments where music connects on a visceral level. These are the real victories and reminders of why they do what they do.

Four Friends, Four Stories

The band members are as different as they are united:
Kus is the quiet one, he speaks only when it truly matters.
Pravesh brings the laughter, always ready with a joke.
Lav is the practical one, with the brain of an accountant and a knack for sorting out logistics.
Rochak can fall asleep anywhere, even in the middle of a wild party.
Together, they form a unique chemistry that fuels their creativity and holds them together.

Still Glowing Under the Yellow Light

Pahenlo Batti Muni may have started in the dark, but their music shines brighter than ever today. They are not just a band; they are a movement, a voice for artistic freedom and a beacon for Nepal’s evolving soundscape.
As they continue to grow and explore, one thing is certain the light they’ve created under the yellow glow will never go out.