Narayan Bhakta Shrestha (Nepali:नारायण भक्त्त श्रेष्ठ), popularly known by the name of Rayan, is a progressive songwriter and singer of Nepal. He was one of four members of musical group

Ralpha Ralpha () was a leftist cultural group of Nepal which produced various songs and literatures to protest against the government. They began as a politically neutral group primarily due to problem with Radio Nepal regarding non-payment of royalty bu ...

Biography

Shrestha was born in

Okhaldhunga district Okhaldhunga District () is one of 14 districts of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal. The district, with the municipality of Okhaldhunga as its district headquarters, covers an area of and had a population of 156,702 in 2001 and 147,984 in 2011.

in a

Newar Newar (; , endonym: Newa; , Pracalit script: ), or Nepami, are primarily inhabitants in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and its surrounding areas, and the creators of its historic heritage and civilisation. Page 15. Newars are a distinct linguisti ...

family. He had a musical influence from his father who was an active proponent of Newar culture such as festivals, language and music. In childhood, Shrestha played in traditional theatre. At the age of 19, he was selected as a singer in

Radio Nepal Radio Nepal () is the state-owned Radio broadcasting organisation of Nepal. It was established on 2 April 1951. Radio Nepal airs programs on shortwave, medium wave (AM broadcasting, AM) and FM broadcasting, FM frequencies. Regular broadcasts ...

to sing folk songs. He worked there for four years. After sensing corroption in the organization, he left Radio Nepal and formed the musical group

in the leadership of Parijat in 2019 BS. He was involved in writing and singing protest songs during the Panchayat era. His songs were later used by Maoist during the

civil war A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...

. He has also served as a president of Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.

Popular songs

*''

Gaun Gaun Bata Utha ''Gaun Gaun Bata Utha'' () is a Nepali-language revolutionary song by music duo Raamesh and Rayan and written and composed by Shyam Tamot. The song is also known as ''Sankalpa'' (resolution/ vow) song. The song has been translated into 17 natio ...

'' *''Ek jugma ek din''

Publication

*''Sima geet'', 2072BS

References

External links

Translated songs in English
* Nepalese singer-songwriters Year of birth missing (living people) Living people {{Nepal-bio-stub