Hukka Mero: Surendra Man Singh and Karma Band's Ever-Lasting
Anthem 'Hukka Mero' is probably one of those tracks which every one of us
knows. It is a song that instantly rejuvenated the whole Nepali music scene.
Whatever the time may have passed since this song first struck the airwaves,
'Hukka Mero' still remains among those catchy tunes humming in our
subconsciousness. Sung by Surendra Man Singh of Karma Band, the story of this
song is just as interesting as the song itself. Today, let's dive deep into
"Hukka Mero," its singer, the band, and how this song became such a
favorite part of Nepali pop culture.
Surendra Man Singh: The Man Behind the Music
The vocalist of Karma Band, Surendra Man Singh, was born on
January 2 in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. He's a Capricorn, and individuals of this
sign are known to be hardworking and ambitious; definitely evident from the
journey he's had within the music world. He has a commerce educational
background, I.Com, though his heart always belonged to music. He used to love
singing since he was small, and this very passion one day would lead him to
form one of the most popular bands within Nepal.
Apart from being a talented singer, Singh is also into
business. He has always been a multidimensional personality, balancing his love
for music with his pragmatic side. He initiated his singing career back in 2051
BS, which corresponds to 1994 AD, and his first ever recorded song was
"Sahar Timro." When not busy with music, Singh loves to play cricket,
and the most admired person is his dad. For his most worshiped woman? Well,
that would be none other than JLO!
Starting Karma Band: The Beginning of a Journey
The late 90s were the time when music used to tell much
about one's identity, and for Surendra Man Singh, it wasn't any different.
Influenced by his love of music, he and his friend Prashant Maharjan decided to
start a band in 1998. They recruited a few more friends-namely Rabi Newa and
Ranjit Newa-and so the Karma Band came into being. "At the start there
were just the four of us," Singh remembers, smiling as he thinks back to
the early days.
These friends had grown up together, sharing many things
including their love of music. Of course, there was a break when Singh went off
to study in India, but when he returned, they all came together and realized
that they wanted to turn their dream of being musicians into a reality. They
drew very strong influences from Western music, which factored heavily in their
performance.
The Humble Beginnings and Lessons Learnt
Their first album, "Sahar Timro," by Karma Band,
wasn't exactly a big hit when it came out. He says that is because they focused
more on what they wanted to play than what the people wanted to hear.
"Instead of considering the audience's preferences, we were fixated on our
own musical inclinations," says Singh.
But that did not deter them. They decided to regroup,
rethink as to what kind of music would connect with the people in Nepal. They
did their homework, researched the kind of music the people wanted to hear, and
came back stronger with their second album "Hukka," released in 2001.
The Breakthrough: Hukka Mero
It was finally the song "Hukka Mero" from the
album "Hukka" that put Karma Band on the map. The catchy rhythm and
relatable lyrics made it an instant hit. Something new was being heard, and the
song's fusion of Nepali sounds with jazz and rock elements lured audiences all
over town. That's when it all clicked with the band; finally, the audience was
found, and the music began to resonate more and more.
The lyrics of "Hukka Mero" are light and playful,
full of Nepali culture from daily life. The song speaks to simple joys and
frustrations, all set against a catchy, fun melody. Entering chords like Am, C,
and D with an easygoing vibe make the piece easy to approach for musicians and
listeners alike. While the lyrics may not be polished, it is raw and honest to
a fault-it adds to the beauty of the song.
Am
Am
Hukka mero ooo ooo
Am
Am
Hukka mero, dalle dalle
C
Am
.. Nali nalaai khaanna
C
Am
.. Nali nalaai khaanna
C D
.. Yeti ramri, moti laai
C
Am
.. Aghi nalaai jaanna
C
Am
.. Aghi nalaai jaanna
Am G5 G#5
Verse 2
Am
Am
Tallaa ghar ko oo oo
Am
Am
Tallaa ghar ko, mudaa chauki
C Am
.. Maathlaa ghar ko kursi
C Am
.. Maathlaa ghar ko kursi
C
D
.. Jowan khera jaancha gari
C Am
.. Yetaa ra uuti
C
Am
.. Ghari yetaa ra uuti
Am G5 G#5
Am
Am
Aakaashai koo ooo oo
Am
Am
Aakaashai ko khailo mailo
C
Am
… Baadalu ko ghero
C
Am
.. Baadalu ko ghero
C
D
.. Jata herchu timi maatrai
C Am
… Kasto karma yo mero
C Am
.. Kasto karma yo mero
Am G5 G#5
Am
Am
Uukaali ko oo oo
Am Am
Uukaali ko chiso paani
C Am
.. Khaai jaau jaau laagcha
C Am
.. Khaai jaau jaau laagcha
C
D
.. Kuro chino faano garna
C
Am
.. Ghar aau aau laagcha
C
Am
.. Ghar aau aau laagcha
Am G5 G#5
Music: Guitar Solo
[ Hukka mero ooo ooo
Hukka mero, dalle dalle
Nali nalaai khaanna
Nali nalaai khaanna
Yeti ramri, moti laai
Aghi nalaai jaanna
Aghi nalaai jaanna ] – 2
Ghari yetaa ra uuti
Ghari yetaa ra uuti
Ghar aau aau laagcha
Ghar aau aau laagcha
Challenges Along the Way
Not even their big breakthrough always turned out well for
Karma Band. The member turnover became more frequent. "Changes in the
lineup started right after the release of the 'Hukka' album," Singh
recalls, "Some of them went off to pursue higher education while the rest
looked for careers way more promising." Being a full-time musician in
Nepal was not considered a reliable job back then, and financial uncertainty
resulted in several lineup changes over the years.
These hindrances notwithstanding, the music went on with the
band's Karma Band, while the fresh energy and ideas inducted lineup brought
fresh energy and ideas into the songs. Singh, who was the continuous force of
the band, kept the flag moving ahead with a deep desire not to let the soul of
Karma die.
The Evolution of the Music of Karma Band
One of the factors that made them so unique, Karma Band was
able to incorporate different musical styles together. They started infusing
their songs with traditional Nepali instruments, creating a fusion that was
both new and familiar. This approach helped them connect with Nepali audiences
on a deeper level as they blended rock and blues with cultural elements that
felt like home.
Much of his inspiration comes from real-life stories, claims
Singh. "I would listen to people's stories and apply that to the
lyrics," he shares. This practice has kept Karma's music genuine and
relevant. "After all, art is all about honest expression," he adds.
Perhaps their first album did not do that well, but with
each step backward, there was something to be learned. The band went on to
produce other, more successful albums, and with each release, they honed their
sound, drawing closer to their fans and making music that really connected.
A Changing Music Scene
Singh also is optimistic about the present music scene. He
feels that with social media and online streaming, modern bands are able to do
more now than they had ever imagined. "It's like a blank canvas because
earlier there were so many technical constraints," he says,
"Musicians have more freedom to do what they please and let the world hear
it.".
One of the developing trends over the years has been to move
from albums to singles. Karma Band followed this trend and let out singles,
which kept their fans going without actually having to put out a full album.
The band decided to go back to the concept of a complete album on popular
demand. Next month, they'll release their new album, "Hera"-a big
deal to the fans who have waited for over a decade for a full collection of
songs.
New Beginnings with 'Hera'
The new album "Hera" promises to be true to
Karma's style while introducing new themes and sounds. The band has again
included traditional Nepali instruments, keeping their trademark fusion of
modern and cultural sounds alive. One track, in particular, "Ghara,"
holds special meaning to speak of Nepali youths who migrate abroad but always
have a longing for home. "No matter where we go, we consider Nepal as our
only home," Singh says while explaining the meaning of the song.
The lineup for the band also changed, retaining only the
drummer, Anil Shakya, who played in the third album called "SMS."
Currently, the guitars are handled by Firoz Bajracharya and Rigzin Wangyel Lama
while Ishwar Ghale plays the bass. The new line-up has worked hard to ensure
that the new album captures the essence of Karma while bringing in something
fresh into it as well.
Management and Future Plans
Recently, the management of the band was taken over by Adhi
Group, better known as ASQ. Its CEO, Bijay Adhikari, who believes albums are a
crucial part of music history, has vowed to bring those back into the scene.
Supported by ASQ, Karma Band is also planning a major world tour in 2025-a huge
step that might introduce them to an international audience.
Surendra Man Singh: Personal Life and Philosophy
Personally, Surendra Man Singh has always been vocal about
his love for music and other interests. He terms himself "naive and
generous" and sees his popularity as an acknowledgment that he has done
something worthwhile. As Singh says himself, "Life is water in a
leaf," poetic words to protect its delicate dance. He refers to friends as
"a supporting bridge" and music as "the soul of life."
He also shared some funny memories of the past, like the
incident when he, along with his friends, got caught smoking in the hostel's
box room during school days. When the teacher caught them red-handed, Singh
asked humorously, "May I throw this cigarette outside?"-which also
shows how lightly he takes embarrassing moments.
Love and a smile are the biggest turn-ons, he says; the best
compliment ever was, strangely enough, the goggles while singing, which seemed
to do the trick. If he weren't a singer, he says he'd probably be a
businessman-something he's already doing alongside the music career.
Singh values "soberness" for his future partner,
and if he ever were to go on a blind date, he'd simply love it to be with one
of Nepal's most famous actresses: Manisha Koirala. What motivates him the most?
A baby's chuckle. Simple yet beautiful to keep him going.
Thoughts on Nepali Music and a Message for Fans
Singh has seen a lot of changes in the Nepali music scene.
It is becoming increasingly competitive, something good for the industry, he
says. But about its growth, he sends a clear message: "Stop piracy."
It's only when the intellectual property is respected that true musicians can
grow and become successful, and the industry will grow with them.
While he has this to say to his fans: "Don't involve
yourself in the world of drugs, but be good for all in this present
world." Evidently, his journey as an artist is not just about making music
but also about making a positive difference.
Conclusion
"Hukka
Mero" by Karma Band is something more than a song; it is part of the
cultural puzzle that makes up modern Nepali music. Surendra Man Singh and Karma
Band have been through all highs and lows, standing firm on their resolution to
create songs that narrate a real story in a fun and catchy manner. Be it the
catchy melodies or the powerful message hidden in the lyrics; there is
something about Karma Band that clicks with the listeners. This journey of theirs
is far from over. And with a new album and a world tour in the works, the best
may yet still be to come.
Reference
Hindi To Nepali Dictionary Words Starting From बो
Bridging Cultures: Daily Use Hindi Sentences in Parties with Nepali Meaning
Daily Hindi Sentences for Kids with Nepali Translations: A Simple Guide
Daily Office Sentences: Essential Hindi-Nepali Translations for Everyday Use
Daily Use Hindi Sentences for Parents with Nepali Meanings: A Guide for Everyday Conversations
Daily Use Hindi Sentences for Students with Nepali Meaning
Essential Daily Sentences for Market Conversations: Hindi to Nepali and Vice-Versa
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