Amber Gurung: The Father of Modern Nepali Music
Amber Gurung (Nepali: अम्बर गुरुङ; February 26, 1938 – June 7, 2016) was a legendary Nepalese composer, singer, and lyricist, widely regarded as the pioneer who modernized Nepali music by blending Western classical elements like jazz, symphony, and orchestration with traditional folk styles. Born in Darjeeling, India, to Nepali parents from Gorkha district—his father, Ujir Singh Gurung, was a former British Indian Army soldier turned policeman—Amber was the fourth of five siblings. Encouraged by his mother, he was largely self-taught, mastering instruments such as the violin, piano, guitar, mandolin, tabla, and even Chinese ones from a young age. He attended Turnbull School in Darjeeling, where choir singing sparked his lifelong passion for music.
Early Career and Breakthrough
In the 1950s, Amber founded the Art Academy of Music in Darjeeling, mentoring future stars like Aruna Lama, Gopal Yonzon, Karma Yonzon, Ranjit Gazmer, and Indra Gajmer. His debut hit, "Nau Lakh Tara" (Nine Hundred Thousand Stars, 1960), penned by poet Agam Singh Giri, became an anthem for the Nepali diaspora in India, highlighting their struggles. This song, recorded on 78 RPM vinyl, propelled him to fame across Nepal and India. He briefly worked as Music Chief at West Bengal's Folk Entertainment Unit (1962–1965) and taught at Dr. Graham's Homes School before facing jobless years.
In 1968, King Mahendra invited him to Kathmandu to head the Music Department at the newly established Nepal Academy, a role he held for nearly 30 years. There, he enriched Nepali music education and composed over 1,000 songs, operas (e.g., Kunjini in 1963, Muna Madan in 1979), cantatas, and scores for films, documentaries, and musicals. His innovative use of orchestras broke language barriers and introduced chorales to Nepali audiences.
Legacy and National Anthem
Amber's crowning achievement came in 2007 when the Government of Nepal commissioned him to compose the music for the country's new national anthem, Sayaun Thunga Phulka (lyrics by Byakul Maila), replacing the previous one after the monarchy's end. He performed globally in the UK, US, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, China, Malaysia, and Spain, and his three sons—Kishor, Raju, and Sharad—all pursued music careers.
Honored as "Mahan Sangeetkar" (Great Musician) by Hong Kong's Himalayan Tones Music Academy in 2014, Amber received numerous lifetime achievement awards for his six-decade contributions.
Later Life and Passing
Battling diabetes, Parkinson's, and hypertension, Amber was treated for esophageal tumors in India before his health declined. Admitted to Kathmandu's Grande International Hospital on May 30, 2016, he passed away on June 7 at age 78, survived by his wife, sons, and daughter Alka. His death prompted national mourning, with tributes calling him the "soul of Nepali melody."
Amber Gurung's work continues to inspire generations, preserving and evolving Nepal's musical heritage. For his songs or lyrics (e.g., via sites like LyricsNepal.com), search by his name to explore classics like "Nau Lakh Tara." If you'd like details on specific tracks or similar artists, let me know!
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