"Melancholy" (Nepali: मिलानकोली) is an environmentally-themed song sung by 365 Nepali artists.^[1] This song was intended to promote an environmental message by breaking the Guinness World Records for "Most Vocal Solos in a Song Recording", which it successfully did.^[2] It was written, music composed and directed by environmentalist Nipesh Dhaka. The song was recorded as a single on 19 May 2016. The recording sessions were inaugurated by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli at 8 am and continued until 6 pm. The song was released on 2 September 2017 by President Bidya Devi Bhandari at Army Officer's Club, Kathmandu.^[3]

Background and concept

Nipesh Dhaka was involved in a variety of environmental research, as well as producing documentaries, including Himalaya Calls (2015), Melancholy (2017), and Rodhan(2017). He visited almost  districts of Nepal, and studied the environmental changes in different geological and ecological regions, and how they affected various communities.^[3] He also recorded a song by 206 Nepali artists in different studios of Nepal and Mumbai, including Udit Narayan Jha, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Hari Bansha Acharya, Prem Dhoj Pradhan, Vijaya Lama, Dr. Bhola Rijal, Sambhujeet Baskota and Rajesh Payal Rai. At that time he devised the concept for "Melancholy", with 365 artists collaborating on a single day.

The slogan of the song was "Raise Voice, Save Earth". The event was conducted to break the Guinness World Records of "Most Vocal Solos in a Song Recording" and use this to promote awareness of environmental conservation issues. The song was recorded at Radio Nepal^[1] by Prakash Kharel. On 1 February 2018, the song was certified by Guinness World Records.^[2]

Documentary

Raute livelihood, Aacham

The documentary Melancholy is based on environmental research studies of all geographical regions of Nepal from 2013 to 2018. The documentary explores how human beings are affecting natural resources. It also addresses global environmental problems, such as declining biodiversity, global warming, and climate change, by examining sustainable development from Nepal's point of view.^[4] The 80 minute documentary discusses the nature of the ecosystem, and considers equality, equity, dignity, culture, and social impacts of environmental change. It has been shown in many schools, colleges, clubs, mother groups, communities, and societies in Nepal, and has raised funds for 83 Chepang children of Jaldevi Primary School, Rorang Village, Dhading District. It has also been screened at international conferences and film festivals.^[5]

Guinness World Record achievement

Ceremony at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground where the 365 Nepalese artists were presented with the Guinness World Record certificates

All 365 singers along with campaign coordinators, organizers, technicians, and volunteers were awarded Guinness World Records certificates for "Most Vocal Solos in a Song Recording", in collaboration with Nepal's Sustainable Environmental and Ecosystem Management (SEEM). This was done at a ceremony on 11 October 2018 at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, in the presence Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari, veteran scholar Satya Mohan Joshi, and senior singer Prem Dhoj Pradhan.

Artists

The soloists in order of group appearance were:^[6]

1. Madhav Prasad Ghimire (national poet of Nepal)

References

External links

YouTube videos:

• "Melancholy" song official trailer
• 365 participating Nepali artists and groups of "Melancholy"
• President Bidya Devi Bhandari released "Melancholy" at Army Officer's Club, Kathamndu, 2 September 2017
• What is "Melancholy" Song and its objectives?