BIOGRAPHY
Co-founder and veteran drummer of Kandara Band, Sunil Thapa, has over three decades of experience in the Nepali music industry. Despite his long-term contributions to music, he humbly continues to see himself as a student, dedicated to lifelong learning and service to art. Sunil is deeply inspired by nature and often finds himself in the mountains or paddy fields while creating songs.
Sunil’s drumming is renowned for its earthy, organic rhythms that capture the spirit and soul of Nepal. Rooted in Nepal’s rich folk heritage, Sunil crafts a distinctive drumming style that is both grounded in tradition and resonates with contemporary energy. As the rhythmic backbone of Kandara’s sound, his playing is marked by precision, sensitivity, and a profound emotional resonance that moves audiences. Whether performing live on stage or composing in solitude, Sunil brings a meditative intensity to his craft—transforming beats into storytelling. His drums do more than keep time; they breathe life into the music, anchoring Kandara’s melodies with depth, texture, and cultural authenticity.
For Sunil, music is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong journey of service, soul, and storytelling. “I have witnessed the full evolution of Nepali music over the decades and understand the challenges posed by new technology, shifting genres, changing audience demographics, and evolving concert riders. Despite these obstacles, I remain steadfastly determined to overcome them and keep the music alive.” Through every strike of the drum, Sunil carries forward the spirit of Nepali music—proving that rhythm, when guided by purpose and passion, can echo across generations.