Khotang, 22 January: Pradeep Rai, 26, of Kharmi, Majhuwagadhi Municipality-11, Diktel Rupakot, has succeeded in turning three chairs in the blind auditions of Voice of Nepal.
Pradeep sang the song ‘Yaso Here Purba Tira…’ sung by singer and composer Padam Rai in the blind audition that aired on Saturday night, Magh 5, as part of the sixth edition of Nepal’s famous reality show Voice of Nepal, broadcast on Himalaya Television.
Pradeep, who has been active in the musical journey for the past 10 years, has gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok, Reel and Facebook pages with his performance in the blind audition of Voice of Nepal. Born in the remote village of Kharmi in the eastern hilly district of Khotang, Pradeep, who is looking for a future in the music field, is being congratulated and wished by his relatives and well-wishers after being selected for the battle audition in the blind audition of Voice of Nepal.
Pradeep, who was selected for the battle auditions on Voice of Nepal, which has four coaches, has chosen coach Uday Sotang. Leaving aside famous singer Melina Rai and singer and musician Khem Century, who turned the chair around with “I Want,” other coaches have praised Pradeep’s voice and wished him a bright future.
Stating that he embarked on his musical journey with the inspiration and encouragement of his family and especially his elder brother Sudeep Rai, Pradeep has also expressed his sadness over the fact that some people have called him by his real name rather than his real name on the stage of the reality show Voice. Pradeep has also said during the audition that he has come this far because of the people who made fun of him.
Kirat Rai Yayokkha has already won the second runner-up title in the ‘Yalambar Music Competition Part-5′ organized by the Central Working Committee, the first title in the Palika Pratibha-2080 organized by the Khotang Artists’ Society, and the second title in the district competition. Pradeep has missed the sixth edition of the Battle Audition organized by Voice of Nepal. Pradeep, who gave an unmatched performance in the blind audition, has reached South Korea in the course of foreign employment.
Pradeep, who is currently working as a laborer in Jeju Province, South Korea, has said that due to the weak financial situation at home, he was forced to leave the battle and go abroad despite the desire and possibility of winning the sixth edition of Voice of Nepal. “No matter where I am, the journey with songs/music will definitely continue, at some point, circumstances become slaves rather than wishes, desires, and dreams,” he wrote while sharing a video clip of his performance at the blind audition on Facebook. “Well, I am grateful to all the well-wishers for their love and encouragement, my journey with songs/music will continue.”
Pradeep, who has completed his formal education up to grade 12 along with music classes, also said that his brother Dipendra used to send money from abroad to contribute to the music field. Informing that he had decided to leave the music field a few years ago, Pradeep said that the song ‘Timile Bato Fereu Are…’ sung by coach Melina encouraged him to return to singing.
Pradeep’s elder brother Dipendra said that the organizers should create an environment where the contestants of the Voice of Nepal battle and audition can audition even if they are from abroad. “Pradeep, who has both art and talent, had no desire to send him abroad. We urged him to seek a future in the music field. We also provided support from his family, but considering the situation in the country, that was not possible,” he said. “The Nepalese government seems indifferent to the respect and future of artists. The organizers should create an environment where the contestants who passed the blind auditions in Voice of Nepal can compete in battles and other auditions from abroad.”
Pradeep, the youngest son of Rajkumar Rai, a father of five, and Bhim Kumari Rai, has previously recorded and released various songs in his own voice, including ‘Sapsuko Chhal…, Ratangko Nata…’. Born into a middle-class family in Kharmi, Pradeep, who went to South Korea in search of employment, has said that he will return from abroad and contribute to the field of music again.
