Shiva Mapchhan was just six years old when his parents left their home village in Salami, Tsirang Bhutan some twenty years ago.
Growing up in Beldangi refugee camp, Shiva showed his inclination to learn music. Living with most scarce of resources, he harbored a desire to take music as passion, but did not actually know when he would be able to sing for a music video, unaware of how he could make one.
Mapchan’s passion for music was evident since young age – he still vividly remembers his first performance in third grade. After settling in Atlanta, GA, Mapchan busied himself with music classes and trainings before finally releasing his first album, Pahilo Paaila, in January 2014, in association with Bhutanese Artists of Georgia, and the Rhythm Screen creation. Pailo Paaila carries six songs, of which four music videos have already been created. Chhitiz Paari being the latest, released in August 22, created a wave of nostalgia of forbidden homeland.
It was Kamal Rai, the proprietor of Rhythm Screen Creation, director and editor of the music video-pahilo paaila- who brought his talent to the screen for greater viewership. The scenes that are captured for the video in different states of the US certainly demands a big deal of travel for search of appropriate location. “It is a task consuming major part of initial phase of life in US, and we have invested money from our pockets” says Kamal Rai.
Chhitiz paari (literally Beyond the Horizon)– also the title song –is inspired by the feeling of nostalgia, of constant struggle between wealth and promise of the western world, and the unerring beauty of natural landscape and communal lifestyle of the home. Through the video, Mapchan hopes to relate to the Diaspora their story of leaving behind native land and culture in pursue of a more prosperous life for themselves and their families in a foreign land. In this music video, Shiva himself have his composition, while Sabina Gurung assisted him in modeling.
Shiva is quite smart in presenting his talent of both singing and modeling for the music video. As a budding talent, Mapchan’s skill for the singing and modeling has the power to attract many more viewers, but a long way to go refined.
Mapchan is very thankful for the unyielding support of Kamal Rai, owner of the Rhythm Screen Production, among friends, family, and of course, all Nepali music lovers who have supported him and his talents throughout his journey.
Ghan Ghan madal, released Jan 12, 2014
Mero Mutuma, female singer Shreyasi Chemjong Limbu, released Nov 2, 2014
Sanjhai Ramailo, released Jan 1, 2015
Chhitij Paari, released Aug 22, 2015
