About
Background & Establishment
The Nepal Tamang Artist Association (NTAA) is the umbrella organization of Tamang artists in Nepal, established with the core objective of preserving, promoting, and developing Tamang music, art, and culture, while addressing social distortions, inequalities, and awareness gaps within the Tamang community through the medium of music and artistic expression.
The association was formally established on Mangsir 23, 2063 B.S. (December 9, 2006 A.D.), with the active participation of senior and veteran Tamang artists. Since its establishment, the organization has successfully achieved many of its founding goals and has grown into a nationally recognized cultural institution.
As of today, more than 280 Tamang artists are formally affiliated with the association, making it the largest and most representative umbrella organization of Tamang artists in Nepal.
Organizational Identity
- Organization Name: Nepal Tamang Artist Association
- Established: 2063 B.S. (2006 A.D.)
- Type: Cultural & Artistic Non-Profit Organization
- Focus: Tamang Music, Culture, Artist Welfare, Community Awareness
- Members: 280+ Artists
- Operational Area: Nepal & International Diaspora
- Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal
Mission & Social Role
Beyond artistic promotion, the Nepal Tamang Artist Association has consistently played a humanitarian and social role within the Tamang community. The association has actively supported individuals and families affected by:
- Natural disasters
- Economic hardship
- Severe health conditions
Through its artistic skills, performances, and collective solidarity, the association has contributed both financial aid and relief materials, positioning itself as a cultural, social, and even political change agent within the Tamang society.
Major Cultural & Awareness Campaigns
The association has led and supported several landmark cultural and awareness initiatives, including:
- Lhosar Promotion Campaign – Taking the Tamang community’s greatest cultural festival from the central level to villages, districts, and international platforms.
- Tamsaling Awareness Campaign
- “Write Tamang” Campaign (2068 National Census) – Encouraging Tamang identity recognition during Nepal’s national census.
- Tamang Selo Music Festival – A flagship cultural event celebrating Tamang music and cuisine.
Additionally, the association has raised funds through music programs to support patients suffering from heart disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, blood cancer, and stroke, and has coordinated disaster relief efforts in collaboration with national and international organizations.
Tamang Selo Music Festival
Under the slogan
“Unity of Tamang Artists for the Preservation, Promotion, and Development of Tamang Art and Culture,”
The association successfully organized:
- First Tamang Selo Music & Tamang Food Festival – 2076 B.S. (2019 A.D.)
- Second Tamang Selo Music Festival – 2078 B.S. (2021 A.D.)
These festivals honored legendary Tamang musicians, creators, cultural contributors, and former presidents of the association, reinforcing intergenerational respect and cultural continuity.
Awards & Recognitions
Yogita Moktan Pratibha Award
In memory of the late renowned singer Yogita Moktan, the association established the Yogita Moktan Pratibha Award, presented annually to one outstanding singer (male or female).
- 2078 B.S.: Singer Anju Thokar
- 2079 B.S.: Singer Bairagi Moktan
Each award includes a cash prize and certificate of honor, celebrating artistic excellence and legacy.
Tribute & Condolence Programs
The association has played a leading role in organizing tribute assemblies for prominent cultural figures, including:
- Senior artist Late Jayananda Lama
- Senior journalist, lyricist, and founding member Late Dipendra Dong
Tribute programs were held at the National Theatre, Jamal, Kathmandu, and condolence statements have been published for other artists and creators who passed away prematurely.
Artist Welfare Fund (Akshaya Kosh)
To support economically vulnerable Tamang artists, the association established an Artist Welfare Fund, which has already provided assistance to several artists in crisis situations.
Support has been extended to artists and their families affected by:
- Kidney failure
- Brain tumors
- Blood cancer
- Brain stroke
Solidarity & Advocacy
The Nepal Tamang Artist Association has actively participated in peaceful protests and solidarity movements in defense of Tamang cultural dignity and community rights. The organization has issued press statements, participated in demonstrations, and coordinated with other indigenous organizations when community interests were threatened.
Honors & Institutional Recognition
Since its establishment, the association has continuously honored individuals and institutions that have contributed to Tamang culture and community development. Notable recognition programs include:
- Honors presented during the 15th Annual General Assembly
- Recognition events held at Nepal Academy Hall
- Honors extended to ministers representing the Tamang community in Bagmati Province Government
- Recognition of Mount Everest summiteer and NTAA member Pema Tashi Tamang for hoisting the association’s flag at the world’s highest peak
Digital Development
Following the 14th Annual General Assembly and 7th Convention (2078 B.S.), the association officially launched its website and introduced QR-code based artist identity cards, strengthening digital documentation and visibility of Tamang artists.
Future Plans
Key future objectives of the Nepal Tamang Artist Association include:
- Launching Tamang Selo Idol competitions to identify hidden talents nationwide
- Constructing an association building and Tamang Cultural Museum
- Organizing income-generating programs for financial sustainability
- Conducting workshops, seminars, and artist training programs
- Promoting Tamang music internationally through diaspora coordination
- Running awareness programs in partnership with government and NGOs
- Honoring contributors, supporters, and cultural guardians
- Collaborating with other organizations for Tamang rights and welfare
- Recognizing nationally and internationally acclaimed personalities
- Honoring creators who contributed significantly to Tamang music
- Organizing the Tamang Selo Music Festival every two years
- Conducting the Yogita Moktan Pratibha Award annually