Prabin Gurung (also spelled Praveen Gurung) was an exceptionally talented and influential Nepali folk singer, composer, and music arranger. Born in Lumle, near Pokhara, he grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of the Gurung community. He began his artistic journey as a dancer and singer for the Danfe Kala Mandir group in Pokhara before moving to Kathmandu, where he recorded his first track for Radio Nepal in 1983. Over his prolific career, he arranged more than 500 recordings and released multiple albums dedicated to authentic regional dialects and traditional Rodhi Ghar culture. He is perhaps best remembered for collaborating with Bima Kumari Dura on the legendary duet "Yo Dajuko Mirmire Aakha," a song that remains a cornerstone of the Lok Dohori genre.
Tragically, Gurung’s life and brilliant career were cut short when he died at the age of 38 in a high-profile hit-and-run accident on August 6, 2000, outside the Royal Palace in Kathmandu. The incident sparked massive public outcry and student protests across Nepal due to the alleged involvement of the former royal family. Despite his untimely passing, Gurung's monumental contributions to preserving and modernizing Nepali folk music left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural heritage.
