Sugam Pokharel (Nepali:सुगम पाेखरेल) is a Nepalese singer, music composer, songwriter, and radio jockey known for his contribution towards Nepali pop music. His first solo recording, ''Mero Sansaar'' (2001), became a top seller in Nepal. He gained recognition from the mass, particularly the youths, in the early 2000s, when pop music was not particularly popular among the general public. Because of this, he is seen as one of the most prominent figures in Nepali pop music.
Morang
Morang District ( ne, मोरङ जिल्ला ) is located in Province No. 1 in eastern Nepal. It is an Outer Terai district. It borders with Bihar, India to the South, Jhapa to the East, Dhankuta and Panchthar to the North, and Sunsar ...
in 1979. His father was a government scribe in the Department of Land Reform Management, but was also known as an advocate in the locality. His elder brother,
Sunil Pokharel
Sunil Pokharel ( ne, सुनील पोखरेल; born on 16 June 1963) is a Nepali theatre artist and director. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern Nepali theatre. He is a graduate of National School of Drama, India (1987).H ...
is a theater artist.
After completion of
School Leaving Certificate (Nepal)
The "School Level Certificate" popularly abbreviated as SLC, is the final examination of Class 11 and Class 12 which is also known as +2 course in Nepal. +2 is generally pursued after completing SEE examination (Class 10 Final Exam).+2 Course is ...
from
Biratnagar
Biratnagar () is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Province No. 1. With a population of 242,548 as per the 2011 census, it is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of Morang district. As per the p ...
for his high school education. Initially having no desire to record music as a professional singer or to pursue a career as a pop singer, he decided to record a song when he met Sudin Pokharel in Kathmandu, who was also willing to record the song. They both recorded their first song, ''Ma Maya Garchu'' at NAAD Studio, Anamnagar in 1995, which was a disaster. After their unsuccessful debut, they came together to record another song four months after their first release. The second release was titled ''Payera Timilai Yesto Khusi Chhu''. It was not successful. Although facing two biggest flops in their debut career, their paramount desire for recording hit songs didn't halt them from recording their third song, ''Panchi''. This also didn't do well in the market and the collaboration between Sugam and Sudin ended.
Biratnagar
Biratnagar () is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Province No. 1. With a population of 242,548 as per the 2011 census, it is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of Morang district. As per the p ...
. "The Unity" band (Rapper DA69, VJ Asif Shah, Aidray) were mostly associated with him in songs like ''Aaja Feri Din Bityo''. Girish Khatiwada who hails from his hometown
Biratnagar
Biratnagar () is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Province No. 1. With a population of 242,548 as per the 2011 census, it is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of Morang district. As per the p ...
, also was associated with him.
He also worked as one of the three judges of Nepali singing reality show
Nepal Idol
Nepal Idol ( ne, नेपाल आइडल ) is a Nepali reality television singing competition that is part of the ''Idols'' franchise created and owned by FremantleMedia. Nepal Idol 2017 is the first season of Idol Franchise in Nepal whic ...
for season 4, after the original three judges from previous three seasons were busy with another project.