First Lepcha fusion rock band ‘Wvaoth’ to open for ‘Rock On Beat’ contest

GANGTOK, 22 Feb: The ‘Rock On Beat’ contest is now all set to enthrall the audience with Dream Diabolic of Namchi as the headlining act along with special guest band ‘Wvaoth’, the first traditional Lepcha fusion rock band of Sikkim, at Epica Garden, Saramsa, on 24 February.
A total of 15 bands from within and outside the state will battle for the title and Rs. 50,000 cash prize. The event is being organized by the Gangtok based Star Entertainment and is part of the ongoing Sikkim Snow Festival.
Addressing a press conference today, bass guitarist of Dream Diabolic, Tashi Lama informed that as the event is also being organised for a social cause so the band members have decided to come forward to support the contest. He informed that the band has already won many contests and would be happy to support such events in the future too.
Dream Diabolic was formed in 2008 and has Rahul Rai as the vocalist, Nimesh Pradhan on drums, Phurba Sherpa on lead guitar and Nima Sherpa on keyboard.
Rickhel Lepcha, lead guitarist of Wvaoth, informed that the band is the first Lepcha rock fusion band from Sikkim and performs with traditional Lepcha instruments. The band was formed on 09 March 2009 with Mickma Tshering Lepcha as the vocalist, Palden Lepcha on drums and Raju Chettri as the bassist.
The band has already performed at different places across the state and also at Dimapur, Hyderabad, Aurangabad and other places in the country.
Managing Director of Star Entertainment, Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha informed that the main objective of the event was to provide an appropriate platform for talented musicians. He also expressed his gratitude to the Rajya Sabha MP, Hissey Lachungpa and UD&HD Minister, DB Thapa for their support in organizing the event.
Mr Lepcha informed that on the day of the show, the organizers will put up baskets at the venue where the audience can drop wearable clothes, books and other stationery. These materials will then be handed over to the Dirty Angels Motorcycle Club of Gangtok, who will then distribute it among the poor and needy people and children. The books will be handed over to Rabong Monastery library in March. The biker’s club plan to travel upto Yuksom.
The contest will have a four-member panel of judges; Sachin Gurung from Noida School of Rock, Dominic Moktan, who studied music from the Trinity College of London, Suman Karthak, bassist of Still Waters and renowned musician, Diwas Rai.
The conference was also attended by general secretary, Karma Namgyal Pintso and treasurer, Pranay Chettri of Star Entertainment.