Gopal Yonzon

Gopal Yonjan died in May 1997 before he could record and document his innumerable compositions. Institutions such as Radio Nepal and the Police Club for which he composed at least 10 musical songs and pieces annually for 20 years have not preserved or archived many of his compositions. Many recorded works are missing and those that remain show that today's technological benefits could be utilized to create a data bank of Gopal Yonjan's musical works. Today we stand at a point in time in which we need to decide what to do with the rich musical legacy left for posterity.

Gopal started his musical career as a flautist. He wrote his first lyrics in 1963 and his first musical composition was recorded in 1964. His musical works encompass nationalistic/patriotic, spiritual, romantic, philosophical, dancing tunes, ballads, musical compositions, ode to women and womanhood, songs for children and youth and thematic songs on environment, sports, scouts, etc. The list is endless. His renderings range from purely classical to folk, modern and music specially created for women and children. In all this variety he maintains his sensitivity and finesse in captivating and maintaining the Nepali touch.

Gopal started his musical career as a flautist. He wrote his first lyrics in 1963 and his first musical composition was recorded in 1964. His musical works encompass Nationalistic/Patriotic, Spiritual, Romantic, Philosophical, Dancing Tunes, Ballads, Musical compositions, Ode to Women and Womanhood, songs for children and youth and thematic songs on environment, sports, scouts, etc. The list is endless. His renderings range from purely classical to folk, modern and music specially created for women and children. In all this variety he maintains his sensitivity and finesse in captivating and maintaining the Nepali touch.

Gopal Yonzan, also spelled Yonjan, (26 August 1943 – 20 May 1997) was a Nepali lyricist, singer, and composer. He was known for his patriotic Nepali songs. His voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre of Nepalese music. He belongs to the first generation of Nepali singers who became professional singers. His songs have also been used in several movies and dramas across the country.

Gopal Yonjan was born into a Tamang family in Darjeeling, Bengal Presidency, British India, on 26 August 1943 (10 Bhadra, 2000 B.S.). He moved to Nepal from Darjeeling for his MA in Nepali language. He married his wife Renchin in 1968. Gopal Yonjan died in Delhi, India at the age of fifty-three. He has one daughter and two sons.