John Chamling Rai

Who Is John Chamling Rai?

John Chamling Rai is a talented and rapidly rising Nepali singer and songwriter born on November 5, 1998, in Dharan, Nepal. He belongs to the Rai community — an indigenous group of Nepal — and holds Nepali nationality. With a voice that feels like a warm embrace and lyrics that cut straight to the heart, John Chamling Rai has quickly become one of the most beloved names in contemporary Nepali music. His distinctive blend of folk music with modern sounds has struck a chord with listeners, making him a household name, and his songs like “Hawa Jastai,” “K Garu,” and “Farkanna Hola” have become anthems of Nepali youth, speaking to themes of love, longing, and life.

From strumming his first guitar at the age of four in a small eastern Nepali city to composing original soundtracks for Nepali films and performing at international concerts, John Chamling Rai’s story is one of faith, family, and an unrelenting love for music.

Early Life: A Guitar, a Church, and a Dream

Roots in Dharan, Nepal

Born on November 5, 1998, in Dharan, Nepal, John discovered his passion for music at a young age, inspired by his father’s singing and the Christian practice of playing bhajans and guitars. Dharan, a vibrant city in the Sunsari District of Province No. 1 in eastern Nepal, provided John with a culturally rich backdrop that would shape his musical identity deeply.
A follower of the Christian doctrine, John was drawn into the musical realm at a very young age by his weekly church services. These services exposed him to communal hymns and other forms of devotional music and gave him a platform to develop his talents in church choirs. Rai credits his soulful vocal abilities to this early experience.

The First Guitar at Age Four

At the tender age of four, John received his first guitar, which marked his very first foray into music. At an age when most children are just beginning to read and write, he was already beginning to strum and noodle on the strings. This early start gave him a formidable technical foundation and an emotional connection to music that remains the bedrock of his artistry today.

Education: From Dharan to Copenhagen

John Chamling Rai completed his schooling at Deport Higher Secondary School, located in Dharan. Seeking broader horizons, he then made the remarkable leap to Europe for his higher studies. He is an undergraduate of corporate finance from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The singer credits his time abroad and the life experiences that unfolded during his stay outside Nepal as the catalyst that helped unlock the hidden songwriter within him, allowing his voice to blossom into that of a storyteller capable of narrating deeply personal tales through intricate songs.

Career Journey: From Covers to Viral Hits

The Early Stage: Building Through Covers

Before the world knew John Chamling Rai as an original artist, he carefully honed his craft through covers. Before launching his original music, he used to cover songs of different singers and bands like Tribal Rain, The Beatles, Sajjan Raj Vaidya, JPT Rockerz, Michael Bublé, Neetesh Jung Kunwar, Albatross, and many more. These covers, shared on social media and performed at local venues in Dharan, helped him build a devoted early following who were drawn in by his warm voice and deeply felt interpretations.

Original Music Debut: “Prasna” (2020)

John debuted his original music career through his single “Prasna” in 2020, and in the same year released another song in collaboration with Nyshang called “Firework.” These early releases signaled a clear artistic vision — raw, honest, and emotionally resonant. The Nepali music community began to pay close attention.

Rising Star: 2021–2022

In 2021, he released three songs titled “Parkhi Rahexu,” “Ko Xa Ra,” and “Vagyamani Moh.” Each release strengthened his reputation as a songwriter with rare lyrical depth. Then came the breakthrough moment. His viral hit “Sadhana” in 2022 marked a turning point, earning widespread acclaim on TikTok. In the same year, he also released “Nihita” and “Mutu Dekhin” — songs that resonated deeply with listeners across Nepal and the global Nepali diaspora.

The Breakthrough Year: 2023

2023 was the year John Chamling Rai graduated from a promising talent to a full-fledged star. He released two songs titled “Hawa Jastai” and “Samaya Ley,” with “Hawa Jastai” amassing 18 million views. (Fame Memoir) The music video, starring Sujan Zimba and Dixya Gurung and directed by Nicholas Gurung, became a cultural moment in Nepali music. Later in 2023, he also released “Farkanna Hola” — a hauntingly beautiful track about longing and emotional distance that further solidified his status as one of Nepal’s premier singer-songwriters.

2024 and Beyond: Film Scores and New Releases

John’s creative output continued to expand impressively into 2024 and 2025. He released “Vanana Matra” as a single in 2024 and “Badal Sari” the same year. His reach extended into Nepali cinema when he composed “Maya Garnu La,” the original soundtrack for the Nepali film Jerry on Top (2025) — a project that marked his entry into film composing. (IMDb) In 2025, he released “Parkhi Rahechu” and a piano version and flute version of “Maya Garnu La,” showcasing his versatility as a composer. In 2026, he also released “Ko Cha Ra” as an official audio single.

John and The Locals: A Band Built on Community

John currently works with a band named “John and The Local.” The band members are himself as vocalist and keyboard player, Shreehang Rai as guitarist, Manuhang Rai as bassist, Jasperr Rai as drummer, and Sudarshan Thapa as percussion, guitar, and flute player. Pukar Thakali and Henry Rai work with the band as managers and sound engineers.

John Chamling Rai & The Locals blend Nepali love ballads to create a sound that resonates deeply with audiences. The band has lifted the Nepali music industry by delivering hit after hit and has toured extensively, connecting with listeners worldwide. The band’s name reflects their deep-rooted connection to the community — they are musicians who thrive in coffee shops, dive bars, and open-air festivals, where the lines between artist and audience blur, and every performance carries a narrative.

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Music

Family

John Chamling Rai’s mother’s name is Pemu Rai and his sister’s name is Sandu Rai. His brother Puran Rai is also a renowned singer and songwriter from Nepal. Music, it seems, runs deep in the Rai family — a household shaped by faith, melody, and an ear for storytelling.

Interests and Values

Beyond music, John’s personal interests include social justice, political activism, and literature. These passions inform the depth and sincerity of his songwriting, which consistently explores themes of human connection, emotional vulnerability, and the complexities of relationships. His boy-next-door charm, sensitive expressions, and strong vocal control help him stand out among his equally talented contemporaries.

Relationship Status

John Chamling Rai is currently in relationship and allowing his music to speak the language of love on his behalf.