Jerusha Rai

Jerusha Rai is a pioneering figure in the Nepali indie and alternative music scene, renowned for her hauntingly beautiful vocals and experimental fusion of traditional folk sounds with electronic, rock, and ambient influences. Originally from Khotang and raised in Kathmandu, she moved to London in 2010 to study Sociology at Middlesex University. Her music often explores deep, introspective themes such as displacement, mental health, and social justice. She gained early attention with her underground EP We All Make Mistapes and the viral single "Oblivion," but it was her 2016 debut album, A Dark Place to Think—which she wrote, produced, and designed entirely on her own—that established her as a major creative force.

Her second album, Sunsaan (2019), is considered a landmark in modern Nepali music. It features tracks like "Barud," a poignant reflection on the Maoist-led insurgency, and the title track "Sunsaan I," which addresses mental health with raw vulnerability. Deeply rooted in her Kiranti heritage, Jerusha frequently incorporated indigenous instruments and themes into her work, viewing music as a tool for healing and activism. She was a vocal advocate for creating safer spaces for female artists and was actively involved in indigenous rights movements with groups like the Haatemalo Collective.

Tragically, Jerusha Rai went missing on the evening of September 22, 2022, after leaving her home in Kathmandu. Despite extensive search efforts by the police, family, and local volunteers, her disappearance remains a significant and unresolved mystery that deeply saddened the Nepali artistic community. Her legacy continues through her music, which remains a source of inspiration for aspiring indie musicians and a testament to her profound artistry.