Kalimpong’s Manumit Lepcha Advances to Live Shows of The Voice of Nepal Season 7
In a moment of pride for the hill regions of North Bengal, emerging singer Manumit Lepcha has secured a place in the Live Show rounds of The Voice of Nepal Season 7 after successfully clearing the highly competitive Knockout Round. Her progression in the popular cross-border music reality show marks a significant milestone, not only in her personal journey but also for young artists from the Darjeeling–Kalimpong hills seeking wider recognition.
The Voice of Nepal is among the most widely watched singing competitions in the region, drawing participants from across Nepal and neighbouring areas, and commanding a large audience both on television and digital platforms. Advancing to the Live Shows places Manumit among a select group of performers who will now compete in front of a national audience, where public votes and professional evaluation play a decisive role.
From Kalimpong to a National Stage
Manumit Lepcha hails from Kalimpong, a hill town in West Bengal known for its cultural diversity and deep-rooted musical traditions. Growing up in an environment where folk music, community gatherings, and cultural programmes form an integral part of daily life, she was exposed to music at an early age. Over the years, this exposure evolved into disciplined training and a growing passion for vocal performance.
Cultural observers from the region often point out that Kalimpong and surrounding hill areas have produced many talented musicians, though limited access to large platforms has historically been a challenge. Reality shows like The Voice of Nepal have increasingly become avenues through which artists from smaller towns can reach wider audiences, breaking geographical and institutional barriers.
Clearing the Knockout Round
The Knockout Round is considered one of the most demanding phases of the competition, requiring contestants to deliver strong individual performances under pressure. Progressing beyond this stage indicates consistency, adaptability, and the ability to connect emotionally with both judges and viewers.
According to programme officials, contestants who advance to the Live Shows are evaluated not only on vocal technique but also on stage presence, musical interpretation, and overall growth during the competition. Manumit’s advancement suggests that her performances met these benchmarks, earning her a place among the season’s standout voices.
Representation Beyond Competition
Manumit’s journey carries symbolic importance for many aspiring singers from the hills. She represents Kalimpong as well as the Lepcha community, which has a rich but often underrepresented cultural and musical heritage. Local community members and cultural groups have expressed pride in seeing one of their own perform on a nationally recognised platform.
Music educators from the region note that such achievements help shift perceptions about talent originating from smaller towns. They also serve as motivation for students who pursue music alongside academics, often without certainty about career prospects in the arts.
Growing Support Back Home
As news of her selection for the Live Shows spread, messages of encouragement have poured in from Kalimpong and neighbouring areas. Friends, teachers, and well-wishers have highlighted her dedication and steady progress rather than overnight success. Many have pointed out that her journey reflects years of consistent effort, practice, and resilience.
Community organisers say that local support systems—family encouragement, cultural programmes, and small performance opportunities—play a crucial role in preparing artists for larger stages. Manumit’s progress is being seen as validation of these grassroots efforts.
The Road Ahead in Live Shows
The Live Show phase introduces a new level of competition, where performances are broadcast live and audience engagement becomes critical. Contestants must maintain vocal quality while handling the pressures of live television, public scrutiny, and voting dynamics.
Industry observers note that reaching this stage often opens additional opportunities for artists, regardless of the final outcome. Exposure through Live Shows can lead to collaborations, invitations to cultural events, and further professional training.
Cross-Border Cultural Exchange
Manumit’s participation also highlights the cultural exchange between India’s hill regions and Nepal, where shared languages, traditions, and musical styles often transcend political boundaries. Shows like The Voice of Nepal have increasingly featured contestants from neighbouring regions, reflecting a broader South Asian cultural landscape.
Cultural commentators believe such representation strengthens people-to-people connections and encourages appreciation of diverse musical traditions across borders.
Looking Forward
As Manumit Lepcha prepares for the Live Shows, expectations remain grounded yet hopeful. Supporters emphasise that her achievement already stands as a success story for young artists from Kalimpong and similar regions. Whether or not she secures the final title, her journey has demonstrated that talent combined with perseverance can find its way onto prominent stages.
For now, all eyes will be on the upcoming Live Shows, where Manumit will continue to carry the aspirations of her hometown and inspire a new generation of singers from the hills.
