Hira Devi Waiba (1940-2011) was an Indian folk singer who pioneered the recording and popularization of Nepali folk songs, especially folk songs from eastern Nepal and Tamang. She earned the title “Lok Geet Samragi” (Queen of Nepali Folk Songs). Hira Devi died on January 19, 2011.
Wiki/Biography
Hira Devi Waiba was born on Monday, September 9, 1940, in Ambootia village, Kurseong, Darjeeling, Bengal Presidency, British India (aged 70 years; at time of death, West Bengal, India). Her zodiac sign is Virgo. She grew up in a Nepali family where Nepali folk songs have been passed down from generation to generation. Her father trained her to sing since she was a child.
The late Sheela Devi Waiba (left) as a teenager
She pursued her bachelor’s degree from Government College, Darjeeling and received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Shree Ramakrishna BT College, Darjeeling.
The late Sheela Devi Waiba (second from right) during her college days
She started her professional singing career after recording her first Nepali songs for All India Radio, which became a hit.
Late Hira Devi Waiba sings in Nepali cultural program
appearance
Height (approximately): 5′2″
Hair color: copper brown
Eye color: black
family
Hira Devi Waiba was born into a Nepali family in the Kurseong Ambootia tea plantation; the family originated from Palpa, Nepal. She is from the Tamang ethnic group of Nepal.
Late Hira Devi in Tamang dress
Parents and siblings
Hira Devi Waiba’s father’s name is Singh Man Singh Waiba and her mother’s name is Tshering Dolma.
The late Hira Devi Waiba (right) and her mother Tshering Dolma Waiba
husband and children
Hira Devi married Ratal Lal Aditya. The couple had 2 children.
Late Hira Devi Waiba and husband Ratan Lal Aditya
Her eldest daughter Navneet Aditya Waiba is a famous folk singer in Nepal.
The late Hira Devi Waiba and her daughter Navneet Aditya Waiba
Her son Satya Aditya Waiba is a producer and manager of Nepali folk music.
Late Hira Devi Waiba and son Satya Aditya Waiba
religion
Hira Devi Waiba believes in Buddhism.
Hira Devi Waiba poses with Buddhist monks at the monastery
Profession
singer/musician
In 1966, Hira Devi Waiba recorded 3 songs for Nepal Radio in Kurseong, officially launching her career as a Nepali folk singer. From 1974 to 2011, she was an active professional singer and sang more than 300 songs.
Late Hira Devi Waiba recording at Nepal Radio studio
She became the first person to record a Tamang Selo (Nepalese folk song genre) song with the song “Chura ta Hoina Astura”. Before this song, only compilations and remastered versions of songs were released in Nepal. She is also the first to record and release an album in Nepal by the country’s leading music company Music Nepal.
Hira Devi Waiba live performance
Awards and Honors
- Mitrasen Purashkar, Nepal College, Darjeeling (1986)
- Mitrasen Smriti Puraskar, Government of Sikkim (1996)
- Forrest Singh Giri Praskar (2001)
- Madhulima Pulkumari Mahato Award
Hira Devi Waiba receives Madhurima Phul Kumari Mahato Award
- Gurkha Saheed Seva Samiti Lifetime Achievement Award
- Gorkha Dakshina Bahu (Nepali Jazz)
die
On January 18, 2011, Hira Devi Wahiba’s home suffered a fire accident. She was admitted at North Bengal Medical College Hospital. She died on January 19, 2011, after suffering multiple burns.
Facts/Trivia
- Hira Devi Waiba is also an announcer at All India Radio. She worked there for two years, from 1963 to 1965.
- Hira Devi Waiba is also a writer.
- She never wears high heels when going out.
- Hira Devi Waiba loves plants.
Hira Devi Waiba’s daughter posts about her love for plants on Facebook
- In 2008, she established SM Waiba International Music and Dance Academy in memory of her father at her home in Kadamthala near Siliguri.
- In her honor, her children released a folk music album, Ama Lai Shraddhanjali -Tribute to Mother. Along the way, her daughter re-recorded all of Hira Devi’s hits, while her son produced and managed distribution.
- She is the only Nepali folk singer to have recorded albums with HMV in 1974 and 1978.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education