Cadenza Collective

One of the most unique and eclectic bands from Kathmandu, Nepal, Cadenza Collective led by drummer and composer Navin Chettri seamlessly blends Jazz, Afro-funk, and Nepali folk into an irresistible sound for your ears and booty.

From their humble beginnings in 1998, Cadenza was one of the first bands to experiment with jazz in the Kathmandu Valley, a city dominated by bands playing rock and pop covers. Cadenza broke the mold and has evolved into a mature and experienced collective of musicians and music educators. Their music has pumped vitality into the improvised music scene in Nepal and beyond through regular performances with both classical and western musicians. With 5 albums to date showcasing their original music, their CDs are often referred to as instant collector’s items. The latest album, Back to the Roots, released in February 2014, is further evidence of their nature as a band to push boundaries. With their unique jazz, Nepali-afro-funk sound, far from popular mainstream music, the album was nominated in 5 categories for the 2014 Nepal Hits FM Music Awards. They won Best Pop/Rock Composition for their song “Namaste”, and Best Pop/Rock Album of the Year.

They have performed in many international musical festivals and venues including the Palmer Street Jazz Festival Australia, ELB Jazz Festival in Hamburg Germany, RSJ Festival in India, La Baiser Sale and LaTimbale in Paris, Klunker Kranich in Berlin, and prestigious jazz clubs in Copenhagen and Brussels to name a few.