Ben Thapa

Ben Vishala Thapa (2 March 1982 – 8 September 2024) was an English opera singer, best known as the low tenor in G4 from 2004 to 2018.^[1]

Born in Cambridge, Thapa was raised by a single mother from the age of four after his father left, and entered foster care when he was eleven.^[2][3] It was during this time Thapa started singing lessons and sang in his local church choir, and played the clarinet in an orchestra while at Hills Road Sixth Form College. He studied at Royal Northern College of Music for a year before transferring to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he graduated from in 2004. Thapa graduated from the Wales International Academy of Voice in 2013.

While completing his course at Guildhall, Thapa auditioned for the first series of The X Factor with his G4 bandmates Jon Ansell, Matt Stiff, and Mike Christie where they reached the final but lost out to Steve Brookstein. Due to their popularity on the show they were soon approached by Sony BMG, and the group released three albums.^[4] Thapa had perfect pitch, which helped the group sing a capella.^[1] The group split in 2007. However, after a seven-year hiatus, G4 reunited for a reunion concert at the Barbican Hall, and announced their 2015 reunion tour.^[5] Thapa continued touring and recording with G4 until April 2018. Then on 19 July he announced on social media that he was leaving G4 with immediate effect to concentrate on his solo operatic career.

Thapa worked with the National Chamber Choir of Ireland,^[6][7] released the album Songs of My Childhood,^[8] and embarked on a nationwide tour.^[9] Thapa also sang in numerous opera productions, including the Scottish Opera's Kátya Kabanová.^[10]

Thapa died on 8 September 2024, at the age of 42.^[11] G4 issued a statement, saying, "Words cannot express how we all feel right now. We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind. Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time. RIP Ben."^[12]

• G4 section at The ClassicalX
• Ben Thapa discography at Discogs
• Ben Thapa at IMDb