Danney Niraula

Dharma Raj Thapa, honored with the title Jana Kabi Keshari, was a legendary Nepali folk singer and poet. Born in 1924 in Pokhara, Nepal, he became one of the most influential figures in Nepali folk music. His songs, such as Hariyo Danda Maathi and Nepali Le Maya Maaryo Barilai, captured the essence of Nepal’s landscapes and traditions. Thapa was not only a singer but also a poet and cultural historian. He collected and preserved folk songs, ensuring that Nepal’s musical heritage remained alive. His contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Madan Puraskar and Indrarajyalaxmi Puraskar. Some of his most popular songs include: Hariyo Danda Mathi – A classic folk song celebrating Nepal’s natural beauty. Nepali Le Maya Maaryo Barilai – A heartfelt song reflecting Nepali culture and emotions. Saili Rimai Chauri Gai – A traditional melody with deep cultural significance. Aaja Madal Bajeko Kina – A lively folk tune. Dhuru Dhuru Narou Aama – A song filled with emotion and nostalgia. Aai Pugyo Railaima – A well-loved song in Nepali folk music.

Ustad Anand – Classical VocalistA prominent classical musician of BS 1985 (AD 1928/1929), Ustad Anand has 2 gramophone recordings from BS 1989 (AD 1932/1933) preserved in researcher archives. It is believed he recorded many more songs, but only two discs have been found. His influence in early Nepali ustadi tradition remains notable.

Shantiram Rai (also known as Pragya Shanti Ram Rai) is a highly respected Nepali music composer, singer, and songwriter originally from Khotang, Diktel. Active for over four decades, he is recognized as one of the most influential creators in modern Nepali folk and contemporary music. His official profile describes him as a “Renowned Music Composer, Singer, Songwriter in the Nepali Music Industry.”A prolific creator, Shantiram Rai has composed more than 2,000 songs, a milestone highlighted during his major solo concert covered by Kantipur Daily, which celebrated his lifelong contribution to Nepali music. His work spans folk, lok‑pop, patriotic, sentimental, and modern Nepali genres, and he is known for both studio compositions and powerful live performances.His albums such as Aagaman (2011), Musukkai Hasera (2011), and Dui Mutu (2010), along with singles like “Swadeshmai Rojagari” (2024) and “Shiraima Hamro Charatare Jhanda” (2025), reflect his evolving musical identity across decades.In recent years, he has been actively performing solo musical concerts (Ekal Saanjh) across Nepal, collaborating with respected artists such as Smita Pradhan, Shambhu Rai, Uday Sotang, Manila Sotang, Kankaisht Rai, Roshan Rai, and many others. His concerts feature both his classic hits and new compositions, often broadcast live on national platforms like NTV.

Prem Dhoj Pradhan is a Nepalese musician, born in 1938 in Chautara, a small town 28 miles east of Kathmandu. He is a singer, composer, and a regional playback singer. He sings in the two major languages of Nepal, Nepal Bhasa and Nepali. He is also known as the Golden Voice and King of Romantic Melodies of Nepal. Prem Dhoj is known for being the first to perform with a guitar in Nepal. He was also the first Nepali singer to sing with Indian playback singer Usha Mangeshkar for the movie Maitighar in 1965. In 1985, he sang duet songs with Asha Bhosle for the movie Mayalu in Bombay, India. Prem Dhoj has varied his musical style throughout his career and recorded approximately 700 songs on Radio Nepal, including live broadcasting and recorded songs.