Miss Prabha

Melwa Devi Gurung, also known as Melawa Devi, holds the distinction of being Nepal's first female recording artist. Born in 1954 B.S. (circa 1897) in Rumjatar, Okhaldhunga District, Nepal, she emerged as a pioneering figure in the nation's musical landscape. In 1928, Melwa Devi traveled to Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India, to record her songs, marking a significant milestone in Nepali music history. Among her notable recordings are "Na Gharlai Ghar Kahincha Nari Nai Durbar Ho" and "Sawari Mero Relaima," which resonated with many listeners and showcased her exceptional talent. Her musical prowess garnered the attention of Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, the Prime Minister of Nepal at the time, under whose patronage she performed. Melwa Devi's contributions not only paved the way for future generations of female artists but also enriched Nepal's cultural heritage.​ In recognition of her impact, Nepal issued a commemorative postage stamp in her honor in 2013, celebrating her legacy as an eminent singer.

Born on April 14, 1977, in Byasi, Bhaktapur, she is the eldest daughter of Krishna Bdr Rajchal and Purna Kesari Rajchal. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was inspired by her father’s love for the harmonium. Her musical journey began early—by class four, she was already performing in school programs and learning harmonium under Hari Prasad Bati. She completed her schooling at Prabhat English Boarding School and Sharda Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Lalit Kala Campus. Her passion for music led her to Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where she earned a second bachelor's degree, followed by a master’s degree at Lalit Kala Campus upon her return to Nepal. She also holds a vocal diploma from Pragya Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During her studies in India, she had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra group on Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, a turning point that helped shape her musical identity. It was in college that she discovered the sitar, an instrument that would become her primary medium of expression. Her professional career officially began in 2004 with the recording of her first song. In 2005, she released her debut album, "The Tradition", and followed it with "Talking Strings" in 2012, showcasing her evolving artistry and mastery of the sitar. Between these releases, she actively toured cities across Nepal and India, including Nepalgunj, Pune, Jharkhand, Nagpur, and Kolkata, bringing her music to diverse audiences. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to classical music and a lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing its beauty through performance and education.

Prashna Shakya is a Nepali pop singer. In 2003, Hits FM awarded her Best Pop Performance Female. Prashna Shakya was born in Dharan, Nepal. Her parents are Sumitra and Binod Shakya. She has a sister and brother. When she was a teenager, her parents wanted her to pursue sports in school. Shakya preferred music and performed at school and began taking music lessons, including studying under Dibya Khaling. She participated in a singing contest by Radio Nepal and was named a finalist.