Pramila Singer

Pooja Pariyar is a versatile Nepali singer and performer known for her emotive vocals and musical depth. She gained national attention as a contestant in Nepal Idol Season 1 (2017) and later showcased her talent again in The Voice of Nepal Season 2 (2019), performing songs like “Ma Chahi Nepali” with heartfelt delivery. Beyond singing, Pooja is also a music instrumentalist, often sharing clips of her playing and experimenting with melodies on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Her cover of “Kaha Kaha Dukhxa Priye” reflects her ability to reinterpret classics with emotional nuance.

Sanjeep Pradhan recorded his first song in 1992 with “Mero Preet Mero Priya”. Though his first album came out only in 1995, his “Nasha Bhitra Nasha” had already hit the mass and was popular among Nepalese throughout the world. His first hit was reggae based and if he was to go by the trend of other Nepalese musician, he would have brought out more numbers in the same line. However, his next productions were more folk based. His voice has a unique lilt to it that suits folk songs. And capturing this quality, he brought out folk-pop mix songs like “Siri Ma Siri”, “Deuraliko Chautarima”,”Sanai chhanda” and “Udi Jane” in his next album. This way, he revived the vanishing popularity of folk songs among the Nepalese audience. With “Siri Ma Siri” even the hip-hop generation of youths started humming in the folk tunes, making it as popular as the new trend of pop songs. Sanjeep is not only well versant in Nepalese songs, he sings equally well in Newari. His “Mohani Wola Swanti Wola” and “Punhi ya jaa:” are popular equally among the Newar speaking society and those who do not understand Newari. Maybe it is his voice that has captured the hearts of the music lovers who are ever in search of a different quality in music or maybe it is his lyrics and music itself that has moved the mass. Whatever it may be, Sanjeep can do it all. Most of his songs are written and composed by himself. And maybe that is why he has been able to give full justice to the creation. He has already lent his voice to 300 songs, which has been recorded in five Nepali albums and four Newari albums. He has already performed in 600 stage shows including all major cities of Nepal, Darjeeling and Sikkim. He has also performed in Japan,Malaysia,Qatar,USA & Hong Kong in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. And every show has increased his popularity in every place he has performed, drawing more crowd every time.

Navras Shrestha is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and composer of The Lakhey, Nepal’s pioneering Newa (Newari) metal band based in Kathmandu. Known for blending traditional Newar musical elements with the power and edge of metal, Navras has carved out a space for a truly indigenous and modern sound that speaks both to cultural identity and musical evolution. His first Newa metal song, Dhampa Tacha, was recorded in 2005—a bold and groundbreaking transformation of a Newa rap piece into a heavy, guitar-driven anthem that laid the foundation for what would become the Newa Metal genre. Over the years, Navras has created and performed a variety of original songs and covers that showcase his wide-ranging musicality. Tracks like Jeevan, Miss Julie (a fully home-recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered song), and Ae Kancha (a duet cover with a female vocalist) reflect both his technical abilities and his emotional range as a musician. His reimagining of Malshree Dhun—a revered Newari and Nepali traditional piece—is particularly notable for incorporating Spanish and Indian Rajasthani techniques and a touch of Hindustani classical flavor with heavy drumming, giving the folk tune a new life in a contemporary soundscape. Navras’s musical curiosity extends beyond local traditions—he has embraced songs in foreign languages, including a Georgian piece (Erti Nakhavit by Chveneburebi), while also composing original works like Swagta Mu Hai Nheeaye in Nepal’s Thakali language. In 2022, Navras completed his Master of Fine Arts in Music with a focus on Hindustani Classical music. During this time, he developed a deep interest in songs from various ethnic and regional backgrounds of Nepal. Rather than simply studying them academically, Navras has immersed himself in the melodies, rhythms, and stories found in songs of Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Charya (ritual Buddhist music), Tharu, and Limbu and other indigenous languages. He is currently preparing to record and preserve these culturally significant pieces with modern arrangements—ensuring their continuity and relevance for future generations. His academic contribution is also noteworthy. For his master’s thesis, Navras conducted in-depth research on Dapha music (Asan Bajan Guthi). His thesis has since become a valuable resource for members of the Guthi and other musicians who are interested in traditional music. The work not only documented the artform but also shed light on the present condition and challenges faced by the community in keeping their musical heritage alive. While music is his core identity, Navras Shrestha is also a skilled Full Stack Web Developer by profession and currently works at GTA Nepal. His ability to balance a demanding tech career with an expansive artistic practice speaks to his discipline and creativity. In addition, he is deeply passionate about photography and videography. From capturing evocative model portraits to creative visual storytelling, his visual work complements his music, allowing him to express his artistry across multiple forms. Whether through metal riffs rooted in Newa culture, folk songs from across Nepal’s diverse communities, world music explorations, or visual compositions, Navras Shrestha stands out as a multi-talented, cross-disciplinary artist. He continues to inspire others not just with what he creates, but with how he connects deeply to culture, community, and creativity.

Durga Prasad Khatiwada is a renowned Nepali bansuri (flute) maestro, educator, and cultural ambassador, originally from Ilam. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Flute (2003), he has performed in over 20 countries, representing Nepal at prestigious events—including during state visits by leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi. Khatiwada is a music officer at Rastriya Nachghar and has taught classical music at institutions like Lalit Kala Campus and Sirjana College of Fine Arts. He pioneered flute education in Nepal’s higher education system by developing formal curricula. His international teaching includes sessions in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France. Inspired early on by Gopal Yonjan, Khatiwada has dedicated his life to promoting classical music as the foundation of all musical forms. His performances and teachings emphasize peace, discipline, and cultural identity, making him a vital figure in Nepal’s musical heritage.