Amber Tumbapo Subba

Shila Bahadur Moktan is a veteran Nepali music director, arranger, composer, and multi‑instrumentalist, celebrated for more than five decades of contribution to Nepali music. He is regarded as one of the most respected figures in modern and folk‑influenced Nepali music, known for his refined arrangements, melodic sensibility, and mastery of multiple instruments.Born and raised in Darjeeling, he received formal classical training under J.C. Rai, which shaped his foundation as a composer and instrumentalist. His first recorded song, “Aakha Kahile Najudos,” was broadcast on All India Radio, Kurseong, in the 1980s .Shila Bahadur Moktan has contributed to over 1,200 songs, working as a composer, arranger, and instrumentalist across genres ranging from folk to adhunik Nepali music. His notable early works include folk songs such as “Hoina Maile Dhakeko Badulki Lageko” and “Topi Hataile Bunera,” and the modern classic “Kahile Kahi Malai Pani Herideuna Pharkera,” a song that introduced both Kunti Moktan (vocals) and Shila Bahadur (music) to the Nepali music scene .He is married to legendary singer Kunti Moktan, and together they are considered pillars of Nepali music. Their daughters Subani Moktan and Shital Moktan are also successful musicians, continuing the family’s artistic legacy .After retiring from Music Nepal, Shila Bahadur initially planned to step back from active work, but his passion for music kept him fully engaged in composing, arranging, and performing. He continues to appear in concerts, including the Paleti Series, where he performs his own compositions and vocals .With nearly 50 years in music, he remains an influential figure whose arrangements, compositions, and instrumental work have shaped generations of Nepali music lovers.

Kali Prasad Baskota is a Nepali singer, musician and lyricist.Baskota was a judge on the first, second and third Nepal Idol Reality show.

Basanta Sapkota is a renowned Nepali music composer and lyricist who has significantly contributed to the Nepali music industry. He is known for his work across various genres, including modern Nepali songs, folk music, and film soundtracks. His compositions have played a vital role in shaping contemporary Nepali music. He has written and composed numerous hit songs, earning him recognition among music lovers in Nepal and beyond. Some of his well-known works include Rato Tika Nidharma, Barilai, and Yeta Ni Thikka. His ability to blend traditional Nepali sounds with modern influences has made his music widely appreciated.

Krishna Man, born in Ashar 1982 BS (1925 AD) in Bandegaon, Lalitpur, is one of the foundational figures of early modern Nepali music. He began his musical career in 2008 BS (1951/1952 AD) by composing for Satyanarayan Dangol’s song “Timrai Khatir Ni Sodhinau Maile Abiral Aansu Bagaye” shortly after the establishment of democracy in Nepal.Around 2016 BS (1959/1960 AD), he recorded two songs in Kolkata, marking his entry into the international music scene. In the same year, he gained significant recognition for composing music for Balkrishna Sama’s acclaimed play “Ma”. He also taught Nepali folk songs to Chinese dancers, earning international appreciation, and received a commendation from King Mahendra the following year.In 2019 BS (1962/1963 AD), he secured second place at Radio Nepal’s All Nepal Modern and Folk Song Conference and received a medal from King Mahendra. In 2020 BS (1963/1964 AD), he was honored again as the Best Composer.He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Music from Allahabad around 2030 BS (1973/1974 AD) and participated in numerous national and international programs. In 2033 BS (1976/1977 AD), he was decorated with the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Fifth Class). In 2047 BS (1990/1991 AD), he won first place in modern songs at Radio Nepal. In 2048 BS (1991/1992 AD), he received an appreciation certificate from Ganeshman Singh for his music direction in the film “Aajako Yuwa”.His body of work includes 30 bhajans, 12 Newari songs, national songs, and film compositions released through cassettes and CDs, along with 34 bhajan videos produced for Nepal Television.