Ashusen Lama

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Binusa Rai is a contemporary Nepali singer known for her growing presence in modern lok‑geet, purbeli folk, and digital‑era Nepali music. Active across YouTube, studio labels, and streaming platforms, she has lent her voice to popular songs such as “Hataima Salai” (2025) , “Bala Maicha” (duet with Prabhananda Baidya) , and “Kalle Bhanyo” (2025) with Himal Gharti Magar . Her vocals also appear in widely shared folk‑inspired pieces like “Timi Pareu Nepal Ko, Ma Ta Pare Asam Ko” in collaboration with Mani Sundar Limbu .Rai’s discography on streaming platforms includes multiple solo releases such as “Timro Mero Mayako Ghar,” “Priyatam Yo Mero Man,” “Bhaileni Aain Agana,” “Jun Pal Timi Aayau,” and “Kasari Jodyau Mutu”—showcasing her versatility across folk, sentimental, and melodic genres . With consistent digital output and collaborations with emerging composers, she represents the new wave of Nepali female vocalists shaping the post‑2024 folk‑fusion soundscape.

Oasis Thapa is a Nepali singer‑songwriter, composer, and producer known for his intimate storytelling and modern indie‑pop sound. Emerging from Nepal’s digital music wave, he gained a devoted following with originals like “Jhari,” “Sunana,” “Mann,” and “Birsidiney Ho,” which showcase his signature blend of soft vocals, emotional depth, and acoustic-driven arrangements. Oasis writes, composes, and produces most of his work, positioning him as one of the leading self-made artists of his generation. His music videos and live performances have strengthened his identity as a heartfelt, youth‑centric voice in contemporary Nepali music, inspiring a new wave of independent creators.

Dhruba KC (2003–2077 BS) was a pioneering Nepali modern singer, composer, and radio personality whose soulful voice left an indelible mark on the golden era of Nepali music. Born in Kathmandu to Yagya Bahadur KC and Padam Kumari KC, he began singing at Radio Nepal as a child in 2010 BS and quickly rose to fame with evergreen hits like “Mayalu Hazur Hunchan,” “Narou Narou Saili,” “Timro Maya Kagajko,” and “Aru Kalo Rail Ko Dhuwale.” He was also a music composer, lyricist, and one of Nepal’s first jingle creators, and even performed for King Mahendra, who awarded him a gold medal. Dhruba KC was the uncle of actor Bhuwan KC and remained a respected figure in the industry until his passing in 2021 due to Parkinson’s disease. His legacy lives on through his timeless melodies and his pioneering role in shaping modern Nepali music.