Balaram Samal

The remarkable Nepalese guitarist, arranger Dinesh Shrestha, was born on 25th January 1978 A.D. in Putalisadak, Kathmandu, Nepal to father Kashi Bahadur Shrestha and mother Ram Kumari Shrestha. Dinesh Shrestha was an accomplished guitarist, and was best known there for his rock/blues playing and one of the founder members of “The Buds Band”. Dinesh Shrestha was taught initially by his guru Phiroj Shyangden (guitarist and founder member of 1974 A D Band) on ‘Do Re Mi Music Institute’ in Kathmandu, but it soon became apparent that the boy was a gifted guitarist. Dinesh Shrestha was appeared and performed at “Shikhar Beat Contest” for the first time at Katmandu about 1994 A.D. and making enough of an impression that the famous guitarist. His band also participated in other competition like “Tuborg Music Festival’99”whne they got the first position as “The Band Of the Year” and after they participated on other programs like “Mahashivaratri Music Festival’99”,”Kathmandu Utsav’99”, “Beat Competition’98” and more than fifty programs and concerts. He made his official debut from famous Nepalese band “The Buds” from 1994 A.D. as a lead guitarist including other band members Sudip Singh (Rhythm), Bijaya Karki (Bass/Vocal), Dipesh Shrestha (Drummer/Vocal), Sushil Shrestha (Rhythm), and received reviews that noted a strong, clean tone and a polished though undemonstrative technique. The first album titled “Birsana Sakdina” including nine songs titled “Birsana Sakdina”, ‘Bihani Ko Mirmirema” etc and Second album “Buds 2” which was popular amongst Nepalese people. He had performed by the early 1990's within the various parts of country and has since performed with outstanding success playing both solo and with Band and regularly on radio and television. Now with business and academic reasons he is separated with his band members and no new project will be plan for till now.

Born in february 5, 1988. Bred in Kathmandu Valley. Started performing at the age of 5. After ending up as the second runner up in national level broadcasted singing competition 'Nepal Star - 2005' at the age of 16 ; continued music studies in Kathmandu University later in affiliation with SOAS ( University of London ). Currently studying Masters in music. Field of expertise in occidental and oriental music in general. Which includes Music - research, business, analysis; musicology, singing-song writing, composing, arranging & production ( contemporary styles, orchestration, background scoring, vocal designing ). Instrumentalist of guitar, piano ( contemporary Jazz, classical ), Vocal ( styles: Khayal, Dhrupad, Belcanto - tenor, rock-pop, R&B, Rap ), local instruments ( Dhimay baja, madal, Sarangi )

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.

Abhisek Bhadra is a Nepali composer, arranger, pianist, and music educator known for his influential role in shaping contemporary jazz and modern music education in Nepal. Born and raised in Kathmandu, he began his musical journey in the local jazz and rock scene, winning early recognition through competitions such as Rockheads and Jazzmandu’s Jazz for the Next Generation, where he also received the Most Outstanding Musician Award. He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Composition and Arranging at Codarts, Rotterdam Conservatorium, which expanded his international career and led him to perform and write for ensembles such as Voodrish, Dichter, and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.His performances span prestigious venues including Paradiso Amsterdam, Splendor Amsterdam, De Doelen Rotterdam, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, along with appearances on national TV and radio platforms like DWDD and 3VOOR12. A versatile creator, he works across jazz, contemporary music, electro‑acoustic experimentation, and mainstream hip‑hop.Returning to Nepal, Bhadra became the Academic Director at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) and the Artistic Director of the Katjazz International Music Festival, where he has played a pivotal role in developing South Asia’s jazz education ecosystem. He continues to compose, arrange, and perform actively with leading Nepali bands including Jooni, Jindabaad, Cadenza Collective, and Le Piro, while mentoring the next generation of Nepali musicians.