Bharati Upadhyaya

Sonika Lama KC is a well‑known Nepali singer and model, recognized for her versatile voice, glamorous presence, and strong creative identity in the Nepali music industry. With dozens of recorded songs and appearances in more than two dozen music videos, she has established herself as one of the most active and admired artists of her generation. Gifted with the ability to write lyrics, compose melodies, and perform her own songs, Sonika has also appeared as a model in many of her musical projects, making her a multi‑talented figure in the industry. Many of her songs have gained notable attention in the Nepali music market.A popular name among the youth, Sonika is equally appreciated for her glamorous screen presence and her long‑standing dedication to music. She has already released four albums, including her latest one titled ‘Sonika’.Born in Bhimkhori, Kavre (Ward No. 3), she began her musical journey with her debut album ‘Beshahara’, followed by her second album ‘Yo Kasto Yo Jeevan’, which further strengthened her recognition. Building on this success, she released her third album ‘Sonikako Jawani’, which helped her gain even wider popularity in the Nepali music scene. Her fourth album, ‘Sonika’, continues to showcase her growth as a singer, songwriter, and performer.With her strong work ethic, expressive voice, and ability to connect with audiences, Sonika Lama KC remains a prominent and influential artist in contemporary Nepali music.

Santosh Shrestha (born February 3, 1981, Ghorahi, Dang) is a celebrated Nepali music director, composer, singer, and songwriter, widely recognized for his extraordinary linguistic versatility and prolific contribution to Nepali music. He is a Guinness World Record holder, honored for composing music in 12 world languages and later breaking his own record by writing music in 50 languages.Shrestha has composed over 700 film tunes and hundreds of folk songs, making him one of Nepal’s most recorded music directors. His works have been recorded in 14 languages, including Nepali, Hindi, Chinese, Japanese, English, Russian, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Thai.His popular songs include “Timile Parai Thane Pachhi,” “Aauchhi Bhani Nisthuri Le,” “Timile Bhulna Sake Pani,” and “Timro Dilma Chot Lagda.”Shrestha has released numerous albums such as Chinaari (2062 BS), Sadhana (2066 BS), Sangam (2067 BS), Garima (2067 BS), Jhalak (2067 BS), Miteri (2068 BS), Gunjan (2070 BS), and Surakshya (2078 BS).

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.

Swapnil Sharma is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band The Shadows Nepal. Known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, he has delivered hit songs such as “Hidne Manche Ladcha,” “Ke Pais Nepali,” “Prakriti,” “Mero Nepal,” and “Tadha Bhaye Pani”. Beyond The Shadows, he is also the vocalist of the creative musical collaboration Swar alongside Rohit Shakya and Gautam Tandukar. His work spans rock, alternative, and experimental Nepali soundscapes.