Khem Raj Gurung

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.

Sunil Bardewa was a gifted Nepali pop singer, songwriter, arranger, and guitarist. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1972, he gained recognition for his exceptional guitar skills and heartfelt melodies. Bardewa was part of the band "The Matrix," which won the Sajan Smriti Pop Song Contest in 1995. His popular songs, such as "Goreto Ani Ustai Cha Galli" and "Bihani Ma," remain cherished by fans of Nepali music. Tragically, Bardewa passed away at the age of 44 on September 13, 2016. His contributions to Nepali pop music continue to inspire and resonate with listeners.

Jonisha Poudel is a talented Nepali classical vocalist known for her mastery of the khayal genre and her graceful presence on both traditional and contemporary stages. Originally from Pokhara, she has trained extensively in Hindustani classical music and has performed at esteemed venues such as Kalanidhi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Kirateshwar Sangeetashram, and Rastriya Sanskritik Sansthan. Jonisha is a regular performer at Surya Nepal Jazzmandu, where she blends ancient raaga-based singing with global musical dialogues. Her collaborations include devotional works like Saraswati Bandana with Kundan Pathak and light music hits such as Figure Coca-Cola. She is also the lead vocalist of the band Vastu, showcasing her versatility across genres. Deeply rooted in the spiritual essence of classical music, Jonisha views her art as a path to inner peace and cultural expression. She continues to inspire audiences with her voice, discipline, and devotion to tradition.

Sawan Joshi is a talented Nepali sitar player, composer, and music teacher known for his soulful renditions of Hindustani classical ragas. With a deep foundation in Indian classical music, he has performed at prestigious venues such as the Harmony Nepal Japan concert at Patan Museum, where he played Raga Bageshree alongside tabla maestro Milesh Tandukar. Sawan has spent several years teaching music in Japan, where he continues to promote South Asian classical traditions to international audiences. His performances are marked by meditative depth, melodic clarity, and a strong sense of raga structure. He is also associated with the Society of Classical Music Nepal, contributing to educational sessions and cultural exchange programs.