Lasata Joshi

Sanup Paudel is a professional singer of Nepal. He was born in Shillong, India. He is the youngest among four siblings. Sanup rose to fame after a singing contest had come up, called Geet Bahar, run by Gulshan Kumar in Mumbai. Sanup was at the age of nineteen when he applied for this contest and was finally selected. Early life and Education He learned the classical music, under the singer Shukla Dham, after completion of his bachelor education in Ethnomusicology at the Kathmandu University. A few after completion of this education, he got a chance to enroll in School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK for about half a year. Born and raised in India he came to Nepal in the year 1997 as a young musician. He registered for vocal lessons from Prabhu Raj Dhaka as some school lessons and also private classes outside of school.

Sudin Pokharel, popularly known as DA69, is a pioneer in the Nepali hip-hop industry. Born on February 23, 1979, in Biratnagar, Nepal, he has been a prominent figure in Nepali rap and music since the late 1990s. Apart from his music career, he has also worked as a journalist, sports news anchor, and producer for Kantipur TV. Some of his notable songs include: "Josh" (2019) "Mrityu" (2020) "Samriddhi" Sudin Pokharel is known for his lyrical depth and unique style, which have left a lasting impact on Nepali music. He currently resides in Australia with his family and continues to contribute to the music scene.

Ciney Gurung is a talented Nepali singer, composer, and songwriter. Born on December 8, 1977, in Kurseong, Darjeeling, she later moved to Nepal, where she gained recognition for her soulful music. Her career took off with hit songs like "Timro Mayama" and "Mann," and she was named the best female pop singer of the year by Radio Kantipur in 2009. She has contributed to various albums and projects, including participating in "Melancholy," an environmental song featuring 365 Nepali artists, which set a Guinness World Record for the most vocal solos in a song recording. Ciney Gurung's music often blends pop with heartfelt lyrics, making her a beloved figure in Nepali music.

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.