Nagendra Bikram Rai

Rabin Lal Shrestha is a Nepali tabla virtuoso and music educator known for his contributions to classical and devotional music in Nepal. Born in Kathmandu, he has been a leading figure in preserving and teaching the tabla tradition for several decades, both as a performer and as a mentor to young musicians. Key facts Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal Primary Instrument: Tabla Teaching Position: Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti (since 1989) Notable Albums: Tabla Solo, Grand Rehearsal Collaborations: Suresh Raj Bajracharya (sarod), Prabhu Raj Dhakal (vocals) Musical training and influences Shrestha began studying tabla at the age of ten, inspired by bhajans sung by his father. His early training was under Sadhuram Manandhar, followed by advanced tutelage from Ganesh Raj Wonta, Nara Raj Dhakal, Homnath Upadhyaya, and Sambhu Prasad Misra. This diverse lineage grounded him in the North Indian classical tradition while connecting it to Nepal’s own devotional music culture. Teaching and mentorship Since joining Lalit Kala Campus in 1989 after three years at Holy Garden School, Shrestha has educated generations of students through structured intermediate and diploma programs. His classes maintain a rigorous schedule, emphasizing rhythm discipline and improvisational skill. He is regarded as a key figure in institutionalizing tabla education in Nepal. Performances and recordings Beyond teaching, Shrestha regularly performs at Kathmandu’s Hotel Vajra in a long-running program titled Dafa. He has toured internationally—including performances in Europe with sitarists Tarabir and Bijaya Vaidya—and released two albums: Tabla Solo, accompanied by his instructional book Dafa, and Grand Rehearsal. His work bridges traditional and contemporary interpretations of tabla music. Legacy Rabin Lal Shrestha continues to inspire Nepal’s younger generation of classical musicians. His dual role as performer and educator has made him a cornerstone of the country’s evolving Hindustani percussion scene, ensuring the tabla’s rhythmic heritage remains vibrant in modern Nepal.

Surath Pradhan is a Nepali music producer, arranger, programmer, and recording/mixing engineer known for his extensive work across modern Nepali music. His credits span folk, adhunik, romantic, and contemporary fusion songs, collaborating with leading singers, composers, and studios.He is a core music arranger and engineer at Sur Sangam Recording Studio, where he has contributed to numerous high‑profile projects. His work includes music arrangements, programming, recording, and mixing for songs by artists such as Udaya Sotang, Arpana Acharya, Mukunda Paudel, Dhan Kiran Gurung, Shanti Thatal, Ramita Bhandari, and others.Surath has arranged and engineered music for multiple official releases, including romantic, folk, and Newari songs, and has been credited in studio sessions featuring instruments like violin, flute, guitar, and modern digital production. His arrangements appear in projects such as “Mayale Ruwauchha,” “Yeti Dherai Maya,” and various duet collections by Dhan Kiran Gurung.He is also credited as a composer on major Nepali music platforms, with works featured on Gaana’s catalog of Nepali songs.Through consistent studio output, refined arrangement skills, and collaborations with respected musicians, Surath Pradhan has established himself as a reliable and versatile music producer in Nepal’s contemporary music industry.

Navaraj Gurung is a highly acclaimed Tabla player based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Let me share some interesting details about him: YouTube Channel: Navaraj Gurung has a YouTube channel where he showcases his tabla performances. One of his notable covers is “Ham Tan” by Ali Ghamsari, where he adds his unique aspect of tabla accompaniment to the melodic structure. Rhythm and Joy: Navaraj Gurung’s extempore tabla performance was shot at the magical Kirateshwor Sangeet Temple in Pashupati. The video captures the spontaneous nature of tabla playing. Albums and Compositions: Over the past three decades, Navaraj Gurung has been actively involved in playing tabla and composing music. He has released 25 albums, spanning genres from Eastern classical music to fusion tracks and tabla solos. His debut album, “Moment,” was launched in 2000. Navaraj Gurung’s contribution to Nepali music is significant, and his mastery of the tabla continues to inspire music enthusiasts worldwide! 🎶🥁

Rahul Bhujel (राहुल भुजेल) is a versatile Nepali keyboardist, composer, and music arranger whose work spans across some of Nepal’s most prominent music platforms and bands. With a career rooted in both live performance and studio production, he has become a familiar name in the contemporary Nepali music scene. Highlights of His Musical Journey: 🎹 Keyboardist for major platforms like Mero Voice Universe and Nepal Idol, where he contributes to live arrangements and sound design 🎶 Performer with Pramod & Parampara and Lhasso Musical Band, showcasing his adaptability across genres from pop to folk fusion 🎧 Studio Manager at The Caravan, where he oversees music production and collaborates with a range of artists 📻 Former RJ at Radio Kantipur, reflecting his early engagement with Nepal’s media and music broadcasting scene