Narendra Bataju

Subha Bahadur Sunam was a legendary Nepali music composer, saxophonist, and retired Brigadier General of the Nepal Army, celebrated for shaping modern Nepali music. Active for over five decades, he began composing at age 20 and became known for blending classical and contemporary styles. He co-composed the iconic song Parkhi Basey Aula Bhani with Sambhujeet Baskota under the name ShubhaSambhujeet. As a saxophone virtuoso, he was also the music mentor to Prince Dipendra. His contributions enriched Radio Nepal’s golden era and inspired generations of musicians. Sunam passed away in 2022 at age 74, leaving behind a profound musical legacy.

Hailing from the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling, Nivangelo brings a breath of fresh air to the Nepali music scene. Now based in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, this singer and music producer isn't afraid to push boundaries. His musical style seamlessly blends genres, incorporating elements of Folk Rock, Pop, and even Hip-hop, resulting in a sound that's both unique and undeniable. Nivangelo's soulful vocals take center stage, whether delivering heartfelt ballads like "Timro Yaad" or weaving his magic on the more upbeat and evocative tracks like "Timi Bahek Afnu Vanne." With a string of Nepali songs already under his belt, Nivangelo is poised to make a significant impact.

Lochan Rijal is a multi-instrumentalist, a singer, songwriter and a scholar of ethnomusicology. Born in the Panchthar district of Nepal, he grew up around music performed at festivals by the local people of that region. The experience influenced him to explore the potential of sound and develop his passion into his profession. While in college, he began teaching music to school children in Kathmandu while also working in the pop and rock music scene, producing award-winning albums, before moving onto something that fed his scholarly ambitions. In 2014, he graduated with a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Massachusetts and Kathmandu University. He also works as the associate professor and Head of Kathmandu University’s Department of Music.

Manohari Singh (1931–2010), born in Kolkata to a Nepalese Bhusal family, is celebrated as one of South Asia’s finest woodwind and orchestral arrangers. Though globally known for his work with R.D. Burman, his Nepali heritage and musical upbringing in a Nepali household shaped his tonal sensibility, melodic phrasing, and emotional depth — qualities that strongly resonated with Nepali film composers.His mastery of alto saxophone, flute, piccolo, clarinet, mandolin, and bansuri made him a sought‑after session musician whose sound influenced the orchestral palette of Nepali film music in the 1980s–1990s. Many Nepali composers — especially those working in Mumbai and Kolkata studios — relied on his phrasing style, brass‑woodwind layering, and melodic counterlines as a reference point.Although he did not score many Nepali films directly, his arrangement style, brass band roots, and Nepali musical lineage helped shape the cross‑border sound that Nepali cinema adopted during its modern era. His work as part of the Basu–Manohari duo also inspired Nepali arrangers who studied Indian studio orchestration.