Naren Limbu

Sitaram Pokharel is a distinguished Nepali musician known for his contributions to modern and pop music. Born on October 4 in Simpani, Khotang, Nepal, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a focus on Economics. Despite his academic background, his passion for music led him to become one of Nepal’s most recognized artists. His musical journey began with The Tinos Group, a band formed in 1980. He released his first song, Sajaidiyeu, on Radio Nepal in 1985, marking the start of a prolific career. Over the years, he has composed and performed more than 40 songs and released 14 music videos, making a lasting impact on the Nepali music scene. Throughout his career, Sitaram Pokharel has released several acclaimed albums, including Prayas (1998), Khoji Herinau (2001), Binakaran (2005), Spark (2008), October 4 (2009), and Samman (2011). His songs and music videos have featured some of Nepal’s top models and actresses, such as Ruby Rana, Sumi Khadka, Nisha Adhikari, and Arunima Lamsal. His dedication to music has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nepal Freedom Press Union Award and the Annapurna Music Award (2066 B.S.). He has also held significant roles in musical organizations, serving as Vice President of Purwanchal Sangitik Kalakar Manch, Vice President of Simple Art, Baneshwor, and a Member of the Nepal Musical Association. Beyond music, Sitaram Pokharel is known for his love of traveling to collect songs, as well as his passion for football and table tennis. His favorite song is Ma Maunta Ma by Om Bikram Bista, and he greatly admires singers like Udit Narayan Jha and Sonu Nigam. Despite his love for music, he dislikes excessive talkativeness and smoking, especially in enclosed spaces. One of his most memorable experiences in his career was an all-night video shoot for Aankhako Nanima, reflecting his dedication to his craft. He expresses deep gratitude to his fans and the models who contributed to his music videos’ success. Sitaram Pokharel remains a respected and influential figure in the Nepali music industry, continuing to inspire new generations of artists and music enthusiasts alike.

Bartika Eam Rai, a talented Nepali-American singer-songwriter based in New York City, has made significant waves in the music industry. Let’s explore her artistic journey: Early Beginnings and Musical Training: Bartika grew up in Lalitpur, Nepal, where she began her musical journey informally from the age of six. By the time she was around 11 years old, she was already performing in front of small audiences. She recorded children’s songs and received training from notable mentors such as Shreeti Pradhan, Upendra Lal Singh, Roshan Sharma, John Shrestha, and Gurudev Kaamat. It was only after moving to the United States that she decided to pursue music professionally as a career. Debut Album: “Bimbaakash”: In 2016, Bartika burst onto the scene with her debut album titled “Bimbaakash.” The album featured six songs, and her first single, “Khai,” gained widespread popularity on YouTube. The song was described as a “breath of fresh air,” with thrilling aesthetics in its poetry and simplicity in delivery. Bartika’s talent earned her nominations at the Hits FM Music Awards, where she won Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance (Female) for “Khai.” Second Album: “Taral”: In March 2018, Bartika announced the release of her second album, “Taral,” once again produced by Diwas Gurung. The album was supported by tours across the United States and England. Its first single, “Umer,” was accompanied by a captivating music video. Abstract Themes and Artistic Expression: Bartika’s songs often delve into abstract themes of death and existence. Her unique perspective and lyrical prowess continue to resonate with audiences. Bartika Eam Rai’s musical journey reflects her passion, creativity, and dedication to her craft. 🎶

Tika Bhandari is a Nepalese song composer and singer of Nepali music. He has composed music for over 500 Nepali modern songs and has released a total of 23 music albums. He is best known for composing songs like Goli Sishako, Khusi Ta Kahan (Deep Shrestha), Kina Dukcha Timro Man (Prem Dhoj Pradhan), Yo Maya Bhanne Chij (Anju Panta) Gaule, Jo Desh Lai (Kiran Pradhan), Ma Sabda Charera (Deepak Kharel), Chanchale Timra (Rabin Sharma), Chiso Chiso Sun Koshi (Kumar Kancha), Hamro Prem ko Katha (Karna Das), Harka Jeet (Tika Bhandari, Rajesh Payal Rai), Chhati Bhitra Dhuk Dhuki (Tika Bhandari), Qatar Gaye Suadi Gaye (Dekendra Thapa), Aadha Bato (Swarup Raj), Barsat ma uni rujhda (Ram Krishna Dhakal), Sagarmatha Roi Rahechha(Ram Krishna Dhakal), Gangalal ko Jasto mutu (Shiva Pariyar), Timro Man Bata (Pramod Kharel), Ma ta hajur van ko driver (Udit Narayan Jha), Jhilimili Gaun Gharai Ramailo (Deepa Narayan Jha), Ko Sanga Chaina Afno Simana (Mohammed Aziz) etc. Most of the Nepalese singers have sung his compositions. He received Nepal Bidhya Bhusan in 2003 for being faculty topper in M.A. in Political Science from Tribhuvan University. He is also the Deputy Director of Radio Nepal. On 19 May 2016, he participated an environmental song by 365 Nepali artists lyrics and music by Nipesh Dhaka, in entitled Melancholy which set a Guinness World Records.

Sanjeep Pradhan recorded his first song in 1992 with “Mero Preet Mero Priya”. Though his first album came out only in 1995, his “Nasha Bhitra Nasha” had already hit the mass and was popular among Nepalese throughout the world. His first hit was reggae based and if he was to go by the trend of other Nepalese musician, he would have brought out more numbers in the same line. However, his next productions were more folk based. His voice has a unique lilt to it that suits folk songs. And capturing this quality, he brought out folk-pop mix songs like “Siri Ma Siri”, “Deuraliko Chautarima”,”Sanai chhanda” and “Udi Jane” in his next album. This way, he revived the vanishing popularity of folk songs among the Nepalese audience. With “Siri Ma Siri” even the hip-hop generation of youths started humming in the folk tunes, making it as popular as the new trend of pop songs. Sanjeep is not only well versant in Nepalese songs, he sings equally well in Newari. His “Mohani Wola Swanti Wola” and “Punhi ya jaa:” are popular equally among the Newar speaking society and those who do not understand Newari. Maybe it is his voice that has captured the hearts of the music lovers who are ever in search of a different quality in music or maybe it is his lyrics and music itself that has moved the mass. Whatever it may be, Sanjeep can do it all. Most of his songs are written and composed by himself. And maybe that is why he has been able to give full justice to the creation. He has already lent his voice to 300 songs, which has been recorded in five Nepali albums and four Newari albums. He has already performed in 600 stage shows including all major cities of Nepal, Darjeeling and Sikkim. He has also performed in Japan,Malaysia,Qatar,USA & Hong Kong in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2000. And every show has increased his popularity in every place he has performed, drawing more crowd every time.