Sagar Sharad Adhikari

Koili Devi Mathema (1929–2007) was a trailblazer in the Nepali music industry, celebrated as the first woman lyricist, singer, and composer. Born as Radha Basnet in Chisapani Gadhi, Makwanpur, Nepal, she was affectionately nicknamed "Koili" (meaning "cuckoo bird") for her melodious voice. Her career began at Radio Nepal after the establishment of democracy in Nepal, and she went on to record over 4,000 songs, including modern and patriotic pieces. She also composed iconic songs like "Jahi ra juhi phul mala gansi duwaile launla." Koili Devi received numerous accolades, including the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu V and Chinnalata Music Award, for her contributions to Nepali music.

Purna Rai is a rising Nepali singer-songwriter known for his emotionally resonant lyrics and a unique blend of folk and modern pop sounds. Born on June 20, 1997, in Dharan, Nepal, he grew up in a musical family and began composing and performing from a young age. He made his debut with the single “Ma” in 2019, but it was “Manaka Kura” in 2021 that catapulted him into the spotlight, amassing over 16 million views on YouTube. His other notable tracks include “Biram,” “Ma Frustrated Nepali,” “Dhurwa Tara,” and “Kalo Seto”, many of which reflect personal experiences, social commentary, and heartfelt storytelling. Rai’s music often explores themes of love, longing, and cultural identity. He’s also known for his introspective songwriting process—he once described music as a form of meditation and a way to process life’s highs and lows.

Suraj Pandit is a powerful voice from Jumla, Nepal, known for his evocative songwriting, soulful singing, and socially conscious music direction. Born on February 23, 1991, in Maliabid-4, Chandannath Municipality, he rose to prominence with the viral hit “Railko Bato”, a song that poignantly captures the struggles of life in Karnali and the stark contrast with urban privilege. His music often blends folk and contemporary styles, with lyrics that challenge inequality and celebrate resilience. Suraj writes, composes, and performs many of his songs, including “Singha Durbar”, “Maya Basyo Jumla Bazaarma”, and “Tamra Manma”. Despite early hardships and working as a forest guard, he pursued music relentlessly, earning accolades like the Bindhyabasini Music Jury Award, Rara National Music Award, and Radio Kantipur’s Best New Singer.

Bhupendra Rayamajhi is a renowned Nepali musician, music director, arranger, and lyricist with over 30 years of experience in the music industry. His passion for music began in childhood and turned professional when he joined Radio Nepal as a guitarist in 1983, later becoming a music arranger in 1990. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Prayag Samiti, Allahabad, India. In 1998, he was appointed Chief of the Music Department at Radio Nepal, where he played a vital role in nurturing and uplifting Nepali music. He retired from Radio Nepal in 2018 and continues to create heartfelt music that connects with audiences worldwide.