Smarika Phuyal

Navneet Aditya Waiba is a Nepali folk singer, songwriter, and cultural researcher from Siliguri, West Bengal. She is the daughter of the late Hira Devi Waiba, the first professional Nepali folk singer. After her mother’s passing in 2011, Navneet left her career as a senior flight purser in Hong Kong to revive and preserve her family’s musical legacy. Together with her brother Satya Aditya Waiba, she launched the tribute album Ama Lai Shraddhanjali in 2017, re-recording her mother’s iconic songs using traditional instruments and arrangements. Navneet’s music focuses on authentic Nepali folk traditions, especially highlighting women’s voices and rural narratives. She collaborates with the Kathmandu-based folk band Kutumba and continues to perform across South Asia. Navneet is widely respected for her commitment to cultural preservation and her efforts to inspire younger generations to reconnect with their roots through music.

Ramesh Shrestha, popularly known as Melody, is a Nepali singer and composer recognized for his versatile musical style and melodious vocal presence. Born in 2043 BS, he entered the Nepali music industry in 2012 with his debut album ‘Aankha’, featuring six songs that showcased his abilities as a singer, composer, and lyricist. The album includes notable tracks such as ‘Maile Maya Gare Timilai,’ ‘Ropi Diyau Yo Dilma,’ and ‘Aankha Aankha Judyo Kyare,’ with lyrics by Prem Bharati, Basanta Rai, Shankar Adhikari, and Hari Krishna Gauli. Originally from Dolakha, Shrestha holds a diploma in Eastern classical music, yet his compositions span semi‑classical, lok‑pop, and adhunik styles. Beyond his own albums, he has composed for other artists, including the contemporary hit ‘Haat Ma Puja Ko Thali’ sung by Shiva Pariyar. Inspired by legendary musician Narayan Gopal, Shrestha continues to expand his musical journey. His second album ‘Aankhi Jhyal’ is underway, with the music video for ‘Aankhijhyalai Maa’ already released.

Karna Raj Giri is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and recording artist from Sarlahi, known for his emotional vocal style, modern folk‑pop sensibility, and steady rise through digital and mainstream music platforms. Growing up in a modest family, he moved to Kathmandu to pursue music while working various jobs, gradually building his craft and audience through perseverance and live performance. His songs such as “Luki Luki,” “Chyappai Samayo,” “Suna Makuri,” “Junge Jhyap,” “Hang Banayo,” “Aago Laidinchhu,” “Ho Ni Ho,” “Kiss Kiss,” “Ghumaidinchhu Singapor Sahara,” and “Viral Vayo Re” have gained strong traction on YouTube, TunesNepal, and streaming platforms like Apple Music, helping him become a recognizable name in the contemporary Nepali music scene. Known for writing and composing many of his own tracks, Karna Raj Giri represents a self‑made generation of Nepali artists whose careers are built on resilience, authenticity, and direct connection with listeners.

Sarad Shrestha is one of Nepal’s most influential guitarists and genre‑shifting musicians, active for over three decades in the Nepali music scene. Beginning his journey after SLC, he formed his first band Black Band and later became widely known as the guitarist of The Axe Band, contributing 12 years and four albums. A versatile performer, he has worked across rock, stoner metal, ska‑punk, rap‑rock, and grunge, performing with bands such as Black Wizard, The Sound Mill, Kathmandu Mayhem, Intellectual Morons, Tumbleweed Inc., Project One, and Shree 3, where he also sings. Respected for his emotional playing and fearless experimentation, Shrestha remains a defining figure in modern Nepali rock.