Prabin Kumar Shrestha

Ananda Karki who started a trend with Ghazals in Nepal. Three words come in mind while listening to the extraordinary voice of Ananda Karki probably the most famous of his kind in Nepal. The words are range where he can do a variety of genres going from the classical to pop with everything in between. The second word is fusion where he brings all kinds of music into what he composes and when he sing you have snatches of western music, Hindi music and whole lot of his own Nepali music. The third word is recognition where you ask anyone who Ananda Karki is they will say “the most famous singer in Nepal." Born in Solukhumbu in 20th Jan and trained in the Gharanas or traditional song houses of Lucknow in India like Bhat Khande Maha Vidhalaya. He also received his education in the same country where his father was in the Army. His range extends from sentimental songs to romantic songs, to classical songs of the Mughal courts, sometimes combining’s all three. His irresistible heartwarming voice has lent itself to over a thousand songs including bhanjans or religious songs, songs of love but he is known for ghazals or the beautiful Indian almost Mughal tradition of rhyming songs of love and loss or the memories of love. It is appropriate that Ananda Karki who started a trend with Ghazals in Nepal and is the best love ghazal singer should sing of love that seems to come straight from the heart. like singer in the west before him he began singing in small venues then turned to 5 star hotels playing to packed audiences, inspired by the legendry Indian singer Kishore Kumar he has paid musical tribute to his inspiration and has been awarded medals for his act of acknowledging the source of his singing. He has sung Kishore Kumar's songs in popular programmes worldwide as well as his very typical Ananda Karki ghazals. Kishore Kumar's was known for his love songs, popular songs and sheer finger clicking dance songs. Ananda mastered them all with amazing ability. He has sung in over 600 Hindi and Nepali films as a playback singer and acted in Hindi and Nepali serials and was a playback singer in them. He has sing everywhere from the famed Albert Hall in London which every singer's dream to play in: Denmark, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Pakistan, Moscow and all over India. In fact his singing conquests worldwide make him a traveler as well as singer. In this Ananda Karki like his peers follows the old troubadour tradition that had singers going from place to place singing and that has become common today. Ananda Karki is the first Nepali to do so. His voice, his songs, his music has won him national and international honors from the late King Queen of Nepal to the prestigious Birendra Aishwarya Padak, Gorkha Dakshin, Zee TV Closeup Sa Re Ga Pa 1998 for best singer, Chhinnalata award for vocal, Kollywood award for best singer in the film Bharia'1997 and Parai ghar' 1999, KTV award for the best playback singer Ma Timi Bina and several other honors and decorations.

Brata Gandarva, a renowned folk singer and Sarangi player, was born on 25th Poush, 2043 BS, in Jarayotar, Palpale, Bhojpur. She is the fourth daughter of Dambar Gandharba and Chija Maya Gandharba. Growing up in a large family with two brothers and six sisters, Brata's childhood was marked by a deep connection to music, especially Sarangi. Her father, a professional Sarangi player, and her mother, who also played the instrument, were her primary sources of inspiration. Though Brata was initially shy and quiet as a child, her love for Sarangi and singing gradually grew as she accompanied her mother around the village, performing and learning the traditional craft. The family's financial struggles further motivated Brata to continue the musical tradition, as it was both a means of sustenance and a way of life. Education and Musical Journey: Unlike many musicians, Brata didn’t receive formal schooling during her early years in the village. However, her connection with music was solidified when she met Gopal Siwakoti Chintan, a renowned figure who inspired her to pursue formal education and music training. Upon moving to Kathmandu, Brata joined Tri-Ratna Cooperative School, where she completed her S.L.C. and later went on to study at Lalit Kala Campus, earning her I.A. degree. She is currently in her B.A. 2nd year at the same institution. Her musical journey began under the mentorship of her parents, with her father being a significant influence on her playing technique. After moving to Kathmandu, she continued her training at Nepal Sangh Vidhalaya, under the guidance of Shyam Nepali, and started recording her songs in Music Nepal around 2053 BS. Brata’s contributions to folk music extend beyond her own performances; she is also a dedicated teacher, sharing her knowledge of Sarangi with students six days a week at various institutions.

Dharma Raj Thapa, honored with the title Jana Kabi Keshari, was a legendary Nepali folk singer and poet. Born in 1924 in Pokhara, Nepal, he became one of the most influential figures in Nepali folk music. His songs, such as Hariyo Danda Maathi and Nepali Le Maya Maaryo Barilai, captured the essence of Nepal’s landscapes and traditions. Thapa was not only a singer but also a poet and cultural historian. He collected and preserved folk songs, ensuring that Nepal’s musical heritage remained alive. His contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Madan Puraskar and Indrarajyalaxmi Puraskar. Some of his most popular songs include: Hariyo Danda Mathi – A classic folk song celebrating Nepal’s natural beauty. Nepali Le Maya Maaryo Barilai – A heartfelt song reflecting Nepali culture and emotions. Saili Rimai Chauri Gai – A traditional melody with deep cultural significance. Aaja Madal Bajeko Kina – A lively folk tune. Dhuru Dhuru Narou Aama – A song filled with emotion and nostalgia. Aai Pugyo Railaima – A well-loved song in Nepali folk music.

Mukesh Shakya is a young Nepali tabalist and classical musician, known as a disciple of the late maestro Rabin Lal Shrestha. He has performed in classical music sessions organized by the Society of Classical Music Nepal, including their 76th session, where his tabla playing was featured and praised for its precision and depth. Mukesh represents a new generation of Nepali classical artists dedicated to preserving and evolving traditional forms like tabla and Hindustani music. His training under Rabin Lal Shrestha places him in a respected lineage of percussionists, and his public performances reflect a growing commitment to Nepal’s classical music scene