Deepak Swopnil Shrestha

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.

Sudin Pokharel, popularly known as DA69, is a pioneer in the Nepali hip-hop industry. Born on February 23, 1979, in Biratnagar, Nepal, he has been a prominent figure in Nepali rap and music since the late 1990s. Apart from his music career, he has also worked as a journalist, sports news anchor, and producer for Kantipur TV. Some of his notable songs include: "Josh" (2019) "Mrityu" (2020) "Samriddhi" Sudin Pokharel is known for his lyrical depth and unique style, which have left a lasting impact on Nepali music. He currently resides in Australia with his family and continues to contribute to the music scene.

Born on September 12th in Kavresthali, Rawaltar, Shashi Rawal developed a passion for singing at a young age. Encouraged by her parents, Shashi pursued her musical dreams, despite initial resistance from her father. Her love for music blossomed as she started writing her own lyrics and composing songs, and her talent was soon recognized after winning a competition that led to her recording her first song. Her breakthrough moment came with the song "Chahana Sakiyo", which garnered significant attention and appreciation. This success paved the way for her to collaborate with popular singer Yash Kumar on his album, marking a major milestone in her career. Over the years, Shashi has contributed to various albums, remixes, and jingles, establishing herself as a talented and versatile artist. With a gold medal in her junior diploma from Kala Nidhi Indira Sangeet Maha Vidhalaya, Shashi Rawal continues to grow as an artist, constantly exploring new avenues to express her passion for music.

Prabhu Raj Dhakal is a renowned Nepali classical vocalist, composer, and music educator, currently serving as a vocal teacher at the Music Department of Kathmandu University and Nepal Music School. Born on 29th Shrawan 2025 B.S., he is the son of the legendary Sangeet Pravin Pragya Pandit Nara Raj Dhakal and Jyoti Dhakal. Growing up in Dhobichaur, Chhetrapati, he was surrounded by music from an early age, with many prominent radio singers frequenting his home to learn from his father. Inspired by this rich musical environment, Dhakal developed a deep-rooted passion for classical music. Though initially advised by his father not to pursue music professionally, his dedication and progress eventually earned his father’s support. He began teaching classical vocals over two decades ago, first as a substitute for his father and then full-time as student numbers grew. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the classical music scene in Nepal. His notable albums include ‘Moment’, a collaboration with fellow musicians, and ‘Sohani’, featuring his compositions performed by his students. He is also a founding member of the classical ensemble Dafa, alongside Suresh Bajracharya and Rabin Shrestha. The group not only performs but also organizes annual events to honor veteran artists who have contributed to Nepali music.