Damber Nepali

Ryan Karki is a Nepali singer, music‑video director, and media host active since 2010, known for his work across modern Nepali music and digital entertainment. As a vocalist and creative director, he has contributed to numerous music videos and collaborated with a wide range of artists in Nepal’s pop and commercial music scene. Alongside his direction and musical projects, Ryan is also recognized for his presence as a host, engaging audiences through interviews, artist features, and entertainment programs. His consistent involvement in performance, direction, and hosting highlights his versatility and growing influence in Nepal’s contemporary music and media landscape.

Ustad Sahila, born (Asta Man Shrestha) in Asaar 1951, was a pioneering figure in Nepali folk‑based musical innovation. Known for introducing a fresh dimension to Nepali lok‑laya, he blended traditional rhythms with expressive vocal phrasing that made his songs deeply memorable. He trained in Kolkata under respected maestros Pandit Laxmikanta, Ustad Surya Mishra, and Ustad Shiva, gaining a strong classical foundation that shaped his unique style. In 1990 B.S., he recorded his songs in Kolkata, producing seven gramophone discs, a rare achievement for a Nepali artist of his era. His popular songs include “Kalo Theki Naran Kali Kathako”, which remains a beloved folk classic. Ustad Sahila passed away on Magh 15, 2013, leaving behind an important musical legacy.  

Saraswoti Khatri is a Nepali singer known for her graceful vocal style and contributions to modern, Hindi Cover and Bhajan music. Active in the Nepali music scene for over a decade, she has performed at cultural events, weddings, and national ceremonies, earning admiration for her emotive delivery and stage presence. She gained wider attention in 2022 when she sang at the wedding of journalist Sumnima Udas, where she met Indian politician Rahul Gandhi. Her tweet describing him as a “humble and simple person” went viral, highlighting her role as a cultural bridge between Nepal and India. Saraswoti’s repertoire includes songs like “Madushala,” which showcases her ability to blend poetic lyrics with melodic finesse. Though not widely recorded, her live performances and social media presence have made her a beloved figure among Nepali audiences. She continues to represent Nepali music with dignity and warmth, inspiring through both voice and presence.

Navras Shrestha is the founder, lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and composer of The Lakhey, Nepal’s pioneering Newa (Newari) metal band based in Kathmandu. Known for blending traditional Newar musical elements with the power and edge of metal, Navras has carved out a space for a truly indigenous and modern sound that speaks both to cultural identity and musical evolution. His first Newa metal song, Dhampa Tacha, was recorded in 2005—a bold and groundbreaking transformation of a Newa rap piece into a heavy, guitar-driven anthem that laid the foundation for what would become the Newa Metal genre. Over the years, Navras has created and performed a variety of original songs and covers that showcase his wide-ranging musicality. Tracks like Jeevan, Miss Julie (a fully home-recorded, arranged, mixed, and mastered song), and Ae Kancha (a duet cover with a female vocalist) reflect both his technical abilities and his emotional range as a musician. His reimagining of Malshree Dhun—a revered Newari and Nepali traditional piece—is particularly notable for incorporating Spanish and Indian Rajasthani techniques and a touch of Hindustani classical flavor with heavy drumming, giving the folk tune a new life in a contemporary soundscape. Navras’s musical curiosity extends beyond local traditions—he has embraced songs in foreign languages, including a Georgian piece (Erti Nakhavit by Chveneburebi), while also composing original works like Swagta Mu Hai Nheeaye in Nepal’s Thakali language. In 2022, Navras completed his Master of Fine Arts in Music with a focus on Hindustani Classical music. During this time, he developed a deep interest in songs from various ethnic and regional backgrounds of Nepal. Rather than simply studying them academically, Navras has immersed himself in the melodies, rhythms, and stories found in songs of Nepal Bhasa (Newar), Charya (ritual Buddhist music), Tharu, and Limbu and other indigenous languages. He is currently preparing to record and preserve these culturally significant pieces with modern arrangements—ensuring their continuity and relevance for future generations. His academic contribution is also noteworthy. For his master’s thesis, Navras conducted in-depth research on Dapha music (Asan Bajan Guthi). His thesis has since become a valuable resource for members of the Guthi and other musicians who are interested in traditional music. The work not only documented the artform but also shed light on the present condition and challenges faced by the community in keeping their musical heritage alive. While music is his core identity, Navras Shrestha is also a skilled Full Stack Web Developer by profession and currently works at GTA Nepal. His ability to balance a demanding tech career with an expansive artistic practice speaks to his discipline and creativity. In addition, he is deeply passionate about photography and videography. From capturing evocative model portraits to creative visual storytelling, his visual work complements his music, allowing him to express his artistry across multiple forms. Whether through metal riffs rooted in Newa culture, folk songs from across Nepal’s diverse communities, world music explorations, or visual compositions, Navras Shrestha stands out as a multi-talented, cross-disciplinary artist. He continues to inspire others not just with what he creates, but with how he connects deeply to culture, community, and creativity.