Khuman Adhikari

Bunu Rai Manandhar is a Nepali singer known for her soulful voice, emotional depth, and unique journey into the music world. She was born on December 20 in Tokdah, Darjeeling, as the youngest daughter of D.S. Rai and Bindu Rai. Raised in a family of three sisters, Bunu describes herself as a disciplined yet short-tempered child who didn’t engage in school musical activities despite a deep-rooted love for music. She completed her schooling, higher secondary education, and Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Griffith Higher Secondary School. After graduation, she moved to Kathmandu to pursue a career in music. However, life had other plans, and she began working as a pre-primary teacher at Gyanodaya School. While juggling teaching and personal responsibilities, she frequently traveled between Nepal and Darjeeling to complete her remaining academic work. Though she never took formal music lessons, her passion led her to join a local band named “Aarti” as the lead vocalist. This marked the beginning of her stage performances at various local events. Self-taught and dedicated, Bunu practiced regularly at home and honed her craft on her own terms. Her first major breakthrough came when she participated in the prestigious Narayan Gopal Sandhya Sajh, where she secured a spot among the Top 10 performers. This encouraged her to record her first few songs: "Yo Hariyali" composed by Shila Bahadur Moktan "Juna Ko Chaya" featured in Rocky Thapa’s collection album After a long hiatus of 20 years, Bunu made a stunning comeback with her debut solo album “Imagination”, released in 2024. Since then, she has been actively promoting the album and reconnecting with audiences through music. Popular Songs by Bunu Rai Manandhar Korera Prem Patra (ft. Kamal Khatri) – An emotional duet that resonates with themes of love and longing. Jhilmil Sitara (feat. Rose) – A melodic song highlighting her vocal elegance. Yo Hariyali – A nostalgic tune composed by Shila Bdr. Moktan. Juna Ko Chaya – Featured in Rocky Thapa’s compilation album. Banma Fulyo – A contemporary folk-inspired release. Zha Zhal Ko – A rhythmic and expressive number. Bunu Rai Manandhar’s story is one of resilience and quiet determination — an artist who began her journey late, without formal training, yet carved a place in Nepali music through talent, hard work, and authenticity.

Shisir Shrestha is a respected Nepali guitarist and music educator who trained under the legendary composer Ambar Gurung. Known for his refined technique and deep understanding of both Eastern and Western musical traditions, Shrestha contributed to numerous compositions and recordings during his time with Gurung’s team. He has performed in classical and contemporary ensembles, supporting the evolution of Nepali modern music. Beyond performance, Shrestha has mentored young musicians and promoted structured music education in Nepal. His work reflects the legacy of Ambar Gurung’s vision — blending tradition with innovation in Nepali music’s instrumental landscape.

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.

Tika Bhandari is a Nepalese song composer and singer of Nepali music. He has composed music for over 500 Nepali modern songs and has released a total of 23 music albums. He is best known for composing songs like Goli Sishako, Khusi Ta Kahan (Deep Shrestha), Kina Dukcha Timro Man (Prem Dhoj Pradhan), Yo Maya Bhanne Chij (Anju Panta) Gaule, Jo Desh Lai (Kiran Pradhan), Ma Sabda Charera (Deepak Kharel), Chanchale Timra (Rabin Sharma), Chiso Chiso Sun Koshi (Kumar Kancha), Hamro Prem ko Katha (Karna Das), Harka Jeet (Tika Bhandari, Rajesh Payal Rai), Chhati Bhitra Dhuk Dhuki (Tika Bhandari), Qatar Gaye Suadi Gaye (Dekendra Thapa), Aadha Bato (Swarup Raj), Barsat ma uni rujhda (Ram Krishna Dhakal), Sagarmatha Roi Rahechha(Ram Krishna Dhakal), Gangalal ko Jasto mutu (Shiva Pariyar), Timro Man Bata (Pramod Kharel), Ma ta hajur van ko driver (Udit Narayan Jha), Jhilimili Gaun Gharai Ramailo (Deepa Narayan Jha), Ko Sanga Chaina Afno Simana (Mohammed Aziz) etc. Most of the Nepalese singers have sung his compositions. He received Nepal Bidhya Bhusan in 2003 for being faculty topper in M.A. in Political Science from Tribhuvan University. He is also the Deputy Director of Radio Nepal. On 19 May 2016, he participated an environmental song by 365 Nepali artists lyrics and music by Nipesh Dhaka, in entitled Melancholy which set a Guinness World Records.