Kushal Thapa

Ram Thapa (1958–2008) was a pioneering Nepali folk singer, music director, and Radio Nepal presenter known for his humorous and socially conscious songs. Born in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu, he began his musical career in 1974 and became a 7th Grade Music Director at Radio Nepal. He sang over 150 folk songs and directed music for more than 200, with hits like Thok Na Madal Thok, Timi Yesai Lajayau, and Ritu Haruma Timi, which was ranked 7th by BBC in 2003. He was the first to publish Nepali music books with lyrics and chords, contributing to music education. Ram Thapa also served as a judge on Nepali Tara I & II, mentoring young talent. He passed away in 2008 due to liver disease.

Surath Pradhan is a Nepali music producer, arranger, programmer, and recording/mixing engineer known for his extensive work across modern Nepali music. His credits span folk, adhunik, romantic, and contemporary fusion songs, collaborating with leading singers, composers, and studios.He is a core music arranger and engineer at Sur Sangam Recording Studio, where he has contributed to numerous high‑profile projects. His work includes music arrangements, programming, recording, and mixing for songs by artists such as Udaya Sotang, Arpana Acharya, Mukunda Paudel, Dhan Kiran Gurung, Shanti Thatal, Ramita Bhandari, and others.Surath has arranged and engineered music for multiple official releases, including romantic, folk, and Newari songs, and has been credited in studio sessions featuring instruments like violin, flute, guitar, and modern digital production. His arrangements appear in projects such as “Mayale Ruwauchha,” “Yeti Dherai Maya,” and various duet collections by Dhan Kiran Gurung.He is also credited as a composer on major Nepali music platforms, with works featured on Gaana’s catalog of Nepali songs.Through consistent studio output, refined arrangement skills, and collaborations with respected musicians, Surath Pradhan has established himself as a reliable and versatile music producer in Nepal’s contemporary music industry.

Rabin Lal Shrestha is a Nepali tabla virtuoso and music educator known for his contributions to classical and devotional music in Nepal. Born in Kathmandu, he has been a leading figure in preserving and teaching the tabla tradition for several decades, both as a performer and as a mentor to young musicians. Key facts Birthplace: Kathmandu, Nepal Primary Instrument: Tabla Teaching Position: Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti (since 1989) Notable Albums: Tabla Solo, Grand Rehearsal Collaborations: Suresh Raj Bajracharya (sarod), Prabhu Raj Dhakal (vocals) Musical training and influences Shrestha began studying tabla at the age of ten, inspired by bhajans sung by his father. His early training was under Sadhuram Manandhar, followed by advanced tutelage from Ganesh Raj Wonta, Nara Raj Dhakal, Homnath Upadhyaya, and Sambhu Prasad Misra. This diverse lineage grounded him in the North Indian classical tradition while connecting it to Nepal’s own devotional music culture. Teaching and mentorship Since joining Lalit Kala Campus in 1989 after three years at Holy Garden School, Shrestha has educated generations of students through structured intermediate and diploma programs. His classes maintain a rigorous schedule, emphasizing rhythm discipline and improvisational skill. He is regarded as a key figure in institutionalizing tabla education in Nepal. Performances and recordings Beyond teaching, Shrestha regularly performs at Kathmandu’s Hotel Vajra in a long-running program titled Dafa. He has toured internationally—including performances in Europe with sitarists Tarabir and Bijaya Vaidya—and released two albums: Tabla Solo, accompanied by his instructional book Dafa, and Grand Rehearsal. His work bridges traditional and contemporary interpretations of tabla music. Legacy Rabin Lal Shrestha continues to inspire Nepal’s younger generation of classical musicians. His dual role as performer and educator has made him a cornerstone of the country’s evolving Hindustani percussion scene, ensuring the tabla’s rhythmic heritage remains vibrant in modern Nepal.

Bijay Baral is a Nepali drummer and live performer known for his energetic stage presence, tight rhythmic control, and versatility across modern, pop, rock, and fusion music. Active in Nepal’s live music circuit, he has performed with various bands, event lineups, and studio projects, contributing dynamic grooves and polished timing to both stage and recording environments. His adaptability in multi‑genre arrangements and his ability to elevate live performances have made him a reliable and in‑demand drummer within Nepal’s growing contemporary music scene.