Sachin Singh

Utpal Kandel is a Nepali music composer, teacher, and media composer whose work spans Bollywood, Hollywood, and contemporary Nepali music. He served as Music Producer and Orchestrator for the highest‑grossing Hindi film “Dhurandhar”, and has contributed to major projects including “Bads of Bollywood,” “Kesari Chapter 2,” and “Article 370.” His international portfolio includes a collaboration with two‑time award‑winning Hollywood composer Art Phillips. Now based in Australia, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and has performed at the Sydney Opera House, proudly representing Nepali culture on a global stage.

A Name who has over the years established himself as a genuine contender for the ‘best thing to happen’ to Nepali Sangeet in recent times is Alok Shree. One such name who has over the years established himself as a genuine contender for the ‘best thing to happen’ to Nepali Sugam Sangeet in recent times is a musician of immense reputation, Alok Shree. So, it did not come as a surprise when he was deservedly awarded by 'Narayan Gopal Smriti Prathisthan' with the prestigious 'Naryan Gopal Smriti Samman award' for his contributions. Alok Shree, who has launched over a dozen successful singers is also credited for rejuvenating the once sagging careers of singers with the likes of Ramkrishna Dhakal and Yam Baral topping the list. His musical prowess, however, has not been limited within the confines of Nepal for he in the past has been instrumental in bringing the legendary Indian ghazal singer Jagjit Singh into the forefront of Nepali music, not to mention Udit Narayan Jha often singing to his tunes.

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.

Surya Shyangden is an Nepalese singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Born in Old Baneshwor Ktm, Nepal. Shyangden attended Conservatory but disenrolled and moved to AIM(Australian Institute Of Music)in 2016. Working on a band (PRAYOM) as a frontman and Guitarist, started to write songs and composed them. Since 1998 involving on a band,  started a new career as a Sound Engineer as NEPTUNE Recording Studio. During on a band, wrote and composed a song like, "DAMI GANJA", "AUNDAI CHU","SUNGAVA" and many other. Among them "AUNDAI CHU" got nominated on 5 category of 70th Hits F.M music award. Recently he released "Ma Jujuman", Nepalese EDM song on youtube. Approximately living 12yrs in Australia, he came back to Nepal to do something in Nepalese music industry and wanna help upcoming fresh talent to put their level on a peak.