Sanjaya Shrestha

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.

The band began its musical quest on January 2nd, 2003 playing live gigs in hotels and lounge bars. It was essentially an acoustic blues band before it kicked off as a rock outfit. Lead singer Abhaya Subba is the founder member and manager of the band, while Rinchen Palzar who now plays the lead guitar joined the band in early 2004. Nabin Lama on the guitar was discovered by Abhaya while she was judging a reality show, The Sprite band challenge and he joined the band in 2008. Birat Shrestha on the bass joined the band mid 2009 and so did Ajit Tamang as the drummer. Abhaya had always been featured in well known bands such as Parikrama, Red Skywalkers and Punchtatva but she was getting frustrated with the way most other bands underestimated her song writing skills. What she had been seeking for was a band that would let her express herself fully and have a similar vision. She formed the band in 2003 with younger musicians than her who seemed to be more accepting of her need to write songs and articulate her full potential as a musician. Their first self titled album, released in February 2005, surprised Nepal as they had never seen such a bold female singer ever. It went on to becoming a runaway success and the band managed to carve a niche amongst the youth of Nepal. With their groundbreaking second album, Nayan, hitting the Nepali charts in 2008 their songs managed to embrace a larger listenership that established the band as one of the best that Nepal has ever seen or heard. They have been nominated for several major music awards in Nepal and were awarded the honor of being the Number 1 band of Nepal by Radio Kantipur in 2009. They have performed extensively all over Nepal and are planning a US tour in the near future. They have been invited to major concerts in Hong Kong, Australia and India. Their best is yet to come. They are now in the process of recording their third album and are raring to push the benchmark and to make music a thinking, entertaining and steamy affair.

Robin is a singer and a professional voice artiste from Nepal. He sings contemporary Nepali songs. Some of his hits include Kun Mandirma Janchhou Yatri, Juni juni lai, Timi yesai lajayew, Harsha le mann and Afai lai bhaar bhayo, among others. He has seven music albums and several hundred singles. The latest albums are Mayalu Aabhaas, Rumaani Bataas, Pareliko Aakaash and Silsila. Mayalu Aabhaas, Rumaani Bataas and Pareliko are cross-border collaborations with a talented team from India. Robin currently lives in Horseheads, New York, USA.

Reshma Sunuwar is a talented singer successfully in the field of Nepali music industry. Sunuwar credits her father for his support and role he has played in her life in molding her into what she has become today. One of the talented singers of Nepal, Reshma Sunuwar has song many songs including the popular Mai thuli vai chhu re and has also bagged few awards for her works.