Tshering Bhutia

Shiva Shankar Manandhar (1932–2004) was a legendary figure in Nepali music and cinema, celebrated for his versatility as a singer, composer, and actor. Born in Newroad, Kathmandu, to a musically inclined Newar family, his early exposure to classical Newari songs through his father, Man Bahadur, laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to music. He joined Radio Nepal in 1951, where he collaborated with Nati Kaji to shape the golden era of Nepali music. Over his prolific career, he composed around 1,200 songs and sang nearly 300, spanning genres like love ballads, bhajans, patriotic anthems, and tragic melodies. His compositions for artists such as Narayan Gopal, Tara Devi, and Aruna Lama remain timeless. 🎬 In cinema, Shiva Shankar played the lead role of Lahure Dai in Aama (1964), Nepal’s first feature film. Though he didn’t pursue acting further, he composed music for several early Nepali films, contributing to the industry's formative sound. 🎶 Sadabahar (Evergreen) Songs: Aama ko sapana – a heartfelt tribute to motherhood Yo Nepali shir uchali – a patriotic anthem Timro lagi ma birsine – a romantic classic His music blended folk traditions with orchestral arrangements, pioneering modern Nepali pop while preserving cultural authenticity. Shiva Shankar received numerous national honors and served as Executive Director of Ratna Recording Corporation (1987–1991). Even post-retirement, he remained a guardian of Nepal’s musical soul.

Neetesh Jung Kunwar is a popular Nepali singer, songwriter, and performer known for his unique style and relatable lyrics. Born on May 26, 1994, in Lalitpur, Nepal, he grew up in a musical family. His father was a musician and part of a band called Prism, which greatly influenced Neetesh’s early interest in music. Early Life and Education Neetesh spent his childhood in Lalitpur, where he also completed his schooling. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Apex College in Kathmandu. From a young age, he was passionate about music, learning to play the guitar and participating in various singing competitions. Musical Journey Neetesh’s musical career took off when he started uploading his songs to YouTube. His breakthrough came with the song “Gedai Jasto Jindagi,” which resonated with many Nepali youths and made him an overnight sensation. Some of his other popular songs include “Aashma,” “Hamro Nepalma,” and "Flirty Maya". Career Highlights First Official Music Video: “Flirty Maya” Hit Songs: “Gedai Jasto Jindagi,” “Aashma,” “Hamro Nepalma” First International Tour: Sydney, Australia Neetesh’s journey from a corporate executive at Ford Motor Company to a celebrated musician is truly inspiring. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with his audience have made him a beloved figure in the Nepali music industry.

Kandara Band, also known simply as Kandara, is a musical group from Pokhara, Nepal. The band formed in 1994 and takes its name from the Nepalese word for “a gorge or a cave in the middle of remote hills or mountains.” They have been instrumental in establishing the folk-pop genre within the Nepalese music industry. Some of their popular songs include: “Lekaki Hey Maya”: A soulful track that resonated with listeners. “Hongkong Pokhara”: This song gained fame beyond Pokhara and Nepal, becoming popular among migrant Nepalese worldwide. “Tagaroma Rumal Rakhi”: A hit that rejuvenated the band after an 8-year break. Kandara collaborates with renowned Nepalese poets and lyricists to create meaningful lyrics. Their music emphasizes themes of nationalism, love, and nature. Recently, they made a comeback with the album featuring the popular song “Bhedi Gothaima”. 🎵🌟 If you’d like to explore their music, you can find it on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. 🎶

Ciney Gurung is a talented Nepali singer, composer, and songwriter. Born on December 8, 1977, in Kurseong, Darjeeling, she later moved to Nepal, where she gained recognition for her soulful music. Her career took off with hit songs like "Timro Mayama" and "Mann," and she was named the best female pop singer of the year by Radio Kantipur in 2009. She has contributed to various albums and projects, including participating in "Melancholy," an environmental song featuring 365 Nepali artists, which set a Guinness World Record for the most vocal solos in a song recording. Ciney Gurung's music often blends pop with heartfelt lyrics, making her a beloved figure in Nepali music.