Jagannath Dhaugoda

Navaraj Gurung is a highly acclaimed Tabla player based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Let me share some interesting details about him: YouTube Channel: Navaraj Gurung has a YouTube channel where he showcases his tabla performances. One of his notable covers is “Ham Tan” by Ali Ghamsari, where he adds his unique aspect of tabla accompaniment to the melodic structure. Rhythm and Joy: Navaraj Gurung’s extempore tabla performance was shot at the magical Kirateshwor Sangeet Temple in Pashupati. The video captures the spontaneous nature of tabla playing. Albums and Compositions: Over the past three decades, Navaraj Gurung has been actively involved in playing tabla and composing music. He has released 25 albums, spanning genres from Eastern classical music to fusion tracks and tabla solos. His debut album, “Moment,” was launched in 2000. Navaraj Gurung’s contribution to Nepali music is significant, and his mastery of the tabla continues to inspire music enthusiasts worldwide! 🎶🥁

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.

Jay Prakas Joshi (JP) is a Nepali tabla player and performing musician known for his rhythmic precision, classical grounding, and versatile accompaniment style across live stages and studio sessions. Active in Nepal’s contemporary music circuit, he represents a generation of musicians who blend traditional tabla techniques with modern performance settings, supporting singers, folk ensembles, and fusion acts.JP is recognized for his steady presence in live concerts, cultural programs, and collaborative musical projects, where his playing adds depth, timing, and emotional texture. His work reflects a commitment to preserving classical rhythmic traditions while adapting them for today’s diverse Nepali musical landscape.

Mukesh Shakya is a young Nepali tabalist and classical musician, known as a disciple of the late maestro Rabin Lal Shrestha. He has performed in classical music sessions organized by the Society of Classical Music Nepal, including their 76th session, where his tabla playing was featured and praised for its precision and depth. Mukesh represents a new generation of Nepali classical artists dedicated to preserving and evolving traditional forms like tabla and Hindustani music. His training under Rabin Lal Shrestha places him in a respected lineage of percussionists, and his public performances reflect a growing commitment to Nepal’s classical music scene