Bom Bahadur Karki

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.

Born on April 14, 1977, in Byasi, Bhaktapur, she is the eldest daughter of Krishna Bdr Rajchal and Purna Kesari Rajchal. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was inspired by her father’s love for the harmonium. Her musical journey began early—by class four, she was already performing in school programs and learning harmonium under Hari Prasad Bati. She completed her schooling at Prabhat English Boarding School and Sharda Secondary School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Lalit Kala Campus. Her passion for music led her to Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, where she earned a second bachelor's degree, followed by a master’s degree at Lalit Kala Campus upon her return to Nepal. She also holds a vocal diploma from Pragya Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. During her studies in India, she had the opportunity to perform with an orchestra group on Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, a turning point that helped shape her musical identity. It was in college that she discovered the sitar, an instrument that would become her primary medium of expression. Her professional career officially began in 2004 with the recording of her first song. In 2005, she released her debut album, "The Tradition", and followed it with "Talking Strings" in 2012, showcasing her evolving artistry and mastery of the sitar. Between these releases, she actively toured cities across Nepal and India, including Nepalgunj, Pune, Jharkhand, Nagpur, and Kolkata, bringing her music to diverse audiences. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to classical music and a lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing its beauty through performance and education.

Babina Kiratee (also known as Babina Rai) is a Nepali singer, performer, and visual artist known for her expressive voice and fusion of folk and contemporary music. Originally from eastern Nepal, she gained recognition with her debut album Morning in the Beginning, featuring songs like Chari Bhaye Mathi Mathi, Saila, and Tadha Thiye. She is the playback singer for Chhadke Salam (with Kali Prasad Baskota & Nischal Basnet) and BEHULI from MEGHAULI, where her vocals drive the narrative. Babina has also appeared in music videos like Meri Mayalai and Paicho Mage. Her work, featured on Music Nepal and OSR Digital, reflects deep cultural roots and a commitment to storytelling through sound and image.

Anju Panta is a Nepali ghazals and playback singer. Having lent her voice to popular numbers like the title song of Ma Timi Bina Marihaalchhu, Bhun bhun bolyo bhamara of Saput, Dil yo mero dil in Kismat, and Sustari sustari mannma for Darr, Anju has sung for 18 films and more than 100 Nepali melodious songs both in duets and solos.