Damber Nepali

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.

Ramita Bhandari is a Nepali singer, model, and performer known for her expressive presence and versatile artistic journey. Once celebrated as a successful model, she worked across all major branches of modeling—music videos, television commercials, fashion shows, event hosting, and talent competitions—earning titles in more than a dozen talent shows. Her strong screen presence made her a familiar face on Nepali television, where she appeared in numerous music videos, advertisements, and programs.Ramita released her first solo album in 2058 BS (2001/2002 AD), marking her entry into the music industry. After a period away from the limelight, she made a notable comeback with the song “Black Handsome Boy”, written, composed, and sung by herself. Her ability to create music independently—writing lyrics, composing melodies, and performing—highlights her artistic depth and personal style.Throughout her career, Ramita has also been active in fashion shows, stage events, and media presentations, maintaining a strong connection with the entertainment field. Her return to music re‑established her identity as a singer with a unique voice and creative vision, reaffirming her place in the Nepali music and modeling industry.

Paras Gazmer was a respected Nepali musician, composer, lyricist, and singer from Darjeeling, celebrated for his emotionally powerful songwriting and his unique ability to translate personal struggle into deeply moving music. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of one and a half due to measles, he rose to become one of the most influential musical voices of the Darjeeling hills.Born in Tindharey, Kurseong in 1962, Paras studied at the Kalimpong Blind School, where he learned guitar and developed his musical foundation. Entirely self‑taught, he composed, wrote, and arranged his own songs, drawing inspiration from lived experience, inner emotion, and the philosophy that “our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.”He gained widespread recognition with his acclaimed albums Sanjha Ko Gham (1993) and Mero Bhagya (1999), both of which left a lasting mark on Nepali music. His compositions often explored themes of longing, hardship, and the inner world of the differently‑abled, resonating deeply with audiences across Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Nepali diaspora.Paras Gazmer performed extensively across the hills and neighboring regions and was honored by various cultural organizations for his contributions. His legacy continues to be remembered as that of a musical icon who transformed adversity into art.

Sudip Giri (born April 25, 1982, Chitwan) is a Nepali pop singer, songwriter, and composer known for his emotional modern‑pop style and widely loved hits such as Timi Aaja Bholi, Tutnu Thiyo Tutyo Mutu, Sannani Ko, Na Bijaune Phool, and Ma Ta Timrai Ho Ni. He began his musical journey in the early 2000s, first performing with the Chitwan‑based band Octave‑C before moving to Kathmandu for formal vocal and harmonium training.His debut album CANVASS (2000) became one of the successful pop albums of its time, followed by FRENZ (2005) and KATHA (2009). Many of his songs from these albums—especially Timi Aaja Bholi, Tutnu Thiyo Tutyo Mutu, Katha, and Sannani Ko—remain among the most streamed Nepali pop tracks on digital platforms.Sudip’s music blends heartfelt lyrics, soft‑rock influences, and melodic phrasing, making him a recognizable voice in Nepal’s 2000s–2010s pop era. His EP Canvass (2019 re‑release) and later singles such as Thikai Vo and Pritiko Mala Gaser continue to keep his catalog active across YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Deezer.He has received multiple honors including the Image Award (Best New Artist, 2004), Kalika Awards (Best Vocal 2004, Best Composer 2006), Dhuk Dhuki Award (2004), and nominations at Hits FM Music Awards. He has toured internationally in the USA, Hong Kong, Qatar, India, and Nepal.