Neetesh Jung Kunwar

Seturam Pradhan holds the distinction of being the first Nepali singer. Born in 1891 in Kathmandu, Nepal, he was a pioneer in Nepali music and played a significant role in its early development. His contributions laid the foundation for modern Nepali music, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and musicians in Nepal.  

Amrita Uprety is a gifted Nepali flautist and classical musician, known for her soulful performances and dedication to the bansuri (Indian bamboo flute). Originally from Nepal, she has been a residential disciple at Vrindaban Gurukul, the prestigious music school founded by Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, for over 15 years. Her training under the legendary maestro has shaped her into one of the most promising female flautists in the Indian classical tradition. Amrita has performed at major cultural events such as the RFPA Holi Festival 2022, and has received accolades including the Girnar Festival Award and the Female Flautist Award from the Sundari Wadan Festival. Her music blends technical precision with emotional depth, captivating audiences across India and Nepal. She continues to represent Nepali talent on international stages, inspiring young musicians—especially women—to pursue classical music with passion and discipline.

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. 🎶

Tara Devi, revered as “The Nightingale of Nepal,” was one of the most influential and beloved voices in Nepali music. Born on 15 January 1945 in Indrachowk, Kathmandu, she began singing at Radio Nepal as a young teenager and soon emerged as the defining female voice of modern Nepali music. Over a career spanning four decades, she recorded more than 4,000 songs, ranging from modern melodies and patriotic anthems to devotional and folk compositions, shaping the emotional and cultural soundscape of an entire nation.Her voice—soft, expressive, and deeply emotive—became synonymous with Nepali identity. Songs like “Phool Ko Thunga,” “Udi Jaun Bhanne,” “Mann Ko Bandh,” “Bhimsen Thapa,” and countless others remain timeless classics, cherished across generations and the global Nepali diaspora. Tara Devi’s artistry elevated Nepali music to new heights, bringing refinement, dignity, and lyrical depth to the modern genre.In recognition of her extraordinary contribution, she received some of Nepal’s highest national honors, including the Jagadamba Shree Award (2050 B.S. / 1993 A.D.), the Indra Rajyalaxmi Pragya Puraskar, the Chhinnalata Puraskar, the Maina Puraskar, and the Nai Sur Samman. She was also decorated with the Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (First Class), the Mahendra Ratna Abhushan, the Gaddi Arohan Rajat Padak, and the Birendra Aishwarya Sewa Padak, along with numerous other national and international recognitions.Despite personal tragedies later in life, Tara Devi continued to embody grace, devotion, and artistic integrity. She passed away on 23 January 2006, leaving behind a monumental legacy that continues to inspire singers, musicians, and music lovers across the world. Her voice remains a cultural treasure—an enduring symbol of Nepal’s musical soul.