Niva Dangol

Yogesh Vaidya was a Nepalese singer and musician, often referred to as the Muhammad Rafi of Nepal. He was born in Kathmandu between 1946 and 1947 and passed away on January 18, 2024, at the age of 77. Vaidya was known for his contributions to Nepali and Newari-language music, with popular songs like "Sapana Bhulayee Saara," "Mero Aanshumaa Nahanse," and "Nepal Mero Timilai Upahar Bhayo". He also sang well-known Newari songs such as "Jai Namo Siri Buddha Bhagwan" and "Jimi Yahmah Thaun Jithay Wai". Beyond music, he worked in civil service for 33 years, retiring as a joint secretary in 2005. He held a master’s degree in food and nutrition from Ghent University, Belgium. Vaidya received several prestigious awards, including the Chhinnalata Song Award, the Mahila Geetkar Sangh Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), and the Bindabasini Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)

Arun Thapa (1952–1999) was a beloved Nepali singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics. Born in Calcutta, India, he moved to Kathmandu as an infant and later studied in Darjeeling before returning to Nepal to pursue music. His career began in the early 1970s, with his first major hit Jati Maya Laye Pani launching him into national fame. Thapa’s music often reflected themes of love, longing, and introspection, inspired by a personal heartbreak during his college years. His compositions blended poetic depth with melodic simplicity, earning him a devoted following. He worked briefly at Nepal Bank Limited before dedicating himself fully to music, recording for Radio Nepal and releasing two acclaimed albums: Arun and The Best of Arun. Despite battling lung and liver ailments, he continued to sing until his passing in 1999. His legacy lives on through his timeless songs, many of which are considered sadabahar (evergreen) classics.

Shyam Karki is a Nepali singer, songwriter, and performer best known for his romantic ballads and emotionally resonant vocals. He rose to prominence with the 2016 hit “Timro Mayale Badhera Rakha”, a soulful love song that became a defining track in his career. The song, composed by Birat Kadariya with lyrics by Rabi Malla and arrangement by Almoda Rana Uprety, has garnered over 8 million views on YouTube. Beyond this signature hit, Shyam has continued to release music that blends heartfelt storytelling with melodic pop and modern arrangements. His discography includes: “Kalpana Ko Kura” (2024) – a 4-song EP exploring themes of dreams and longing “Suni Hera Dilko Dhadkan” – a romantic single released in 2021 “Samhalda Samhaldai” – a duet with Swostika Dhakal, showcasing his softer vocal tone “Kaha Gayau Mayalu Mero” – a lyrical collaboration with Salina BK and Birat Kadariya

Arjun Kaushal is a seasoned Nepali singer, composer, and lyricist originally from Palpa. His journey into music is as heartfelt as it is inspiring. After a difficult childhood marked by his parents’ separation, he moved with his mother to Gulmi and later to Delhi at just 11 years old, where he worked in a mechanic shop. It was there that his love for music blossomed—he bought a harmonium with his earnings and began teaching himself to play by ear. Returning to Nepal at 15, he enrolled in a singing school in Palpa and eventually made his way to Kathmandu to pursue music more seriously. Despite lacking formal training, Kaushal immersed himself in the craft, learning through practice and collaboration with fellow musicians like Laxmi Neupane and Durga Gurung. His debut album Aaune Dashain Ma (2054 BS) was self-produced but didn’t gain much traction. However, his second album Manai Ta Ho became a regional hit in mid- and far-western Nepal.