Yashoda Khaling Rai

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.

Rabi Rimal is a talented Nepali singer, lyricist, composer, and music director. Born on April 11, 1973, in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, he is the son of Mr. Raghu Prasad Rimal and Mrs. Laxmi Rimal. Rabi started his musical career after school in 2053 B.S. by forming his own band named SAD ROSE. His first song, "Chari Udyo Badal Chhunalai," became a blockbuster hit and remains popular in the Nepali music industry. Notable Songs "Chari Udyo Badal Chhunalai": A superhit Nepali classic pop song. "Nabolau": A popular Nepali pop song released in 2016. Rabi Rimal continues to inspire many with his music and dedication to his craft. 🎶

Manoj Khadka is a passionate Nepali lyricist whose words bridge music, emotion, and meaning across generations. While his professional journey spans over two decades, working with renowned agencies such as SAARC, the World Bank, USAID, DFID, American Red Cross, and several other international, inter-governmental, and nonprofit organizations across Nepal, the USA, Africa, and many countries in Asia, songwriting becomes his creative passion — a space where he channels personal expression, cultural reflection, and social insight. His debut song, “Timi Je Bana Udaharan Bana”, performed by Pramod Kharel and Trishala Gurung, is a motivational piece especially cherished by children and educators. Among his most celebrated works is the historic song “Ghazal Unkai Geet Unkai”, which became the first-ever recorded song by three generations of the legendary Ghulam Ali Khan family — a rare and historic milestone in South Asian music history. His lyrical works have been brought to life by Nepal’s most respected voices, including “Gaughar Le Sodhyo Pardeshi Lai” by Ram Krishna Dhakal, “Tejasvi Apsara” by Menuka Poudel, “New York Sahar Ghumna” by Rajesh Payal Rai, and the powerful duet “Sensation” by Ram Krishna Dhakal and Pratap Das. Known for his ability to capture the nuances of romance, social dynamics, and cultural identity, Manoj’s songs resonate deeply with diverse audiences. His commitment to lyrical storytelling — grounded in emotion and cultural context — has positioned him as one of Nepal’s most thoughtful and boundary-crossing contemporary lyricists.

Indira Joshi is a prominent Nepalese singer, model, and dancer, often referred to as the "Nepali Shakira" due to her dynamic stage presence and dance moves. Born on July 18, 1990, in Parasi Bazar, Nawalparasi, she began singing at a young age, inspired by her grandmother's love for Bhajans. Her career took off after participating in the singing competition "Nepali Tara," where she was the only female finalist. She is known for her hit songs like "Udhreko Choli," "Rato Ghanghara," and "Behuli," and has also served as a judge on reality shows like Nepal Idol. Indira Joshi continues to be a celebrated figure in Nepalese pop music and entertainment