Kathmandu, July 2 – Honoring the development of Nepalese music, the eighth installment of the Xtreme Energy Drinks National Music Awards, hosted by Radio Kantipur, is scheduled for July 10 at The Plaza, Pulchowk.
The yearly award event will highlight both seasoned and new artists through performances from Samriddhi Rai, Ujan Shakya, Deepak Bajracharya, Mantra Band, and John and The Locals.
A tribute featuring Shiva Pariyar, Yaman Shrestha, and Salina BK will take place in recognition of the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, succeeded by an energetic act from VZN.
The night's program will also feature a humorous performance from Prabhat Lama and Karma Singh Lama.
"Recognition holds significant importance in motivating both up-and-coming and well-known artists. For fresh talents, it acts as support and proof that their creations hold value. For experienced artists, it represents appreciation for decades of effort and involvement within the field," states Simran Shrestha, KMG's corporate manager.
Both hold equal significance in fostering a more robust music environment.
Recognized for her reflective pop tracks and emotional love songs like Prayas, Herana, and Ma Dammi Chhu, Samriddhi Rai has become one of Nepal's most notable modern musician-composers.
Following the launch of her first single, "Biswas," Rai has developed an individual persona that combines narrative expression with societal insight. Songs like "Ma Chahi Nepali," "Samaj Ko Kura," and "Pariwartan" convey themes of public duty and hope.
Combining pop styles with the Newar language and traditions, Ujan Shakya, through tracks like 'Kumari,' 'Lumanti,' 'Rajamati Chha,' and 'Matina Ya Swa,' merges cultural legacy with contemporary elements within each song.
In a distinctive manner, he composes music that connects across ages, accumulating millions of hits on YouTube.
what sets the national music awards apart is their acceptance of nepal's musical variety," notes shrestha. "from popular tunes to folk melodies, modern tracks to classical pieces, our aim is to provide each style and worthy performer with a spot here.
Salina BK, known for her strong voice and adaptable stage persona, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in the younger generation of vocalists. Songs like "Chainejo Jindaganima," "Oye Bhadani Bolena," and "Milan Ko Geet" showcase her talent across various genres, including modern pop and traditional folk tunes.
During the event, she will take the stage alongside celebrated musician Shiva Pariyar, famous for his popular tracks "Pilayo Sathile," "Aansu ko Artha," "Feya Talma Saili," and Yaman Shrestha, recognized for his sentimental 90s hits such as "Aakashama Tara Joon," "Yi Aakhale," "Manda Manda," and "Meri Sanghi."
Many Nepalese people believe that the live shows of John and the Locals are hard to forget. The group has gained a fame for making each performance an interactive singing event. Featuring popular tracks like "K Garu," "Farkanna Hola," "Hawa Jastai," and "Sadhana," the band has created enduring moments for their fans.
Starting from their first studio album titled 'Mantra' in 2003, the Mantra Band has established an impressive reputation within the Nepali music scene through popular tracks like 'Sadhai Sadhai,' 'Bir Gorkhali,' 'Ekantama,' and 'Jaba Samma.'
Numerous prize categories including "Best New Artist," "Best Band," "Best Singer (Male and Female, Lok and Adhunik)," and "Best Music Director" will be awarded during the event to honor outstanding talent and unite musicians across various styles and eras.
"Each year, we continue to learn, grow, and strive to expand the event, making it larger, improved, and more significant. Nepal merits a musical stage of this magnitude, which not only honors accomplishments but also inspires the upcoming wave of artists and enhances the prospects of our music sector," Shrestha further states.