Cover Photo Courtesy: Swoopna: @ratna_sambhav_upadhaya; Subani: @limeandlemonchitwan; Sushant: @club.platinum

The 5th edition of the Radio Kantipur National Music Award took place in Kathmandu on Thursday evening (Jul 6).

15 winners were announced in different categories, with five nominees competing for each of those awards. A special ‘Lifetime Achievement’ honor was awarded to lyricist Yadav Kharel, for his contribution in the music field for six decades now.

The event was held on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Radio Kantipur; and the nominees were selected among the songs and musicians featured on Radio Kantipur between August 2021 and August 2022.

Suraj Pandit’s ‘Rel Ko Bato‘ and ‘Dhokebaaj Hau Timi‘ by Eleena Chauhan and Shiva Pariyar were the songs nominated in most number of categories this year — with four nominations each. While the former was nominated for Best New Singer, Best Lyricist, Best Music Director and Best Singer Male Adhunik; the latter for People Choice Award, Best Singer Female Adhunik, Best Singer Male Adhunik and Best Music Director.

Here’s the full list of winners.

Best New Singer: Suraj Pandit for Relko Bato

Best Lyricist: Hark Saud for Ghumi Ghumi

Best Music Director: Hari Lamsal for Kharpan

Best Singer (Female – Lok): Samjhana Bhandari for Peer

Best Singer (Male – Lok): Prakash Saput for Peer

Best Playback Singer – Male: Ravi Oad for A Mero Hajur

Best Playback Singer – Female: Asmita Adhikari for Babari Rang

Best National Song: Shanti Ram Bhattarai for Aaja Malai Yahi Maato

Best Singer (Pop Male): Swoopna Suman for Bacha Bhayo

Best Singer (Pop Female): Subani Moktan for Maya Ho Ki Maya Jastai

Best Band: Anuprastha for Samjhera Malai

Best Singer (Male Adhunik): Raj Sigdel for Aafno Baato

Best Singer (Female Adhunik): Rachana Rimal for Ajhai Pani

Best Duet Song: Mahesh Kafle and Ashmita Adhikari for Lajjawati Jhaar

People Choice Award: Sushant KC for Risaune Bhaye

A number of artists including Indian Idol 10 winner Salman Ali, Prakash Saput, Shiva Pariyar, Subani Moktan, Swoopna Suman and Samir Shrestha, among others had performed in the event. While accepting the award for Best Band, Anuprastha frontman Niran Shahi dedicated the award to rock legend Robin Tamang who passed away earlier this week.

Congratulations to all the winners!

I do hope they introduce a rap category in the next edition, though.