The sixth edition of the National Music Awards, a prestigious event in Nepal’s music industry, was held at the Soaltee, Tahachal. Organised by Radio Kantipur, the event honoured song composers, producers, and artists across 13 categories on Friday.

The ceremony began with a performance by multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Lochan Rijal, followed by the official opening hosted by Sanjay Silwal Gupta.

Kailash Sirohiya, chairman of Kantipur Media Group, delivered the welcome speech, highlighting the importance of unbiased reporting and equal recognition for all music creators.

“We believe these music events have strengthened the foundations of our music industry. We not only practise unbiased reporting in journalism but also in honouring those working hard for the betterment of the music industry,” said Sirohiya. “Even those who don’t win today should remember that their dedication to music is always respected and appreciated.”

The awards were determined by a two-tier jury system. The top five nominees in each category were announced on June 2, with winners selected from songs aired between June 2022 and July 2023.

Suresh Dhungana won the Best New Singer award for his song ‘Eh Raat.’ Pradeep Mainali was honoured as the Best Lyricist for his song ‘K Lat Basyo Malai,’ while Mahesh Khadka received the Best Music Director award for ‘Dhunga Jasto.’

In the Lok Music category, Shanti Shree Pariyar was awarded Best Female Lok Singer for her song ‘Majhi Dai,’ and Prakash Saput won Best Male Lok Singer for ‘Sakambari.’ Benisha Poudel was recognised as the Best Playback Singer Female for her song ‘Diula Maya,’ and SD Yogi took home the Best Playback Singer Male award for ‘Bemausami.’

In the Adhunik Music category, Sangeeta Pradhan Rana bagged the Best Female Adhunik Singer for ‘Kaiyaun Dukha,’ and Tilak Singh Pela was named Best Male Adhunik Singer for ‘Ke Lat Basyo.’

The band Swor won Best Band for their song ‘Aparibhasit,’ while Subani Moktan was awarded Best Pop Singer Female for ‘Baani,’ and Sushant KC won Best Pop Singer Male for ‘Sarangi.’

Musician, singer and composer Om Bikram Bista, also recognised as the ‘King of Pop’ in Nepal, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, with a cash prize of Rs100,000. In the previous edition, veteran director, writer, poet and lyricist Yadav Kharel was honoured with the award.

Swoopna Suman and Samir Shrestha received the Public Choice Award, determined through eSewa voting, for their song ‘Je Chhau Timi.’

The ceremony concluded with a special performance by Pawandeep Rajan, winner of Indian Idol Season 12, along with his team, marking a memorable end to a night celebrating the best of Nepali music.