The National Music Awards 2025, organised by Radio Kantipur, honoured legendary musician Shambhujeet Baskota with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday

Several other artists from across 14 diverse categories were honoured at the special function organised at the Godavari Sunrise Convention Centre.

One of the most touching moments of the event came with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary composer Baskota, who was honoured for his decades-long contribution to Nepali music.

Born in 1957 in Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Baskota has composed music for over 355 Nepali films and more than 2,000 modern, folk, and devotional songs.

Kailash Sirohiya, chairman of Kantipur Media Group, Director Swastika Sirohiya, and Managing Director Sambhav Sirohiya honoured Baskota with the award.

Among the event’s major award winners, RC Rimal claimed Best Debut Singer for his heartfelt song “Je hunuthyo bhaisakyo”. In the Adhunik (modern) categories, Tika Prasain was awarded Best Singer (female) for “Ae Jindagi”, and Shiva Pariyar took home Best Singer (male) for “Chupchap”.

Bhushan Kharel won Best Lyricist for “Janchhau Bhane”, while Prakash Dutraj and Shanti Shree Pariyar earned accolades as Best Folk Singer (Male) and Best Folk Singer (Female), respectively, for “Karim” and “Timi ra ma jam maya”.

Pop sensation Sushant KC walked away with two awards—Best Pop Singer (male) and the prestigious People’s Choice Award, both for his hit song “Bardali”. Trishala Gurung received Best Pop Singer (female) for her vibrant track “Beach Vibes”.

In the playback singing category, Samikshya Adhikari won Best Playback Singer (female) for “Bujhina Maile” from the film Boksiko Ghar, while SD Yogi was named Best Playback Singer (male) for “Rukum Maikot” from the film Khushma.

For the first time, the Radio Kantipur awarded the Best Hip-hop and R&B category, which went to Brijesh Shrestha for his standout track “Mutuma Basera”.

The Best Band award was clinched by Kuma Sagar & The Khwopa Band, led by the popular Kuma Sagar, whose popularity among young audiences continues to rise.

The event featured energetic performances by Durgesh Thapa, Kuma Sagar, Swoopna Suman, Elena Chauhan, Asmita Adhikari, and Wangden Sherpa, along with comic segments by Sundar Khanal and Sujita Shrestha, adding to the celebration’s festive atmosphere.

The National Music Awards continues to recognise and uplift both emerging and established talents across genres, including pop, folk, playback, and hip-hop.

This year’s edition, blending heartfelt stories and high-calibre artistry, has once again affirmed the strength and diversity of Nepali music.