Celebrating the evolution of Nepali music, the eighth edition of the Xtreme Energy Drinks National Music Awards, organised by Radio Kantipur, will be held on July 10 at The Plaza, Pulchowk.

The annual awards ceremony will spotlight established and emerging talent with performances by Samriddhi Rai, Ujan Shakya, Deepak Bajracharya, Mantra Band and John and The Locals.

A medley to honour the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be performed by Shiva Pariyar, Yaman Shrestha and Salina BK, followed by an Xtreme performance by VZN.

The evening’s entertainment will also include a comedy act by Prabhat Lama and Karma Singh Lama.

“Recognition plays a vital role in inspiring both emerging and established artists. For new talent, it serves as encouragement and validation that their work matters. For seasoned artists, it is an acknowledgement of years of dedication and contribution to the industry,” says Simran Shrestha, KMG’s corporate manager.

“We believe both are equally important in building a stronger musical ecosystem.”

Known for her introspective pop songs and heartfelt love ballads, such as Prayas, Herana, and Ma Dammi Chhu, Samriddhi Rai has established herself as one of Nepal’s distinctive contemporary singer-songwriters.

Since the release of her debut single, ‘Biswas’, Rai has built a personal identity that blends personal storytelling with social reflection. Tracks such as ‘Ma Chahi Nepali’, ‘Samaj Ko Kura’, and ‘Pariwartan’ deliver messages of civic responsibility and optimism.

Blending pop aesthetics with Newa language and culture, Ujan Shakya, with his songs ‘Kumari’, ‘Lumanti’, ‘Rajamati Chha’, ‘Matina Ya Swa’, brings heritage and modernity in the same track.

With style, he creates music that resonates with generations, earning him millions of views on YouTube.

“What makes the National Music Awards stand out is that it embraces the diversity of Nepali music,” says Shrestha. “From mainstream to folk, contemporary to traditional, our goal is to ensure every genre and every deserving artist has a place on this stage.”

Salina BK, with her powerful vocals and versatile presence, has been introduced as one of the most promising young singers. Her music, ‘Chainejo Jindaganima’, ‘Oye Bhadani Bolena’, and ‘Milan Ko Geet’ range from contemporary pop to folk-inspired melodies.

In the event, she will be performing along with renowned artist Shiva Pariyar, known for his hit songs ‘Pilayo Sathile’, ‘Aansu ko Artha’, ‘Fewa Talma Saili’, and Yaman Shrestha, known for his nostalgic 90s songs like ‘Aakashama Tara Joon’, ‘Yi Aakhale’, ‘Manda Manda’, and ‘Meri Sanghi’

Most Nepalis would agree that John and the Locals’ live performances are unforgettable. The band has built a reputation for turning every concert into a sing-along. With crowd favourites such as ‘K Garu’, ‘Farkanna Hola’, ‘Hawa Jastai’, and ‘Sadhana’, the band has left its audience with lasting memories.

Since its debut with the studio album ‘Mantra’ in 2003, the Mantra Band has built a remarkable legacy in the Nepali music industry with hit songs including ‘Sadhai Sadhai’, ‘Bir Gorkhali’, ‘Ekantama’, and ‘Jaba Samma’.

Several award categories such as ‘Best New Artist’, ‘Best Band’, ‘Best Singer (Male and Female, Lok and Adhunik)’, and ‘Best Music Director’ are set to be presented at the ceremony to recognise excellence and to bring together artists from different genres and generations.

“Every year, we learn, evolve, and aim to make the event bigger, better, and more meaningful. Nepal deserves a music platform of this scale, one that not only celebrates achievements but also motivates the next generation of musicians and strengthens the future of our music industry,” Shrestha adds.