Kantipur Radio, on the occasion of its 28th anniversary, is hosting the 8th ‘Xtreme Energy Drink Presents National Music Awards’ on July 10, 2026.

The nominees for eight award categories are now out.

The nominees for Best Lyricist are Raju Babu Shrestha for 'Jharile Katai', Pratima Gurung for 'Na June Sake Na Mama', Narayan Kumar Acharya for 'Sunchhau Malai Kasam', Manoj Bhandari for 'Antim Raat' and Puskar Pant for 'Lakhau Lakh Patak'.

The nominees for Best Music Director are Bajan Raj Shivakoti for 'Jharile Katai', Gaire Suresh for 'Bujhne Manchha', Nhyoo Bajracharya for 'Kasto Nasha', Reshma Pun for 'Maya Ka Geet' and Kabindra Tamang for 'Sath Kaile Samma'.

The nominees for Best Playback Singer Female are Rachana Rimal for 'Dhagale Bateko', Salina BK for 'Kun Hawa Le', Sunita Thegim for 'Yuma Hajuri', Samikshya Adhikari for 'Natra Bhane Jindagi' and Jhuma Limbu for 'Kafle'.

The nominees for Best Playback Singer Male are John Chamling Rai for 'Maya Garnu La', Sharad Humagai for 'Chahidaina Mahar', Sairaj Khati for 'Timro Malai Hunni Man Chha', Ketan Chhetri for 'Dherai Bhayo' and Pushpan Pradhan for 'Kagaz Ka Khata'.

The nominees for Best Adhunik Singer Female are Reshma Pun for 'Maya Ka Geet', Sajja Chaulagain for 'Kasto Nasha', Rachana Rimal for 'Aama', Banika Pradhan for 'Junie Pani' and Smita Pradhan for 'Halka Halka'.

The nominees for Best Adhunik Singer Male are Prabin Bedwal for 'Sunchhau Malai Kasam', Shiva Pariyar for 'Timi Arkaiko Bhaiokyou', Rajesh Payal Rai for 'Harek Raat', Swaroop Raj Acharya for 'Aama Ka Garera Tirau' and Suman Kumar Shrestha for 'Jharile Katai'.

The nominees for Best Lok Singer Female are Shanta Rani Pariyar for 'Pokhara Prithvi Chowka', Jyoti Magar for 'Jynappai', Shanti Shree Pariyar for 'Manang Kotaima', Tika Pun for 'Lalitai Balera Hero Mayale' and Devi Gharti Magar for 'Yanimaya'.

The nominees for Best Lok Singer Male are Arjun Sapkota for 'Jhalik', Prakash Dutraj for 'Chaina Ra Maya', Bashanta Thapa for 'Yanimaya', Raju Pariyar for 'Sani Nakhaya' and Subash Khatri for 'Shirma Shirbandi'.

The event is happening at The Plaza and will be live-streamed across all of Kantipur Media Group’s platforms.

Tickets can be purchased from kantipurevents.com and eSewa.