Performing at an award show comes with a unique blend of celebration, pressure and prestige. While concerts thrive on spontaneity and crowd energy, award ceremonies demand a different kind of stage presence.

Musicians Kuma Sagar, Asmita Adhikari and Sushant KC share their experiences from previous Radio Kantipur National Music Awards, reflecting on their preshow rituals, memorable moments, and what performing on such a platform means to them.

Kuma Sagar and his band begin every performance with a grounding exercise. “Before we go up on the stage of any show, we gather around for our regular ritual to recite a praise aloud for maa, which goes like ‘bramhayeni mai ki jay’ to boost each other up and leave every emotion behind to own the stage with positivity,” Sagar explains.

For Asmita Adhikari, the ritual is more internal. “I take a deep breath, hum a little and say to myself—I know these songs, I trust my voice, let’s enjoy this moment,” she says.

Sushant KC and his team, meanwhile, rely on a simpler but equally meaningful ritual. Before every show, they share a group hug, followed by a brief motivational speech from a member.

As the previous Radio Kantipur National Music Awards was broadcast live on KMG’s platforms, Sagar admitted he was nervous before going on stage, but a sense of reassurance quickly surfaced. “We were nervous, especially at first, since it was a live broadcast, but we also sensed it was our moment, so we cheered each other up and thanked god for this opportunity,” Sagar recalls.

He also experiences an indescribable feeling that disappears the instant he steps onto the stage. “Once I see the audience, every feeling disappears, and it’s just pure joy,” he explains.

Adhikari, too, felt a mix of excitement and nerves heading into the show. “I was excited and a little nervous,” she says. “Because I had to perform with a band, and since it was a tribute to Sambhujeet Baskota sir, I just wanted to do it justice,” she recalls.

Asked which moment they would relive, Sagar points to the instant the band’s name was announced as the winner. “Walking up to the stage with our bandmates, after everything we’d been through together, is a moment we’d relive again and again. It reminds us of the journey we’ve shared from the very beginning,” he says.

Ashikari reminisces about the tribute itself. “The tribute was truly an honour for me,” she says.

For KC, the highlight was making his entrance from behind the audience and weaving through the crowd as he sang. Performing at such close range and looking audience members in the eye made the experience especially memorable. “I’d relive the moment I came out singing from behind the audience, moved through the crowd, looked into their eyes, and poured my heart out,” he says.

All the artists agreed that performing at an award show brings its own set of challenges. Sagar said that performing in front of respected musicians was both intimidating and beautiful, making the band determined to give their best performance.

KC pointed out that, unlike his high-energy concert performances, the awards show called for a more measured approach. With the audience seated, he had to strike a balance between excitement and composure while maintaining a graceful stage presence.

Adhikari’s main concern while going on stage was about logistics rather than the performance itself. “I was more concerned about technical issues, sound adjustments, or last-minute changes,” she explains.

Every stage, she believes, adds something to her growth. “Every stage performance helps me grow and teaches me something new as an artist,” she adds.

Reflecting on the experience, Sagar said preparing for performances has taught the band the importance of staying calm before every show. “Preparing for the stage has taught us to stay calm and positive before every performance. That’s how we’ve been able to connect with audiences at every show and share the experience of our culture and music,” he says.

Similarly, KC said the event reinforced the importance of balance. “Usually, I’m very energetic when I perform because I like to hype up the crowd,” he says. “But at the awards show, finding the right balance between energy and a calm, dignified performance was a challenge, especially with a seated audience.”

Sharing a message for this year’s performers, Sagar encourages artists to embrace every opportunity on stage. He said that performing at the previous Radio Kantipur National Music Awards only strengthened the band’s confidence and passion for making music, and he wished all the performers the very best.

Adhikari, too, encouraged this year’s performers to enjoy the moment and trust the preparation. “Every performance is a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow,” she says.

KC’s advice is simple: “Be yourself, and don’t forget to have fun.”