The highly anticipated National Music Awards 2025, organised by Radio Kantipur, has kicked off at the Godavari Sunrise Convention Centre, celebrating achievements in Nepal’s music industry across 14 competitive categories.

RC Rimal won the Best Debut Singer award for his emotionally rich performance in “Je hunuthyo bhaisakyo”. Rimal, previously a contestant on The Voice of Nepal, was among a diverse group of new talents nominated in the debut category, including Karan Pariyar, Subash Sundas, Subodh Sagar Dhakal, and Neeru Budhamagar.

In the modern song categories, Tika Prasain secured the award for Best Singer (female) with her poignant song “Ae jindagi” while Shiva Pariyar was named Best Singer (male) for his heartfelt rendition of “Chupchap”.

Both artists outshone a strong field of nominees, reaffirming their place as leading voices in Nepal’s contemporary music scene.

Bhushan Kharel took home the Best Lyricist award for his lyrical work on “Janchhau bhane”, and Prakash Dutraj was honoured as Best Singer (folk male) for his song “Karim”. Shanti Shree Pariyar, a multiple nominee this year, won Best Singer (folk female) for “Timi ra ma jam maya”.

The ceremony also features a Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented to a distinguished figure for their lifelong contribution to Nepali music.

The event isn’t just about awards. A vibrant lineup of live performances has thrilled the audience, including performances by popular artistes such as Durgesh Thapa, Kuma Sagar, Swoopna Suman, Elena Chauhan, Asmita Adhikari, and Wangden Sherpa, alongside comic interludes by Sundar Khanal and Sujita Shrestha.

The National Music Awards, now one of Nepal’s most prestigious platforms for recognising musical talents, continues to play a vital role in uplifting both emerging and established artists across genres such as pop, folk, playback, and hip-hop.

With heartfelt stories—from Subodh Sagar Dhakal, a 52-year-old debutant and critical care doctor, to fresh voices like Rimal—this year’s NMA has offered not just accolades, but inspiration for the future of Nepali music.