Top five nominations for National Folk live duet Song Awards announced

KATHMANDU:- The National Folk Song Academy has selected the top five artists and creative works across 24 categories for the ‘Garima 9th National Folk live duet Song Awards, 2083’.

The panel of judges has nominated 120 outstanding artists and creators from among the songs released between the years 2080 and 2082.

The best creators and artists will be awarded at the ceremony scheduled for the 6th of Bhadra in Kathmandu, based on a combination of voting and the judges’ decisions.

In the presence of the Foundation’s Central President Rita Thapamagar and Valley Committee President Prasad Lamichhane, a selection committee led by Durga Rayamajhi—who is the coordinator of the judging committee and a former central president—selected 120 outstanding artists across 24 categories, evaluating works based on their titles, lyrics, and editing.

According to Rajesh Dhakal, Vice-Chairperson of the Coordination Committee, a winner will be declared in each category at the awards ceremony scheduled for Bhadra 6 in Kathmandu, based on audience voting and the decision of the panel of judges. Applications for the competition had been received from across the country.

For the award covering the period of 2080–2082, the top five nominees in the ‘Best Folk live duet Song Male Singer’ category are Khem Century (*Tallo Bato*), Sagar Ale (*UK Basne Dai*), Prakash Dutraj (*Chhaina Ra Maya*), Arjun Sapkota (*Jhaliko*), and Kushal Belbase (*Kancho Supari*); meanwhile, the top five in the ‘Best Folk-Dohori Female Singer’ category are Shanti Shree Pariyar (*Juneli Ratai Rataima*), Shantarani Pariyar (*Syauli Bazarma*), Deepika Byambo Magar (*Kasmire Pacheuri*), Kalika Roka (*Deuralilai Phulpati Dhaja*), and Nisha Gurung (*UK Londonko*).

The top five nominees for ‘Best New Male Folk-Dohori Singer’ are Shital Gurung (*Bhagaula Trishuli Tarera*), Kiran BC (*Gorkhali*), Ryan Basyal (*Ghampani Chhata*), Suresh Anjan (*Himali Phul*), and Anil Pun Magar (*Gunyucholi*); meanwhile, the top five for ‘Best New Female Folk-Dohori Singer’ are Nirmala Devi Basnet (*Timlai Pachhyauri Kindiula*), Simran Pariyar (*Bainiko Kahan Paryo Ghar*), Shanti Shirish Magar (*UK Basne Dai*), Sima Nepali (*Jayjay Hos*), and Garima Karki (*Anta Nabhane*).

Nominees selected for ‘Best Folk live duet Lyrics’ include Netra Aryal (*Tallo Bato*), Santosh Sapkota (*Jhaliko*), Bikrambabu Bishwakarma (*Gandaki*), Suresh Ranamagar (*UK Basne Dai*), and Deepak Adhikari (*Ma Ta Timro Hoina Mayalu*); nominees for ‘Best Folk-Dohori Melody’ include Arjun Sapkota (*Jhaliko*), Govinda Pangeni (*Bhagaula Trishuli Tarera*), HBN Kismat (*Kholi Salala*), Nandu Pariyar (*Syauli Bazarma*), and Ashim Chand Bishwakarma (*Gandaki*).

Binod Bajurali (*Hiyarai*), Sudip Adhikari (*Ghumaune Ghar Pokharama*), Surya Khadka (*Pachas Tirko*), Komal Nepali (*Syauli Bazarma*), and Khusi Gurung (*Hongkongko Chino*) have been selected in the ‘Best Lok Dohori Song’ category.

Nominees for ‘Best Folk Song’ include Balkumar Shrestha (*Japdai Naam Aama*), Ghanashyam Rijal (*Saathi*), Shambhu Kunwar (*Tamro Ta Yo Duniya Chha*), Suresh Khatri (*E Aama*), and Durga Maya Gurung (*Uhi Sanga Dil Basyo Hajur*); meanwhile, nominees for ‘Best Male Dancer in a Folk Dohori Song’ include Lomash Sharma (*Gorkhe Khukuri*), Govinda Pahadi (*Najar Tetai Chha*), Babin Singh Thakuri (*Gunyucholima*), Bijay Pun (*UK Basne Dai*), and Anil Paudel (*Maya Aaune Basma*).

The top five nominees have been selected in categories such as ‘Best Folk live duet Song Dance Actress,’ ‘Folk live duet Song Dance Director,’ ‘Best folk live duet Song Acting Actor,’ and ‘Best Folk live duet Song Acting Actress.’ Other categories include mixing and mastering, song arrangement, cinematography, editing, traditional song, competitive female vocalist, and Dohori-sanjh (Dohori venue) singers.