Nepali lyricist Adhikari shortlisted for int’l awards; appeals for vote

Nepali lyricist Lokraj Adhikari has been nominated for the prestigious 6th ISSA Awards.

The awards, organized by the International Singer and Songwriters Association (ISSA), will be presented during a ceremony to be held in Atlanta, US, on August 24.

Adhikari has appealed for votes from all Nepali music lovers. Likewise, the Nepal Lyricist Association and Nepal Music Industries Association have also urged everyone to vote for Adhikari.

Electronic voting began on April 2. According to the association, one needs to visit the webpage www.issasongwriters.com, click on the '2024 Vote' menu, select the option to vote for international competitors, go to the 'International Male Songwriter of the Year' category, and place a tick mark next to the name to cast a vote. Votes can be cast from computers, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones.

The organizers published the list of nominees in various 46 categories last Monday. Adhikari is the only Nepali nominated in the 'Male Songwriter' category. Along with Adhikari, there are 68 nominees from various countries such as the Netherlands, Greece, Ghana, Ireland, Iceland, Russian Federation, Denmark, Sweden, Malawi, Canada, Australia, UK, Brazil, Italy, South Africa, Philippines, Uganda, Israel, Japan, and Germany in this category.

Last year, Indian singers SP Balasubrahmanyam and SJ Jananiy won the Bronze Award in the Duet category from Asia. In previous editions, there had been no participation from any Asian country.

Adhikari has said that he considers this nomination as the representation of the entire Nepali-speaking songwriting community on the international stage. The organizers have stated that the 68 nominees will be shortlisted to 20 on May 2.

According to Adhikari, all nominees have been invited by the organizers to participate in the red carpet event.

Adhikari has also urged everyone from home and abroad to vote and help Nepal make it to the top 20.

 

Songwriter Adhikari's songs like 'Timle Parai Thanepachi', 'Rupai Mohani', 'Baja Bajaudai', 'Marchu Baru Chhatpatima', 'Hepni Malai', 'Bhannuhunthyo Ba Le', 'O O Mero Paran', 'Feri Ek Huna', 'Ghankaideu Madalu', and 'Rupauli Rani' are popular among audiences.