Shyamantak Music Award
Recognizing and encouraging musical creativity, achievement, and inspiration
In Loving Memory of Shyamantak
Shyamantak Music Award was established in 2018, in loving memory of Shyamantak (Shyam, or Sham, as most knew him), who grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal. After graduating from St. Xavier's School, he moved to the United States and eventually made his home in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Shyam was a spirited and dynamic individual who was a roofer by trade but a musician at heart. In the late 1980s, he was the drummer for Criss Cross, a well-known band in Kathmandu whose music helped set a standard for rock music and influenced many bands and musicians in Kathmandu's rock scene.
After moving to Michigan, Shyam continued to pursue his passion for music, performing in several underground punk rock bands in the Ypsilanti–Ann Arbor area. His musical journey crossed cultures and genres, reflecting his openness to different forms of musical expression.
He was passionate about songwriting and performing and believed that artistic creativity and spiritualism were essential components of life.
The Shyamantak Music Award carries that spirit forward by recognizing and encouraging individuals whose musical creativity, dedication, achievement, or influence makes a meaningful contribution to music.
What the Award Recognizes
Musical accomplishment takes many forms. Shyamantak Music Award recognizes musical achievement, creativity, originality, and meaningful contributions to Nepali music.
Beginning in 2026, the Award is expanding beyond its original focus on music students to recognize individuals at different stages of their musical journey and those making meaningful contributions to music. This includes:
Students
Amateur musicians
Emerging musicians
Professional musicians
Well-established and distinguished musicians
Songwriters and composers
Vocalists and instrumentalists
Music educators and mentors
Researchers and scholars
Writers, podcasters, and publishers
Individuals involved in documentation and preservation
Individuals contributing to the growth and appreciation of Nepali music
Recognition will be based on original creative work, a particular accomplishment, a body of work, musical growth, continued dedication, or another meaningful contribution to music, with particular value placed on originality, individual expression, and creative contribution.
The Award also has a special appreciation for ethnic Nepali music, instruments, and musical traditions, and recognizes those who help preserve, explore, reinterpret, teach, document, and share them with others and future generations.
Selection
Recipients are selected by the Shyamantak Music Award Committee.
The committee considers each individual's work and contribution as a whole. Factors may include:
Musical accomplishment
Originality and creative expression
Creativity and innovation
Dedication and commitment
Growth and development
Contribution to music
Ability to inspire or positively influence others
Appreciation for Nepali music, instruments, and musical traditions
The Award is intended to recognize meaningful creative contribution, rather than simply participation, technical proficiency, or performance.
A student's original composition, an emerging musician's creative development, an established musician's body of work, or a researcher's contribution to understanding Nepali music may each provide meaningful grounds for recognition.
There is no single definition of what makes someone deserving of the Award.
The Award
Selected recipients receive a Shyamantak Music Award and a monetary award as a token of appreciation and encouragement.
With the recipient's permission, award recipients will also be featured on the Nepal Music Fund website or in other communications celebrating their work and achievements.
The Award is intended not only to recognize what someone has accomplished, but also to encourage what they may create, contribute, and inspire next.
Award Recipients
Explore previous Shyamantak Music Award recipients and learn more about their musical work, accomplishments, and contributions to music.
Apply or Nominate
Ready to apply or nominate someone for Shyamantak Music Award?
Visit the Application page for eligibility, requirements, deadlines, and submission details.