Shyamantak Music Award

Recognizing and encouraging musical creativity, achievement, and inspiration

In Loving Memory of Shyamantak

Shyamantak Music Award was established 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 individuals at different stages of their musical journey, including:

An award may recognize a particular accomplishment, a body of work, musical growth, continued dedication, or a meaningful contribution that inspires others.

We believe recognition should not be limited to conventional measures of success. A musician's contribution may come through performance, creativity, teaching, cultural preservation, community involvement, or inspiring others through their dedication to music.

All Genres. A Special Appreciation for Ethnic Nepali Music.

The Shyamantak Music Award welcomes all musical genres and traditions, including jazz, rock, classical, pop, folk, fusion, and others.

At the same time, the award has a special appreciation for ethnic Nepali music, instruments, and musical traditions.

Recipients do not need to perform ethnic Nepali music or play traditional Nepali instruments. We recognize that musicians can appreciate and contribute to ethnic Nepali music in many ways.

We especially welcome musicians who learn from, incorporate, preserve, reinterpret, teach, document, or help introduce ethnic Nepali music and instruments to new audiences.

We also value musicians who, regardless of the genre they perform, recognize the importance of preserving and carrying ethnic Nepali musical traditions forward.

Recognition

Shyamantak Music Award is a token of appreciation and encouragement for individuals who demonstrate musical accomplishment, dedication, creativity, or a meaningful contribution to music.

The award recognizes the value of their musical journey and the impact their work can have on others.

For a student or emerging musician, recognition may come at an important moment in their development. For an established musician, it is an expression of appreciation for the music, inspiration, and contribution they have already given to others.

We see your musical journey. We value what you are doing. And we encourage you to keep going.

Who Can Receive an Award?

The award is open to individuals of all ages who are pursuing or actively engaged in music.

Recipients may be:

Applicants do not need to be enrolled in a music program, pursuing a music degree, or working professionally as a musician.

All musical genres are welcome. Applicants should demonstrate an appreciation for ethnic Nepali music, instruments, or musical traditions.

Formal musical education, professional experience, or previous recognition is not required.

Selection

Recipients will be selected by the Shyamantak Music Award Committee.

The committee will consider the applicant's musical journey as a whole, including:

The committee recognizes that musical achievement looks different for every individual. A student, emerging musician, or established professional may be considered based on the significance of their individual musical journey and contribution.

There is no single definition of what makes someone deserving of recognition.

The Award

Selected recipients will 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 musical work and achievements.

The Spirit of Shyamantak

Shyamantak's own musical journey crossed genres, communities, and cultures—from the Kathmandu rock scene to underground punk rock in the Ypsilanti–Ann Arbor area.

Shyamantak Music Award carries that spirit forward by recognizing people who create, perform, preserve, teach, and inspire through music.

We hope each award serves not only as recognition of what a musician has accomplished, but also as encouragement for what they may create next.