Nepali songwriter Lokraj Adhikari has been nominated in two categories at the seventh edition of the ISSA International Awards, organized by the International Singer Songwriters Association, to be held in Atlanta, USA on August 24.
In the official nominations for 21 different categories from the US and 21 from the international side, announced by the organizers on April 2, the official songwriter from Nepal has been nominated in two categories: Male Songwriter of the Year and Music Video of the Year in the international nominations.
The nomination was made from the song “Zindagani Ke Chha Ra” written by lyricist Adhikari. The song features the vocals and music of CD Bijay Adhikari. The video was directed by Babita Shrestha Maleku.
Along with Adhikari, 61 people from different countries of the world have been nominated in the lyricist category and 36 people in the music video category. The organizers have opened electronic voting since April 2.
Voting will be possible until April 30. Lyricist Adhikari, who was nominated for the International Lyricist award last year, has said that he considers the nomination of his song in two categories this year as a representation of Nepal and Nepali-speaking lyricists on the international stage.
The organizers have stated that the top 20 will be selected through voting. The top 20 will be announced on May 2. Lyricist Adhikari has urged everyone from home and abroad to vote for him. He said that even though he could not make it to the top 20 due to lack of voting last year, this year that opportunity has arisen for Nepal and Nepalis.
The organizer has stated that one can vote once a day from one device. Lyricist Adhikari’s songs like Thimele Parai Thane Paa, Rupai Mohini, Baaja Bajaaan, Marchu Baru Chhatpatima are popular.
Lyricist Adhikari has also written the lyrics for this year’s superhit movie Anjila. The song “Yo Dekho Jhanda Bishwasaamu Fahraanu Cha” (The flag of this country is hoisted before the world) has music by Hari Lamsal and vocals by Babina Kirati.