Barsha Karmacharya – The Rising Nepali Voice Blending Culture, Soul & Global Sound (Singer, Aesthetician, California)

"I started music as a hobby—now it’s my voice, my identity, and a bridge between tradition and evolution.

Q. Could you tell us about your musical journey—how it all started and what inspired you to pursue music as a career?

My musical journey actually began as a hobby. I didn’t start with the intention of turning it into a full-time career—I was simply doing something I loved. At the time, I wasn’t sure how long I’d continue or where it might lead. But once I released my first song, everything changed.

The response I received made me realize the potential I had—not just as an artist, but as someone who could connect with people through music. Seeing how much my audience resonated with my work was incredibly motivating. Their support and encouragement inspired me to keep going and to take music more seriously.

From that point on, what began as a personal passion slowly turned into a purposeful path. It’s been an evolving journey of self-expression, growth, and connection with my listeners, and I’m grateful for every step.

Q. Your breakout hit Sarara garnered over 11 million views. What elements of that song do you believe resonated most with your audience?

I believe the biggest reason Sarara connected so well with the audience is its jolly vibe and authenticity. The song captures the pure, heartfelt love found in the village areas of Nepal—something many people can relate to, either through personal experience or cultural connection. 

It brings out a sense of nostalgia and pride in our roots, and I think that emotional connection is what made it resonate with so many.

Q. Collaborating with Brijesh Shrestha on Oh Maicha, you both embraced traditional Newari attire and culture. How do you approach blending modern music with traditional elements in your work?

When I moved to California, I started valuing our culture and music more deeply. At that time, I was mainly doing pop and R&B, but I noticed there weren’t many Newari songs being made. Being from that community, I wanted to bring the Newari vibe back—but in a fresh way.

With Oh Maicha, the goal was to blend traditional culture, language, and attire with modern, funky, and melodic music. I came to Nepal with ideas, shared them with Brijesh and the team, and they helped take it to the next level. It was all about respecting the roots while making it fun and relevant for today.

Q. Kasari, released in 2024, showcases a different musical style. Can you share the inspiration behind this track and how it reflects your evolving sound?

As an artist, I always aim to explore new styles—both musically and visually. With Kasari, I wanted to bring back the early 2000s vibe, especially in the melody and video concept, but with my own twist. The instrumentation and beats are inspired by that era, giving it a nostalgic feel while still sounding fresh and true to my evolving sound. It was a fun way to experiment while paying tribute to a time that shaped a lot of our musical tastes.

Q. Having lived in both Nepal and the U.S., how have these diverse environments influenced your music and artistic vision?

Living in Nepal gave me a strong connection to my roots—our language, culture, and traditional music. It’s where my identity as an artist was first shaped. But moving to the U.S. exposed me to a whole new world of sounds, styles, and perspectives. 

It really opened up my creative thinking and helped me see the value in blending both worlds.

This mix of cultures influences everything I do—from the way I produce music to how I approach visuals and storytelling. I try to represent my heritage while also staying current and relatable to a global audience. That balance keeps my work fresh and true to who I am.

Q. Looking ahead, are there any musical genres or themes you're eager to explore that you haven't yet?

Definitely. Like I’ve said before, I don’t like to stick to just one genre. As an artist, I believe in constantly exploring and evolving—that’s just the kind of artist I am. While my core has always been pop and R&B, I’m really interested in experimenting with trap, classical, and even rock in the future. 

Pushing boundaries keeps the music exciting—for me and for the audience.

Bio

Barsha Karmacharya is a dynamic Nepali-born singer and multifaceted artist currently based in San Francisco, California. Originally from Banepa, Nepal, Barsha has quickly become a recognizable name in the music scene with a string of hit songs including Sarara, Oh Maicha, and Rato Ribbon. 

Her soulful voice and commanding stage presence have earned her a growing fanbase both in Nepal and internationally.

While her musical roots lie in R&B and pop, Barsha is known for her versatility, effortlessly crossing genres and bringing emotional depth to every performance. Beyond her artistry in music, she is also a trained esthetician—blending creativity and care in both her passions.

As a rising voice in the global Nepali music community, Barsha continues to inspire with her unique sound, cultural pride, and dedication to her craft.


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Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose