‘Oonko Sweater’ grosses over Rs 100m

Nepali film ‘Oonko Sweater’ has entered its fourth week of release, with its nationwide gross collection exceeding Rs 100.5m, according to its production team under the Artmandu Nepal banner. The film continues to screen in over 100 shows across the country, which is considered significant for a Nepali production. Written and directed by Navin Chauhan, the movie has received positive audience response since its release, with praise for its story, dialogue, performances, and direction.

The cast includes Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, Prakriti Limbu, Alex Pars, Wilson Bikram Rai, Suraj Tamu, Bhawana Khapangi Magar, and Sunil Pokharel. Strong word-of-mouth and favorable reviews from both critics and general viewers have contributed to the film’s sustained run.

While overseas box office data has not been released, the film is reportedly performing well internationally. Based on its domestic success, QFX Cinemas has labeled ‘Oonko Sweater’ a ‘superhit’, marking it as the first such film of the Nepali calendar year 2082.

Dohori Foundation to hold general convention in Feb 2026

The National Folk and Dohori Song Foundation Nepal has announced that its ninth general convention will take place on 13–15 Feb 2026. The decision was made during a recent meeting of the foundation’s central committee. Rita Thapa, central chairperson of the foundation, said the meeting also decided to hold the district- and equivalent-level conventions on Aug 30 and the provincial- and equivalent-level conventions on Sept 13.

Shirish Devkota, deputy general secretary of the foundation, said the central committee also agreed that the selection of provincial representatives and general convention delegates would be finalized on the day of the district conventions.

The general convention will elect a new executive committee for a three-year term. The foundation has around 30,000 members, including 3,000 lifetime members. 

Elton John brands government 'losers' over AI copyright plans

Sir Elton John described the government as "absolute losers" and said he feels "incredibly betrayed" over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws, BBC reported.

Speaking exclusively to Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he said if ministers go ahead with plans to allow AI firms to use artists' content without paying, they would be "committing theft, thievery on a high scale".

This week the government rejected proposals from the House of Lords to force AI companies to disclose what material they were using to develop their programmes.

A government spokesperson said that "no changes" to copyright laws would be "considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators".

Jamesy’s meteoric rise in Nepali rap industry

Born and brought up in a middle-class family in Pokhara, Noble Basnet, widely known by his stage name Jamesy, was an average student in school.

Growing up as a kid, he was surrounded by books. His parents always encourage him to read books of various genres from poetry to fiction or nonfiction.

But after school, a friend of his introduced rap music to his life. During that time, rap music was in its growth stage in Nepal. When he heard hip-hop music for the first time, he was so engrossed in rap for its raw expression and storytelling. Back then, he used to listen to 50 Cent, J Hus, Meekz as they inspired him with their powerful lyrics and real-life connections.

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With the time passing by, he started dreaming of becoming a successful rapper like them, triggering him to write verses. He was very good at wordplay skills as he spent most of leisure time reading novels and poems in his school life and had an aptitude for appreciating and understanding music.

At the beginning, his writing skill was not on par with other rappers in Nepal, compelling him to work harder than ever. By degrees, he was growing in his writing skill.

But there was limited exposure, platforms and even it was not easy for him to record the song as there was a lot of negative stigmas about rappers.

He released his debut song ‘Euro Gang’ in 2019, tapping into the Nepali rap industry. The song could not become an instant hit.  He, however, exerted himself with significant effort and dedication and released another song GVNMAN in 2020. The song made him popular in the first place.

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In October, 2024, he released another song named ‘Amsterdam’. Soon after the release, the song became popular overnight and hit the airwaves of major cities of Nepal, which made him the person he is today.

Till date, the song has amassed 14 million views, making him one of the country’s popular rappers.

So far, he has performed in many places from vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the iconic stages of Europe and beyond.

In just a short span of six months—from November 2024 to April 2025—Jamesy has performed at over 80 events across Nepal and various international cities. This attainment has not only established him as one of the busiest artists but also coagulated him into a rising star.

His journey has already seen sold-out concerts in Australia, Dubai, Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK.

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With irresistible impetus, Jamesy’s programs are in pipeline in Australia (again), South Korea, Bahrain, Dubai, Japan, and more.

The demand for his shows continues to grow as his fan base expands far beyond the Nepali diaspora, reaching new territories where his music speaks to hearts regardless of language or location.

Soon, he will be releasing his new songs “Wagwan Remix”, a fiery rework of a crowd favorite, and “Dior”, an exciting international collaboration featuring Chinoir, among others, sparking a lot of curiosity among his fans.

His inimitable fusion of Nepali culture with international styles has made him one of the most sought artists.

More than just an artist, Jamesy is a movement—a symbol of what it means to dream big and take Nepali music to the world.

“My music is more into trap, focusing on hard-hitting beats, catchy hooks, and lyrical storytelling,” Jamesy said, adding, “Though there may be elements of drill in some tracks, my style is predominantly influenced by the trap genre.”

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In the question, where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years, he said that he would see himself in the international platforms in the next five to 10 years performing among thousands of audiences and expanding his influence beyond Nepal. 

“Additionally, I plan to contribute to the growth of Nepal’s hip-hop scene, mentoring upcoming talents and possibly launching my own label or management company,” he further said.

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