Kali Prasad Baskota (काली प्रसाद बास्कोटा) is a prominent Nepali singer, musician, and lyricist who has made significant contributions to the Nepali music industry. He is well-known for his work as a judge on the reality shows Nepal Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs Nepal.

Baskota began his music career in 2007/8 as a lyricist and composer, with his first major success being the song “Chahana Sakiyo Bahana Sakiyo,” sung by Sashi Rawal. Over the years, he has created several hit songs like “Laija Re,” “Bida Nai Deu Baru,” and “Saili,” which made a global impact, trending at number 14 on YouTube within a week of release. His debut as a singer came with the hit song “Jaalma” from the film Resham Filili. He has since delivered numerous popular songs for films, including Jaalma, Nira, Lappan Chappan, Panchi, and Daiba Hey.

Kali Prasad’s music for the Loot 2 movie, especially the song “Thamel Bazaar,” became one of the most viewed Nepali songs on YouTube. He continued his success with tracks like “Ajambari” and “Okhati” from films Gangster Blues and Mr. Jholay, respectively. A mechanical engineer by training, Baskota worked at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology for over a decade before transitioning to full-time music in 2015.

Baskota is also known for his work with popular Nepali film franchises, contributing songs to Kabaddi and Jatra series. His songs like “Malai Maya Pirati,” “Jiban Jatra Ho,” and “Sustari” became fan favorites. In 2019, his track “Sali Man Paryo” from Ghamad Shere topped the music charts, and songs like “Maya Pirari” and “Insta Ko Photo” became hits. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Kali Prasad’s songs continued to resonate with audiences, with “Maya Raicha Ra” from Fulbari gaining widespread popularity. In 2023, he wrote and sang “Chari Basyo” for the film Jaari, and in 2024, he contributed to the hit song “Rai Maila” for Gau Aayeko Bato.