Anil Adhikari (Nepali: अनिल अधिकारी; 30 May 1987 – 14 January 2017), better known by his stage name Yama Buddha (Nepali: यमबुद्ध), was a legendary Nepalese rapper based in London, United Kingdom. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nepalese hip-hop and is often referred to as the “King of Nephop.” His songs, including Sathi, Aama, Aaudai Chhu Ma, Yo Prasanga, and Antya Ko Suruwat, remain iconic hits. Yama Buddha also created and hosted the popular rap battle show Raw Barz, which significantly shaped Nepal’s hip-hop culture.
Early Life
Yama Buddha was born on 30 May 1987 in Salakpur, Morang, Nepal, to politician Ambika Prasad Adhikari and Urmila Adhikari. He spent part of his childhood in Salakpur before moving to Kathmandu with his parents. Later, he lived with his grandparents in Salakpur, attending Pathibhara Boarding School in Itahari for grades 4 and 5. He returned to Kathmandu, completing grade 6 and his SLC at The Excelsior School in Swoyambhu. He pursued his +2 education at Ed Mark Academy.
Personal Life
In 2009, Yama Buddha moved to the UK and later married his long-time Nepalese-British girlfriend, Asmita Sedhai, in 2013. They lived together in North London. Tragically, Yama Buddha was found dead in his bathroom on 14 January 2017.
Discography
Albums
- Ekadesh (2013)
Tracks include: Intro, Aama, Yo Prasanga, Antya Ko Suruwat, Pagalpan, KTM Grime, and more. - Khatra (2017)
Tracks include: Taaj, Paisa, Sapana, Yodda, and Allarey Thita.
Mixtapes
- Yama Buddha (2011): Includes tracks like Saathi, Ma Futchhu Tara Jhukdina, and Yo Prasanga.
- Yama Buddha II (2013): Features songs like Ghattekulo-32, Kathmandu Ko Thito, and Narunu Timi.
Singles
Popular singles include Aaudai Chu Ma, Timro Laagi, Freeverse 001–004, and Hamro Barey Ma.
Cyphers and Collaborations
Yama Buddha participated in cyphers like Xclusive Cypher and collaborated with various artists such as Priyanka Karki, Iraj, and Neha Kakkar on tracks like Nachna.
Legacy
Yama Buddha’s music stood out for addressing real societal issues such as poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, and sex trafficking. Songs like Footpath Mero Ghar, Saathi, and Yo Prasanga reflected these themes. Tracks like Aama and Didi portrayed deep personal and relational emotions, while others like Jutta Ma and Pagalpan showcased his artistic versatility.
He performed live extensively abroad, earning a massive following among the Nepali diaspora. Yama Buddha’s contributions have left a lasting legacy, cementing him as a transformative figure in Nepali music history.