Nasty is nasty, but he has Grammy dreams for Nepal’s hip-hop

Sitting at a coffee shop in Kathmandu, Abhishek Baniya , 27, is talking about winning Grammys. He is serious about it. There is a spark in his eyes and a purpose in his voice. His entourage believes in him too. But, most importantly, he believes in himself.

In the past 10 years, Baniya, popularly known as Nasty, has become a stalwart in Nepal’s growing hip-hop scene. His beats, like his alias, are nasty; his flow is smooth and fresh; his lyrics are witty, punny and meaningful. Add, his ability to produce music… you get a Nepali rapper who has the talent to make it at the international stage.