Sikkim's Gyud Boy enters top 10 of Nepal's Biggest Rap Reality Show

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Twenty-year-old rapper Gyuremey Namgyal Bhutia, popularly known by his stage name Gyud Boy, has made Sikkim proud by securing a place in the Top 10 of   Nephop Ko Shreepech Season 3, Nepal's biggest rap reality show.

A resident of Mangalbaria in West Sikkim, Gyuremey is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at Namchi Government College. His journey from Sikkim to one of Nepal's most prestigious hip-hop platforms has earned him widespread appreciation, with people across the State rallying behind him through public voting.

Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS, Gyuremey described the competition as a long and challenging journey.

"I first appeared for the online digital audition. After getting selected, I was called for the physical audition in Itahari. From there, I advanced to the grand audition in Kathmandu. After clearing the judges' rounds, the competition became vote-based, and with everyone's support, I have now reached the Top 10," he said.

According to Gyuremey, more than 20,000 contestants participated in the auditions, making it one of the region's biggest platforms for rap artists.

He said the judges have consistently appreciated his performances throughout the competition.

"Last week, I was awarded the title of 'Performer of the Week'. That recognition gave me even more confidence to keep pushing myself," he said.

The judging panel features prominent names from Nepal's hip-hop industry, including Sikkim's UNB, YODDA, Manas Ghale and VYOMA.

Although reaching the Top 10 is a major milestone, Gyuremey acknowledged that the competition has become increasingly intense, with many contestants already enjoying mainstream popularity.

"Many contestants have millions of views on their songs and have built strong fan bases over the years. I am relatively new compared to many of them, so it is definitely challenging. But I am enjoying the competition and giving my best in every round," he said.

Gyuremey also revealed that Sikkim has two representatives in the competition. Along with him, fellow Sikkimese rapper Suraj Sewa, popularly known as Bursting Jazzy, has also advanced to the current stage.

"Both of us have received tremendous support from Sikkim. Contestants from Nepal naturally have larger fan followings, but the love and votes from people back home have helped us remain in the competition. The response has been overwhelming," he said.

As the competition now depends heavily on public voting, Gyuremey appealed to the people of Sikkim to continue supporting him.

"Every vote matter at this stage. The love and encouragement from Sikkim have brought me this far, and I sincerely hope everyone continues supporting me in the coming rounds," he said.

Explaining the voting process, Gyuremey said that due to challenges associated with international online transactions between India and Nepal, the organisers have introduced an alternative system for Indian supporters. QR codes provided on the contestants' official promotional posters allow supporters to contribute, and the collected amount is used by the organisers' team in Nepal to cast official votes through the designated voting application.