Kathmandu, July 7 -- Awards have a way of simplifying stories. Years of rehearsals, discarded drafts and quiet persistence are distilled into a shortlist of names and, eventually, a trophy. For audiences, 'Xtreme Energy Drink Presents National Music Awards' celebrates the country's biggest musical achievements. For the many women artists behind the nominations, however, they represent something more complex.

Behind every nominated song lies a different kind of labour. Some artists spend years refining their voices through riyaaz (practice). Others disappear into fictional characters for playback recordings, while many now balance songwriting with social media algorithms and the constant demand to remain visible.

For classical singer Sal...