Sacar Adhikari, known as "Lil Buddha," is one of Nepal's most talked-about rappers. Once, he was more famous as a meme than for his music. In 2017, videos of him angrily live-streaming on Facebook went viral, making him both infamous and iconic in the Nepali rap scene. But over the years, Sacar has transformed his public image, bringing a fresh energy to NepHop—a nickname for Nepal's hip-hop culture.
Sacar was always drawn to music. Growing up, he spent time listening to his uncle, a singer, and later started exploring music with his family. His mother, Radha, remembers him as a curious, talkative child who always asked questions. His early influences included bands like The Doors, Blink-182, and artists like Bob Marley, Metallica, and Iron Maiden, along with Nepali artists. But it wasn’t until high school that Sacar discovered rap. He was captivated by the energy and storytelling, especially after hearing Chris Brown’s Look at Me Now. Soon, he began exploring the world of hip-hop seriously, looking up to legends like Tupac, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar.
In 2012, inspired by the growing popularity of rap in Nepal, Sacar started creating and sharing his own music. His journey took a major turn when he met Yama Buddha, a leading figure in NepHop. Yama Buddha encouraged him, and Sacar quickly became a part of Nepal’s rap scene, even competing in Raw Barz, a popular rap battle league in Nepal. This helped him gain a loyal fan following and a deeper connection with the Nepali rap community.
However, Sacar’s journey wasn’t easy. In 2015, he moved to Australia for his studies but struggled with personal issues, especially after Yama Buddha’s death in 2017. This loss, combined with a difficult breakup, pushed Sacar into a dark phase where he began using drugs and behaving erratically online. His live-streamed rants, in which he insulted politicians and other rappers, made him a controversial figure, and many people saw him as troubled rather than talented.
Despite these challenges, Sacar was determined to continue his journey in music. He adopted the stage name "Lil Buddha" to honor Yama Buddha, who had inspired him. In 2019, he released King of NepHop, a 10-minute freestyle that marked his return. The video quickly went viral in Nepal, showing Sacar’s new determination to succeed. Fans could see that he was not the angry young man from his live streams anymore; he was a mature artist with a new purpose.
Today, Sacar runs his own record label, YB Records, through which he promotes NepHop by supporting young rappers and organizing events. His album Shree Panch includes unique concepts and collaborations, highlighting his creative vision. With a growing fanbase, Sacar is now seen as a true force in Nepali rap, no longer defined by his past controversies.
While not everyone agrees with Sacar's style, his impact on NepHop is undeniable. Some fans appreciate his raw energy and passion, while others feel he has room to grow. But regardless of differing opinions, Sacar is working hard to elevate NepHop in Nepal. He has even planned a national tour to reach more fans and promote Nepali rap across the country.Reflecting on Sacar’s journey, his mother remains proud but realistic. She believes he may have a challenging road ahead, but she admires his determination to keep going. Sacar himself is hopeful about his future, seeing his music not just as a career but as a way to honor Nepali rap and inspire others.
From meme to King of NepHop, Sacar Adhikari’s story is one of resilience, passion, and growth. His journey reminds us that true transformation takes time—and sometimes, the hardest battles bring the most rewarding victories.
