Kanta Dab Dab plan Europe tour after launching new album on June 14

By Mannu Shahi 

Kanta Dab Dab is a sitar, percussion, and bass trio that originated from Kathmandu City with distinctive sonic palate blending influences from both the Eastern and Western worlds. Their modern song structures, fast-electro grooves, raga-based melodies, and complex time signatures contour a well-rounded sound rather unconventional in a Nepali mainstream context yet befitting their demographic perfectly. 

The trio released their debut 9-track self-titled album in 2016 and has been actively performing shows in and outside the country ever since. Meanwhile, they have also posted many bootlegs of their live performances and collaborations with various musicians via their social handles. 

Founded by the collision of three veteran instrumentalists and childhood friends: Sunit Kansakar (sitar), Riju Tuladhar (bass), and Nikhil Tuladhar (percussions); the group was searching for a felicitous name that would well exhibit their individual personalities and group dynamics; hence, Kanta Dab Dab. The name reminisces a saint, addressed by the same name, who would wander across traditional Newari households of inner Kathmandu requesting food or money during their childhood days. A scary archetype for young children, the members loved his nickname derived from the beats of his accompanying instrument: damaru, a small two-headed drum.

The outfit categorises its sound as Asian Fusion; an amalgamation of Newari ragas with electronic, ambient, experimental, and world music. The audiences cherish their group chemistry, energetic live performances, and the members' individual calibre, which is further inflated by this progressive and malleable collective.    

Nevertheless, the group is releasing their much-awaited sophomore album, “Manusaka” this Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Moksh, Jhamsikhel. The word “Manusaka” is derived from the Sanskrit language meaning human beings and/or belonging to human beings, while it also defines a magical concept in the Pali vernacular. The concert is presented by Kgarira? Events, while the entry seems free for the evening.

Subsequent to the album launch the band members will be embarking on a Europe tour representing Nepal at Ogród Szeląg in Poznan, Poland on June 30; Cairde Arts Festival in Ireland on July 6; Earagail Arts Festival in Donegal, Ireland on July 8, 9, and 10; Globaltica World Cultures Festival in Gdynia, Poland on July 20; Biedowo Music Fest in Warmia, Poland on July 21; and SALT in Oslo, Norway on July 26.  

While on their performance in Ireland for the Earagail Arts Festival, the trio will be supported on their performances by Donegal-based musicians Fionn Robinson, Keith Mannion, and Peadar Coll. The concerts are claimed to be a part of a new international collaborative project titled – Everest to Earagail, a brainchild of both the Nepalese and Irish duos. 

The festival itself is a grand 16-day celebration of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus, and carnival taking place in the surreal landscapes of the North West Atlantic. For further info on the album launch and follow-up tour visit the group’s website or social handles.