MnR playing in Dubai in tribute to Robin Tamang

By Mannu Shahi, Mukti and Revival’s (MnR) glorious career was commemorated in 1992 after the return of their front person Mukti Shakya to Nepal from Spain with his wife and kids. Immediately, the singer established the first-ever edition of this outfit under the same banner with Udesh Lal, Sushil Sthapit and Nabin Tamrakar.

And thirty years down the lane, the band continues its legacy with their signature fusion sound of mixing American blues and Nepali folk elements in a peculiar manner. Although a handful of creatives have tried their share of executing similar concoctions yet not many like MnR could pull off this easily generic-sounding style with such flying colours.

The band’s discography includes their debut “Kalankiko Jam” (2000), the 12-track sophomore entry “Bujhai Deu” (2003), the critically acclaimed third album “Dekhdai Chhu Ma” (2008), the bluesy fourth entry “Sadhai Bhari” (2014) and their latest release “Swotantra” (2019). Furthermore, the band was awarded Hits FM music awards for Best Rock Composition and Best Rock Vocal Performance (Jaba Ma Samjhanchu); Best Performance by a Group (2008); Pop/ Rock Album of the Year (Dekhdai Chu Ma-2008/ Sadhai Bhari-2013); and Best Rock Composition and Best Rock Vocal Performance (Nagarkot).    

Aside from playing in hundreds of venues across Nepal, MnR has bestowed their live shows overseas, including countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Spain, Hong Kong, the UK, the UAE, India and more, captivating a broad range of blues rock fanatics globally. Their emphasis on blues culture and music have perks in impressing a global audience for the style’s wide influence and accessibility, and the addition of Nepali folk aesthetics only enhances their sonic palate further.    

The current and most stagnant line-up of musicians is Mukti Shakya on vocals and guitars, Roshan Kansakar on bass, Sunit Kansakar on guitars and Nikhil Tuladhar on drums.

The quartet also has a very active social media presence like their Official YouTube Channel releasing live video sessions, bootlegs, collaborations, guitar lessons, interviews and many more. Mukti Shakya, who is prominent not only for his husky vocals but also his sharp guitar skills was recently invited to an online guitar-oriented show called Barahsinghe Gears and Riffs. The platform mostly featured only guitar nerds and mavens who celebrated Shakya’s expertise in the instrument which has blossomed euphoniously with time.

While the other three members of MnR are also just as dexterous musicians, Roshan Kansakar is the founding member of Newaz and bass player for Upendra and Friends, Sunit Kansakar is audio personnel, educator at Nepal Music Center and sitar player with Kanta Dab Dab, and Nikhil Tuladhar is a music educator and the percussionist for countless bands including Nepathya, Trikaal, Kanta Dab Dab etc.  

And this upcoming Saturday, August 12, Mukti n’ Revival is paying homage to their very close friend and contemporary musician Robin Tamang at Club Yak & Yeti Everest, Astoria Hotel, Dubai. Tamang, a Nepali rock legend, died on July 4. He was 60.

The opening act for the night is a Dubai-based Nepali musician Kavya and at the afterparty is Dj Sl3sh. The event is a presentation of Team Palaz and the entry fee is 100AED per head.