Rewben Mashangva is known for reviving musical tradition of the Tangkhul Naga of Manipur, and use of traditional musical instruments in his songs. He was influenced by musicians like Bob Dylan and Bob Marley and has created many Naga tribal folk songs based on blues and ballad rhythms. He is known by different names like Bob Dylan of the Nagas and King of Naga folk blues, Father of Naga folk blues.
Rewben Mashangva has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award 2021 by the Government of India in the field of art.
A talented singer, musician, songwriter, folk music researcher and maker of musical instruments. Rewben plays the guitar producing a ethnic folk sound like no one can, the mouth organ, the four hole flute known as yangkahui, the tingteila (folk fiddle) and his rare cow bell percussion.
The distinct quality of Rewben lies in his ability to interpret and adapt old Naga folk songs in a pleasing way to his modern listeners. He can do so for he deftly understands the psychology of his modern listeners and the kind of intricate technology and global cultures they are exposed to.
He is recipient of the honorary title ‘Guru’ from ministry of Culture, Government of India and National Tribal Award 2011-2012.
Unlike other pop singers, Rewben is not obsessed with love songs. He’d rather look for the universal in his music: the relationship of man with nature, the language of the orchid plant, a quest for “Keo Keo” (the language of the birds), of manual activity. His songs are an expression of common human landscapes that find resonance across cultures.
Despite the popularity of his own songs, Rewben continues to be in awe of Bob Dylan. “The finesse of his thought, expression and music is inimitable, I guess I can’t reach that level because I lack proper education,” he says.
Rewben’s first guitar was made by his father. He says he took permission from his wife to embark on a profession of utmost uncertainty — that of a performing artiste — and he compensates for his absence by cooking delicious meals when he is back home from his busy concert schedule.
(With Inputs from FirstPost and e-Pao)