On Monday (September 2), Rizu Tuladhar (bassist), guitarists Sunit Kansakar and Sharad Rajkarnikar of Robin ‘N’ Looza and Avishek KC, vocalist of Underside were jamming up together on some of the songs sung by Robin Tamang at Rec Studio, a music studio based in Kathmandu. It was not a random jam but they all were practising for Remembering Robin Tamang, a tribute show to Robin Tamang, happening on Saturday (September 7) at Purple Haze Rock Bar, Kathmandu.
It has been a year since he passed away in July 2023. During his two-decade-long musical journey, Robin Tamang’s captivating aura, profound lyrics, and distinctive compositions enchanted thousands of people. He also ventured into the big screen as he acted in 11 movies.
Remembering Robin Tamang will go beyond just singing; the show will also release a compilation of Robin ‘N’ Looza’s three albums on vinyl, entitled Robin ‘N’ Looza: Compilation Vinyl. The vinyl, which is marketed by Wild Yak Records, includes the album Nepal, Aadhunik Aaganma, and Bhool ma Bhulyo. The show will also mark the 25th anniversary of the release of the band’s debut album, Nepal.
According to the band, for the last couple of years, they have been working to release a compilation of three albums on vinyl. Two years back, when the band gathered at the wedding of Prajol Kansakar, drummer of the band, he reminded everyone during their conversation that 2024 would mark 25 years since the release of their debut album, Nepal.
“On the occasion Robin Dai wanted all of us to play together. He also wanted to collaborate with other artists, who grew up listening to Robin ‘N’ Looza and are inspired by the band,” says Rizu Tuladhar. “ We told all these things to his family and jointly came up with a plan of Remembering Robin Tamang.”
Two of the band members Sharad Rajkarnikar and Vicky Shrestha, particularly came from Australia for this event.
Remembering Robin Tamang will be a charity show, with all proceeds going to Nawa Asha Griha, a school for children in need. It is also the same school where the video of Keta Keti was filmed. Formed in 1997, Robin ‘N’ Looza has been involved in charity work since their early days. All the royalties they earned from their most successful album, Nepal, were donated to the Arun Thapa Foundation.
Along with the members of Robin ‘N’ Looza, there will also be featured artists performing in the show. These artists include Tara Tamang, Shirish Dali, Sareen Deoja, Mukti Shakya, Anurag Zimba, Avishek KC, Swapnil Sharma, and Nikhil Tuladhar. Additionally, there will also be performances from Cobweb, Rohit John Chettri the KJC Collective and ASM. With that, Kunzanee Maharjan, Aayush Koyee Rai and Rina Giri will be in the choir.
“It took us a while to select all these featuring artists,” says Sunit Kansakar. The featured artists are those who are influenced by Robin Tamang and whose voice quality suits his vocals.”
Similarly, they are also those who are easy to work with, he adds.
“It feels amazing and honoured to be part of this show,” says Avishek KC, who grew up listening to Robin Tamang. He saw Robin Tamang perform live for the first time when he was around 13.
For KC Tamang is someone who gives a rockstar vibe and he had always admired his stage presence.
“I have always been fascinated with the way he controls and communicates with the crowd during the show.”
For the members of Robin ‘N’ Looza, Tamang was not just their vocalist. He was someone who taught them to enjoy the music on the stage and in practice.
“Robin Dai taught us to rock and roll,” says Sharad Rajkarnikar.
According to the band, he taught them to invest in music and create one’s own identity. He taught how music can create social change.
“Whatever we have been doing as a musician today, a huge credit goes to Robin Dai,” says Rizu Tuladhar. “This show is very special for all of the band members.”
This show will be even more special because Robin Tamang’s daughter, Tara, will also be performing. The idea to include the performance of Tara came after the band members asked her for it.
For Tara, Robin Tamang is a superhero, and performing in his honour could be one of the best ways to pay tribute.
“I am really excited for the show. It means a lot to me,” says Tara Tamang.
