Guru Rewben Mashangva, a Tangkhul Naga folk singer from Manipur, has been conferred the Padma Shri for his distinguished contribution to arts.
The 60-year-old singer is also known as the 'Father of Naga folk-blues' and is a die-hard fan of Bob Dylan.
Guru Rewben Mashangva is a guitarist and a pioneer in producing unique ethnic folk music.He plays other musical instruments as well such as mouth-organ, a four-hole flute known as Yangkahui, the tingteila (folk fiddle), and his rare cowbell percussion.
Guru Rewben Mashangva has won several awards including All India Radio approved artist, year, Manipur State Kala Akademi Awardee 2005 for Tribal Folk Music, NETV People's Choice Nominee 2006, Folk Musician of the year, North East Excellence Award 2009 by Indian Chamber of Commerce among others.
At present, he runs a private Folk Museum of the Tangkhul in Ukhrul, Manipur, and holds the position of Director of the Naga Folk Music Academy.
