August Rush: A potpourri of talent and the arts

Witnessing the success and encouraging turn up of the past years, Richa Productions finally decided to go ahead with the two days of August Rush for this year’s edition.

The events were countless; from workshops to stalls, to musical shows, contests, dance and fashion shows, from local to western to global, everything in a nutshell which cracked in two days.

August Rush 2018 kicked off with workshops of cooking, music and bamboo with a total of 35 participants, all of whom were presented with certificates of appreciation and a whole lot of experience.

There were a total of 15 stalls varying from food to handmade jewellery, art, miscellaneous, clothing and many such varieties. The event also witnessed a dance contest which was in collaboration with The Univibes as a promotional event for their upcoming dance contest in the month of October. Seiwang, who was adjudged the winner won a video contract with Find Studioz Mumbai.

A very special event also took place during the second day of the event. A globally trending event about food awareness called ‘Disco Soup’ arguably the first of its kind not only in Nagaland but the first in India, which the team took up by collaborating with the Slow Food network, Nagaland.

For this one of a kind event, leftover vegetables from restaurants in and around the town were collected, and using those leftovers, the whole audience who came on August 15 participated in Disco Soup by chopping the vegetables. The chopped vegetables were then prepared into soup by renowned Chef Joel Basumatari which was more than enough for all present. The feedbacks from the people were super positive.

The main event on the second day of August Rush started off with a striking performance by guest artist Medo Kense, with his hit song ‘But I’, which had been awarded the ‘Best Indie Rock 2017’ in the last Music Awards of Nagaland. The whole crowd sang along with him as almost all were familiar with his song.

This was then followed by an eye – catching fashion show by Amini Ngulli, Neidi Seyie and Mephriiwe Akami presenting some of their best collections of the year.

The fashion show was all in all directed by the ever so charming Theja Sekhose who himself is a renowned fashion designer. Besides the fashion fiesta, the main event also had mind blowing dance performances by the dynamic girls trio Daisy Girls and the Ethnic Future. Not only the dancers but exceptional musicians, Tieso Kense and Vichanuo Rame also thrilled the crowd with their beautiful songs.

Not forgetting the most talked about event of August Rush 2018, ‘the Best of August Rush’, a singing contest where four contestants participated for the glorious prizes the team had to offer. Though the contest was tough, Unplugged 3 succeeded to bag the winning prize and walked away with – a Washburn guitar from Jubal store, Mumbai ;a traveller wanderer guitar from Richa Productions, Kohima ;a free audio production from The Saccharide studio, Bangalore ; a free music video production from Kadence, Bangalore and a free professional portfolio photo shoot from Richa Productions, Kohima.

All the participants also won exciting gift hampers from Tati Group entertainments.

Finally the show ended perfectly with songs by Tutu Terhuja and Kekhrie Ringa, both performing their award winning songs ‘IF’ and ‘Destination’ which were released during August Rush 2017 and successfully bagged ‘the Song of the year 2017’ and ‘the Best EDM 2017’ .

All in all, this one of a kind youth festival is gaining momentum and popularity with each passing years. Richa production, the event management team behind it should be applauded given that they have been silently pushing this endeavour alone without seeking for any governmental assistance all these years; but through their determination and will to contribute and bring a positive change to the Naga society by encouraging  and channeling the latent talents of the youth through this platform- August rush.

Our Correspondent