‘Mediocrity booming’ in Nagaland in every way, says legislator

[caption id="attachment_246603" align="aligncenter" width="565"] LIMELIGHTS: Musicians perform during the ‘Arts and Jazz festival’ on April 30, in Kohima.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, April 30 (EMN): “Mediocrity is booming” in Nagaland when the world is demanding professionalism as the first benchmark of any activity and endeavour, a government leader has lamented. Zale Neikha, addressing a jazz-themed event in the state’s capital town Kohima, pointed to the importance of seeking training and acquiring skills for individuals to be able to compete with others. The advisor was addressing the festival of ‘arts’ and ‘jazz.’ The event was conducted in Kohima, coinciding with International Jazz Day, on April 30 at the RCEMPA in Kohima. Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports Zale Neikha was the ‘guest speaker’ of the event. In his address to the gathering, Neikha said that the government of Nagaland was trying its best to promoting the music ‘industry’ in the state. The advisor had an advice to offer to musicians. The Naga people have an inclination for some genres, he said. Nonetheless, he appealed to the people to give importance to all the genre of music ‘to develop the industry.’ The state government is creating more platforms to encourage young talents to receive the exposure they deserve, he said. ‘More avenues will be created in the same field, provided, to those who work hard,’ he said. Neikha felt that “mediocrity is booming” in all aspects in Nagaland, but the world demands professionalism. He urged youngsters to take up professional courses in order to help them compete with others. Nagaland is introducing ‘performing arts’ for the first time this year, he said. ‘People will be taught to act and communicate to improve the society.’ To parents, he appealed to them to allow their children to choose the music profession too if they wish to pursue it. [caption id="attachment_246610" align="aligncenter" width="565"] LIMELIGHTS: Musicians perform during the ‘Arts and Jazz festival’ on April 30, in Kohima.[/caption] On being asked about the crowd turnout keeping in mind the first ever Jazz music fest in the state, Hovithal Sothu, project director of the Music Task Force, said it was “impressive.” He said Naga youths were passionate about music genres such as rock, hip-hop, pop, and others. ‘The organisers were not expecting much but the hall is almost packed,’ he said. The programme was hosted by the Music Task Force and the Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts. The day-long programme featured art and photo galleries; a food segment for the festival in the form of restaurants, ethnic food offerings and stalls; and live music. The event also hosted a jam session and a concert in the later part of the day. Various local artists and bands performed during the concert.