A homegrown folk fusion band ‘Sariwar’ has released its debut single titled ‘Sariwar’ during a programme on November 1.
MOKOKCHUNG — A homegrown folk fusion band ‘Sariwar’ has released its debut single titled ‘Sariwar’ during a programme on November 1 held at Aroma in Mokokchung town.
The track is currently streaming live on the band’s official YouTube channel, captivating audiences with its raw blend of Naga heritage and heavy rock-metal riffs.
Penned by the legendary Padma, T Senka Ao, ‘Sariwar’ represents the unyielding spirit of Naga warriors, channeling ancient pride into a thunderous modern soundscape that fuses traditional folk melodies with gritty guitars and pounding drums.
The band’s frontman, Asung Imchen, shared that the band was formed in 2023, involving Senti Walling and guitarist Jonathan Lemtur. He elaborated that its mission was to unite people through music across borders.
Hailing the track as a “victory anthem,” Imchen dedicated to “our fearless warriors and forefathers who battled for our rights and identity.”
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The song masterfully weaves Ao folk roots with contemporary edge, serving as a sonic bridge to Naga cultural depths.
The band members included Jonathan Lemtur and Temjen Lemtur on guitars, Wapang Jamir on bass, Avizo Solo on drums and Asung Imchen on vocal.
Recorded at Resonate Studio in Mokokchung, the single was co-produced and mastered by Vizo (Vi-Lo), with stunning cinematography by Tsungchi and Yanger Longkumer.
“This music will weave our culture and customs into hearts worldwide,” he said, dubbing them “warriors who hunt for souls with every note.”
Sung in the Ao Naga Mongsen dialect, the lyrics evoked triumphant headhunters returning from glory.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, the manager Senti Walling stated that ‘Sariwar’ was rooted in Ao Naga Mongsen, pioneering a fresh genre that screams identity.
“We’re infusing timeless Ao folk tunes with today’s fire,” he said, aiming to safeguard linguistic and cultural treasures.
Guitarist Jonathan Lemtur revealed the band’s creative process, saying “Our compositions draw straight from Ao literature research, reviving forgotten words from our forefathers before they fade from this generation.”