[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n what may be termed as a change of targets, Nagas (descendants of former head hunters) are now gearing up for the one who will be crowned the Naga Orpheus in a few days.
Four contestants from Dimapur district have on Friday gained access to the Naga Orpheus Hunt (NOH) race screening round to be held at Mokokchung on Friday September 27. However, the four-judge panel of the NOH were reportedly disappointed because the “wow” factor was missing this time around as compared to last year’s Dimapur audition.Nevertheless, towards the end, Ajungba Longkumer, 21, wowed the judges and woke them up from a nearing slumber. His rendition of “Dance with my father” of Luther Vandross fame enthused the chief judge of the competition, Tali Angh, to comment that the youth had a “unique voice.”
Abetoli Awomi, 21, sang “Divine Connection’s my All” which was a bit of surprise yet an encouragement as contestants usually prefer to sing songs of international artistes. Pongchai Konyak, 20, was made to dance in accompaniment to his unveiling musical talent on request by one of the judges.
The organizer of the show—Boots—will also be conducting another audition at Mokokchung on September 26 thus extending another chance for interested aspirants from all the districts who have missed their first opportunity.
Music got formal government recognition with the establishment of Music Task Force (MTF) which was established during NPF-led DAN’s second tenure. Dr Nicky Kire, an academician who represents 9th Kohima Town A/C twice consecutively, was first appointed as Advisor, MTF with Gugs Chishi as Director. Since then music in Nagaland took off on an official viral sound wave, reaching out and inspiring even to the grass roots level on an official scale.
It is true that Indians in general are great copycats in whatever endeavour—you name it. Whether it is sports-like pastimes like running the gauntlet of various obstacles, commentaries on various issues or even selection of potentially talented singers, in the TV channels are all borrowed from Western (mainly American) styles. Now, even back home in Nagaland we are not far behind in following this trend.
Even so, while practically each and every Naga is a singer of sorts, one wonders whether most of them are aware of Orpheus. What is it or who is he/she? Questions in this connection abound among many good singers themselves and also as to why the penchant to use foreign terms?
Traditionally in Greek mythology, Orpheus was the son of a Muse (possibly Calliope, the patron of epic poetry) and Oeagrus, a king of Thrace (other versions say Apollo). According to some legends, Apollo gave Orpheus his first Lyre. Orpheus singing and playing were so beautiful that even trees and rocks moved about him in dance.
Orpheus joined the expedition of the Argonauts, saving them from the music of the Sirens by playing his more powerful music. On his return, he married Eurydice, who was soon killed by a snake bite. Overcome with grief, Orpheus ventured into the land of the dead to attempt to bring Eurydice back to life.
With his singing and playing he charmed the ferryman Charon and the dog Cyberus, guardians of the River Styx. His music and grief so moved Hades, king of the underworld, that Orpheus was allowed to take Eurydice with him back to the world of life and light.
Hades set one condition however, upon leaving the land of death, both Orpheus and Eurydice were forbidden to look back. The couple climbed up toward the opening into the land of the living. And Orpheus turned back to share his delight with Eurydice. In that moment, she disappeared.
Herein perhaps lies a lesson for thought and commensurate action. Any talent is a blessing endowed by nature but it also has some terms and conditions that have to be honoured if you want to reach the pinnacle victoriously.
So here’s wishing that some of our youth will ultimately reach the top spot of fame and wealth. But then every pinnacle is loneliness—unless, of course, you share your love and happiness as mandated by Providence.
