Nagaland World Music Festival held at Khuzama Village

DIMAPUR — The 4th edition of Nagaland World Music Festival was held on November 6 and the 7th on the theme ‘Threads of Heritage’ at Khuzama play ground, Khuzama Village.

An update issued on Friday informed that the music festival which was earlier named ‘All Nagaland Folk Fusion Festival’ has been changed to ‘Nagaland World Music Festival’.

Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland & Chairman IDAN is said to have assured on behalf of Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) and the government that they would continue to support the Nagaland World Music Festival.

Metha also congratulated the citizens of Khuzama stating that the event has brought the village to be on the international map.

Abu Metha, in his inaugural speech congratulated Kekhrie Krotho for a wonderful initiative and thanked TaFMA for supporting this venture.

Metha thanked incredible guest artistes, Kornkanok Lamomprom (Thailand International Singer and semifinalist, The Voice Of Thailand 2024) and Khmih Creative Society (Meghalaya) for their enchanting performances and said that their talents have brought immense joy to the gathering and honoured their presence in Khuzama, Kharu of Nagaland, the 'Gate of Nagaland'.

Acknowledging Kekhrie Krotho and TaFMA, Metha expressed his thrill to see a local festival evolve into an international celebration keeping the rich culture, traditions, and heritage alive, a legacy passed down through centuries.

While expressing that the incredible performances deserve a larger audience and better facilities, the advisor shared that he plans to discuss with the Chief Minister of Nagaland about upgrading the infrastructure at Khuzama, ensuring that future festivals can be held with improved amenities. He sought the local community's support in working together towards this common goal, combining efforts with the state government's vision.

Metha also acknowledged the presence of judges including Moa Supong, Arenla Supong and Seyievinuo Chüzho who has made Nagaland proud with their works.

In the last few years, Metha said that the musicians from Nagaland have won awards and prizes at India's top competitions. These results he said are the fruits of hard work that has been put in for the last 10 to 15 years by the government under the vision and leadership of Dr. Rio.

Metha also thanked Dr. Rio for envisioning and establishing TaFMA. Under his leadership, he said the TAFMA continues to excel, breaking new ground nationally and internationally. He stated that It is a testament to Dr. Rio’s commitment to promoting Nagaland's rich cultural heritage and empowering youth through music and arts.

Metha also highlighted that in 2024 Nagaland hosted the Asia Music Summit in Kohima where more than a dozen directors of festivals from around the world like Canada, Indonesia, Thailand, UK came and participated at the summit held in Kohima and signed the Kohima  Declaration for Music to partner together. And today, he said TaFMA and the Hornbill Music Festival has sister partners and sister festival partners across different continents.

‘Today, the Hornbill Festival, with a vision of the chief minister, is no longer just about festivities and celebrations. Today, the Hornbill Festival is much more than that. It is a platform to network, to meet, to have business roundtables, to have investment, seminars, to have roundtables, dozens of verticals under one banner of the Hornbill Festival, showcasing Nagaland , showcasing the Naga way of life and showcasing the best that we have’, he noted .

The first day of the event featured competitions for Folk Group Performance, Folk Fusion Group Performance, and Folk Fusion Solo Performance .

In the Folk Song Group category, Pfüchazünuo took home the top prize of INR 35,000, while NU Choir, won the second pace and was awarded with INR 20,000.

The Folk Fusion Group competition saw Cantabile Choir claim the top spot with INR 35,000, while TKK Clare took home INR 20,000 for their second-place performance.

In the Folk Fusion Solo category, Lichong Phom emerged victorious with a prize of INR 20,000, followed by Onosito Savio (INR 15,000) and Lemtila Sangtam (INR 5,000) in second and third places, respectively.