(From R-L) Toshi Pongen, Moa Imchen, Wonchi Akumla Kihan,
Lichen Kichu and Tovi during the release of the new music video.
- KOHIMA — ‘Old
School Nagaland’, a five member band from the state, released their first
official music video ‘Rock DNA’, on Saturday at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.
- The music video was released by Temjen Imna Along, Minister
of Tourism and Higher Education in the presence of MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso.
- The band formed in June 2024, consist of Moa Imchen (vocalist),
Wonchi Akumla Kihan (keyboard), Lichen Kichu (guitarist), Tovi (drums) and
Toshi Pongen as the bassist.
- The keyboardist, who is in Class-12, is the youngest and the
only female member of the band.
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- The band informed that they have had few gigs and performed
several cover songs mostly of the 80s and 90s rock bands.
- On the concept of their new song, the band that focuses on
rock genre shared that the lyrics is about how old school struggled with a
message that rock and roll is within the DNA.
- Their music video is released on their official YouTube
channel ‘OLD SCHOOL nagaland’.
- Imna Along, in his short address said that musicians in
Nagaland many a times do not have a strong platform to do professionally very
well while highlighting that it is more challenging for Naga youth to be
relevant in the field of music.
- And with the release of the new music video, he believes
that it will open doors towards strengthening the music industry in Nagaland.
He encouraged the band to continue working while taking their venture seriously
and professionally keeping in mind the state vibrant music lovers of the state.
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Temjen Imna Along releasing the new music video.
- He also opined that Nagas can do well in music, if they are
focussed, persistent and work hard. He believes that Nagaland can become a
conservative of music, while encouraging the musicians to hit the trajectory
point where it can go beyond the local programme to bigger platform.
- Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of Kohima Town expressed that it
is encouraging to see the band members from different tribes. He also stressed
that the youngsters should be taught to be a Naga than to be a tribe.
- While wishing the band the very best, he also suggested the
tourism minister on setting up some music corners in the urban areas (Kohima,
Dimapur and Mokokchung) through which he believes that the local artistes can
utilise the infrastructure and promote tourism.
