Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Phongjei Konyak Naga

 

Aspiring singer Phongjei Konyak Naga from Mon district is determined to follow his heart- love for music. With no formal education in music, the aspiring singer grew up listening to songs played on a tape recorder that belonged to his brothers.

Phongjei’s love for music persuaded him to come out of his comfort zone; and with assistance from his friends, he has released his first music video “Piya” which is available on his YouTube channel and Indihut.

The aspiring singer talks about his new venture into the music industry in today’s Rhythm of Love.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your early phase in the music industry. How would you describe your sound/music?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: I grew up listening to my mom singing hymnal songs which drew me more towards music, and at the age of seven I started performing at various occasions and events in school, churches and college.

Though it was my first time into the state music industry, it was a pleasure to work on the new song with music lovers who encouraged and made me go out of my comfort zone; which also persuaded me to be dedicated to music if I want to take up music seriously.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Unlike most Naga musicians who take up English to venture into music, why did you take up Hindi music?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: I like listening  to English music too. But, as I was more drawn towards and passionate about Hindi music, I took up Hindi. Maybe it was the atmosphere that I grew up listening to Hindi music.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: You are said to be influenced by artists like AR Rehman, Atif Aslam, and Lucky Ali. Growing up in Nagaland, where most of the youngsters are drawn towards English music, how were you introduced to their music?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: During my childhood days, I used to listen to Lucky Ali’s music as my brothers played in their tape recorder, and gradually I started following A.R Rehman and Atif Aslam. So, basically it’s more like my brothers introduced me to their music.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What are the challenges you faced since you decided to venture into the music industry?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: Though I have faced a series of personal problems, the biggest challenge was to come up with my best presentation as an inexperienced newcomer.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your recently launched music video ‘Piya’.

Phongjei Konyak Naga: ‘Piya’ was written and composed by Hentick Konyak and was recorded at ‘Tribes Music & Media lab’ Dimapur, Nagaland. It was a great experience working together (with Hentick Konyak).

 

EASTERN MIRROR: Is music the only vocation you want to concentrate on?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: Yes, I do wish to make music as my carrier.

 

EASTERN MIRROR: What’s next?

Phongjei Konyak Naga: As of now, I’m planning to come up with more songs.