Love and peace for a day, Dimapur roars to World Music Day
JUNE 21, World Music Day, was indeed a long day for music lovers across Nagaland as everyone eagerly waited for the big curtain to rise to give way to music. In Dimapur city, music lovers thronged the Agri Expo at 4th mile and “The Garden” at Supermarket to watch musicians perform.
Calling Nagaland ‘the land of festivals–songs and dances,’ the Member of the Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio was there to support the fans, the musical celebrations and its spirit to the fullest.
Speaking to musicians and music lovers of Dimapur, the former chief minister of Nagaland said music needs to work with peace and that the art of music should always go together with peace. The common interest of all musicians should be to exist both in music and in words, Rio said.
Commenting on the Music Task Force (MTF) of Nagaland, the official music agency of the state government, which was instituted during his tenure as chief minister, Rio said that the MTF was taking shape in its purpose with various talented musicians emerging fromNagaland. The MP also said that the MTF was a tool that would inspire the youths and talented musicians to grow.
Following the MP’s speech, the thirst for international guitarist Neil Zaza’s solo performance was quenched when the stage was given to him. Thousands swarmed the Agri Expo to witness the legendary melodic instrumentalist Neil Zaza play live. Even before the show had begun, the enthusiastic crowd had been screaming for Zaza. The ‘I’m Alright’ hit maker came escorted by bikers. He took the stage with the greeting ‘Kinika asae, Dimapur’–much to the crowd’s roaring approval. The legendary guitarist also defied security measures and took to performing amongst the crowd which left the crowd in higher spirit.
Following the performance, locally-renowned band from Nagaland, the veteran Abiogenesis, took the stage. The band had the crowd head banging with their power-packed performances: Riverside, Saramati Tears and Hitch Hiker.
Another band, Gold Planet, performed an original ‘Love with no names’. Moajungla who gained some fans on social media after her cover on Dolly Parton’s “Coat of many colors” went into circulation, made an appearance with two numbers.
Another, a cover of Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Mengu felt like Freddie Mercury in a female form. She stole the hearts of the fans right there. The scene at “The Garden” was no less exciting as the young and old alike throng the ground for the World Music Day event dubbed “The Sound Garden.”
Local singers Moanungsang, Akummika, Colored Keys, Papersky, James Basnet, Jonathan Yhome, Incipit, Thunglamo, Ronnie, Renbeni and Gearmen Dudes were some of the artists who performed during the evening. Nagaland’s music community lost a member recently, the then-upcoming singer Lamstala H Odyuo earlier this month. The Sound Garden paid tributes to her during the event.
RENOWNED artistes from across the State assembled at Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma today to celebrate the World Music Day.
This year, being the first ever that the State capital organized the world’s annual music day, the denizens of Kohima turned out in huge number to witness the performance of their music idols of different genres. The evening at RCEMPA was such a delight as the artistes, including the likes of Alobo Naga & The Band and Divine Connection, performed to a packed RCEMPA auditorium.
On the day, the artistes and the RCEMPA audiences also paid special tribute to late Lamtsala Odyuo, the lead vocalist of Purple Fusion, who breathed her last on June 2. Not even 20 days after the demise of Lamtsala, it could have been a very tough experience for Mhathung Odyuo, her hubby, to take the stage and be performing for Purple Fusion.
“The love of music is all what brought me here at RCEMPA,” Mhathung told the RCEMPA audience, who gave him immense support and encouragement with a loud clap and cheer, as he joined his band in performing two favorite songs of late Lamtsala. The other artistes who shared the stage were Polar Lights, Dexterians, Metet Jamir, Moatoshi Jamir, Kusazo Rhakho, Girls Excess, Rodeo Clowns, Vimezo Iralu, Pezet Newme, Bokato, Virie & Zaza, Gideon, Avilie, Noune and Atso.
Prior to the concert, a free music class was presented by Symphony Music Academy, led by its director Mele Pucho, while upcoming musician Vimezo Iralu conducted a free choral workshop at the same venue. The event was organized by the Symphony Production in collaboration with Music Task Force, Government of Nagaland.
The programme was graced by Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary for Music Task Force, Youth Resources & Sports, State Lotteries and chairman, DPDB, Kohima, as the chief guest.
On the day, the parliamentary secretary, while welcoming more music events at RCEMPA, announced that the concerned department MTF will not charge any amount for any musical event to be held at RCEMPA, till March 2017. This, he said was aimed at promoting music in the State and encouraging more musicians to avail the facilities provided by the government.
joined the World Music Day celebrations as music lovers thronged to the Town Hall to witness a free concert where 19 bands and artistes performed. The event was organized by Yimjung Ola and was the first WMD celebration in Mokokchung.
Taliakum Pongen a artist from Yimjung Ola said its first time Mokokchung is organizing this event to Forster unity among the musicians of different genres and also between the oldest and young generation of Musicians. He also expressed his hope that the young generation will uplift Music to a higher level.
He further than the thanked the various sponsor’s for making the event successful.
“Music has been one of the most powerful vehicles of good causes worldwide. By celebrating the World Music day, we are also showcasing the effort of the stakeholders of Nagaland music industry networking together freely to entertain satisfied audiences.”
“Congrats to all the musicians for the passion and energy. Had an awesome time,”
“The love for music is unparallel. It’s our love for music that keeps us together. Let our generation give our today for a better tomorrow.”
“Music is the language of the heart that never fails to convey true feeling.”
`Music as an industry’ is an adopted policy of the Nagaland Government and the Music Task Force, pursues this charter as a facilitating institution that seeks to enable and empower the stakeholders of the fledgling music industry towards this end. The digital era has spawned numerous professions that merge and mesh with the music industry that the emerging professionalism and networking capabilities have diversified exciting opportunities, inconceivable even a decade ago, and changed the face of the music industry. This evolving trend has been a boon to the first generation of musicians that can seek ‘music as a profession’ in the State while rubbing shoulders and sharing the stage with the best in the industry. Skill-centric aids are available on the web for those that seek it at the click of a button. Our huge talent of young musicians, need to stay focused and committed, to carve a niche and be acknowledged in the global village for one’s unique capabilities. Success is a state of mind that drives the pursuit of continuing results towards an ultimate goal. With the absence of basic infrastructure that facilitates such growth, Nagaland’s stakeholders have had a herculean task scaling these challenges. I must admit that our efforts have allowed us our baby steps towards this end but these are still early days to measure success. The trickle of investment into Nagaland’s music industry is a nagging issue and more Public Private Partnerships (PPP,) along with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding is seriously lacking and must be encouraged. We can however admit that for the host of players in the music industry in Nagaland the environment is more conducive today than it ever was even a decade ago. A welcome and positive development.
The biggest stumbling block to our musicians would be the limitations of enough visible platforms to be heard and seen beyond our State. The resulting professionalism that can grow through these experiences becomes a handicap that leaves many of them frustrated and reduced to mediocrity. Dedication and commitment with positivity need to be infused in constant repetitive doses in their pursuit of success as a musician.
World Music Day certainly celebrates music which has been a powerful vehicle that champions good causes worldwide. That Nagaland’s musicians have all encouraged one another to host and perform for free at multiple events in Kohima and Dimapur, along with Mokokchung and Wokha is an exciting development. Hats off to them along with wishes for a Happy World Music Day!
I would hesitate to accept that current media marketing has reduced the event to mere performances. Music connects best as an audio-visual medium. With the trend of revenues being generated for musicians all over the world through live performances rather than album sales, aggressive marketing and media exploitation has delivered better results for renowned bands and artistes. The host of allied and subsidiary activities including artiste management and venues has seen a steady growth resulting in skilled networking and cadet availability of professional services in the entertainment industry.
