On World Music Day, YRS vows to create more platforms to young talents, equal opportunity to all genres
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 21
On World Music Day, the Music Task Force (MTF) under Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) Department Nagaland has vowed to bring justice to the neglected industry and thereby create more platforms for young talents and give equal opportunity to all genres including production houses.
In Nagaland’s music world, talent abound however the growth of the industry has been stunted by too many internal and external issues such as lack of professionalism, modest remunerations, lack of patrons, absence of market for local music, musicians apprehensive to come out of comfort zone to experiment and explore etc.
On Friday, in an apparent shift of strategy, the MTF in collaboration with Imagi.NATION observed the music day by organizing the ‘Ist Nagaland Music Industry Stakeholders Conclave’ at RCEMPA, Jotsoma under the theme “Music & arts to greater heights.”
The conclave was designed for musicians, artiste, thespians, event managers, sound & light vendors, music institutes, production houses, performing arts institutes/societies with the aim to take the music industry forward.
This event provided a platform to celebrate the successes, air concerns, share problems and come up with solutions to help take music and performing arts industries to greater heights.
MTF project director Dr. Hovithal Sothu informed that the MTF under YRS Nagaland will create more platforms for young talents and give equal opportunity to all genres including the production houses.
He also assured that more national and international arenas will be scouted for young talents. He said that workshops and trainings will continue.
Dr. Sothu also announced that choir competition from lowest level to state level will be held so that they can go to International Level/ World Choir Competition/ Choir Olympics etc.
Rev. Luoliehu Yimsung, founder of Leaders Arise Nagaland also spoke at the inaugural function.
He called upon the musicians to have mutual respect for one another and grow together. “Care for one another,” he urged adding that togetherness is an important aspect of life and our strength. Noted musicians Nise Meruno and Marmenla Pongen shared their stories and performed at the show.
During the conclave, a group discussion and consultation also took place. The resource persons included Khyochano TCK, director Music Academy Kohima, James Swu, music director Sumi Baptist Church Kohima, Theja Meru, member Rattle & Hum Society and Atsung Jamir, proprietor Audio Garage.
Rural development advisor Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire and YRS secretary Lhouchalie Viya also graced Open Mic and Concert event.
During the concerts, the crowd witnessed artists from old to young, all genres and melodies.
Also as a social service drive, music donation drive was undertaken for donating old or unused equipments and items.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of a huge wall mural at RCEMPA in dedication to World Music Day which has been contributed and painted by Project 72hours.
Audio Garage, Shui Lights, Metal Gear, Beat Devices, Unitex, Project 72 Hours, disong, Imprint and NMC were the event partners of today’s programme.
Theja Meru appointed MTF advisor
Proprietor of Dream Café, Theja Meru has been appointed as Advisor to the Music Task Force (MTF) under the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (YRS) for a period of one year with immediate effect. This was stated in a notification issued by the Nagaland Chief Secretary. The notification stated that the appointment has been made in the interest of public service.
