Morung Express Feature News
Eleven years since the beginning of the Hornbill Rock Contest, questions remain whether the event has developed the local music scene, or even provided credence to the music festival tag it espouses.
Opinions remain divided, but there is general consensus that the beat contest aspect of the event along with the logistical and performance restrictions in the State need to be addressed.
Alobo Naga, Nagaland’s most recognizable musical export, said: “We are not getting anything out it (the rock contest).”
“Make it into a proper music festival, use the prize money to create a platform for local bands and national bands to share a platform,” he suggested. He viewed that while the rock contest was a good concept at first, it is perhaps time to move on and allow the event to evolve.
While acknowledging that bringing in big mainstream international acts would be logistically and financially difficult, Alobo expressed optimism that Nagaland can take the example of festivals like Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, to provide an experience that truly celebrates the music aspect of Hornbill.
Similar thoughts were also expressed by Mar Jamir, vocalist for Polar Lights, who suggested scrapping the contest and turning it into a platform for bands from the State to share with prominent national musicians.
He opined that big international acts are not required to host a great Hornbill Music Festival. Good bands from the country and underground international acts that actually play good music can be brought despite budget constraints, he added.
Atsung Jamir, one of the state’s premier sound engineers, and also an organizer in this year’s edition of the festival, viewed that the rock contest gave rise to the music festival. He argued that while more can be done, the festival has, over the years, acted as a stage for upcoming Naga musicians to gain exposure, experience and develop connections.
Towards this, he suggested that the State Government consult with experts from the private sector in order to provide a “definitive meaning to the festival.”
Concerning the perception that over the years, only ‘has been’ international artists have been brought as headliners, Atsung revealed that funding and infrastructure are major constraints towards bringing in mainstream acts.
Despite the criticism, several national pop acts and international artists have positively catered to the musical tastes of a large section of the State’s audience. “Despite limitations, organizers over the years have brought in acts with good intentions,” Atsung commended.
He expressed hope that with time, and with support from both the State and the community, the festival would evolve into an event that provides music fans a fulfilling experience, and also holistically support local musicians.
The Rolling Stones magazine, in 2009, had termed the Hornbill Rock Contest “one of the biggest platforms for rock in the country.”
