Artists perform at musical concert in Kohima on May 15.
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Kohima, May 15 (MExN): Akashvani Kohima marked 90 years of Akashvani’s service to the nation with a musical concert held this evening at the Nagaland College of Music & Fine Arts Auditorium at T. Khel, Model Village, Kohima.
The musical evening featured performances by the Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts Choir and runner-up of NE Body Can Body Sing 2017, Manchai Phom, who was also runner-up of Fusion of the Band Hindi 2026 organised by the Indian Army (Jack in the Box Band) and winner of Best Vocalist at Fusion of the Band Hindi 2026.
She presented the Phom song Lungvang Ba along with renditions of the Hindi songs Lakho Hai Yahan and Yeh Dosti.
Award-winning singer-songwriter and founder of Seyie_Intrepid Northeast India, Seyievinuo Chuzho, presented a solo performance of One Moment in Time and also performed with her band, Seyie_Intrepid, presenting an unreleased folk fusion piece titled Legacy.
Students of JNV Kohima presented the National Anthem.
Earlier, delivering welcome address, Head of Programme (HoP) Ella Kayina highlighted the uniqueness and authenticity of tribal music broadcast on Akashvani Kohima, describing it as distinct from Hindi film and Western music.
While noting that Hindi songs are popular and entertaining, she said, “Tribal music carries the voice of our land, our traditions, and our identity.” She added that listening to both creates a balance between modern entertainment and cultural roots.
Kayina also stressed the need to improve the present trend in tribal music by mentoring and grading artists to help them advance in their careers. She emphasised that music is teamwork, where lyricists, composers, and performers should receive equal recognition. She observed that in tribal music, the same individual often writes, composes, and performs songs, which may not always produce the best results.
Citing noted musicians such as A.R. Rahman and Bhupen Hazarika as exceptional examples of artists who successfully combined all three roles, she remarked that while some people are gifted in writing, others excel in composing or singing. She said songs can achieve greater artistic value when strong lyrics are paired with skilled composition and a good voice.
Kayina further stated that Akashvani Kohima plays an important role in grooming artists and helping them upgrade their skills. She noted that artists from modern, devotional, and folk music backgrounds can appear for auditions conducted by the Audition Board established at every Akashvani station.
Highlighting the significance of the Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan, she described it as a prestigious annual music festival organised by All India Radio since 1954 to promote Indian classical and folk music, featuring higher-graded artists.
She pointed out that Meghalaya is currently the only state in the North East with higher-graded tribal folk artists and called for greater efforts in this area.
The HoP also appealed to Dialect Assignees to identify talented music artists, encourage them to appear for auditions, and support their growth in the music field.
Padma Shri Neihunuo Sorhie, officials from the Press Information Bureau Kohima, staff of the Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts, and Akashvani Kohima, including casual assignees and well-wishers, attended the programme.
