Nagaland has proven itself many times to be a music-loving state. With the introduction of Music Task Force, musicians have become more confident, entering into areas which were considered risky a few years ago. Nagaland has reached a higher stratum in the music industry. Hornbill Rock Contest, the biggest music event in India, is now going international. This is another significant step to achievement. Divine Connection played a key note (no pun intended) in putting Nagaland in the limelight when they won the Kurkuri beat contest. Event management companies like Rattle and Hum, the mastermind of the Handshake Concert, promoting musicians to international levels. Metro Team introduced the concept of international artists playing alongside local musicians. Nagaland also boasts a Guinness World Record. This sizable achievement has proven to the world that, in spite of a thousand obstacles, anything is possible if we share a common goal.
Musically, Nagaland is a producing state. If you average it out, at least one person per family is God-gifted in the area of music. We have an infinite number of amateur musicians. Many are becoming bold enough to risk everything and make music their lifelong career. We’re getting experimental, too, making forays into the world of jazz, blues, fusion, classical, etc. The genre repertoire is growing rich, diverse. Music schools, studios, equipment stores, and event management firms are mushrooming. This is a positive sign that the industry in Nagaland is thriving. Even 5 years ago, the thought of Naga bands appearing in major entertainment TV channels was simply absurd. But look now: Alobo Naga, UDX, Purple Fusion, and others have been featured on a premiere music channel. This kind of exposure motivates the youth. It gives them passion to reach higher, dream bigger. Noted musicians like Ren Merry, Nise Meruno, Loepno Ovung, Alo Wanth, Joey Woch, and Mhathung Odyuo, to name few, draw and inspire the next generation. It’s so encouraging to see the young people in a jam session or on the way to a concert, sporting their rock-star paraphernalia, with smiles on their faces and fire in their hearts. Music is all about bringing people together.
Just like any career, music requires dedication, hard work, and discipline. And yes, we will be broke most of the time. It’s a very demanding industry. It’s a cutthroat competition market. Only the best will succeed. It only favours the dedicated. There are no excuses. We cannot afford to be lazy—we will undoubtedly be left behind.
It will do us no good to compete merely on a state-level. We must compete with the advanced world on an international level. Only then will we challenge ourselves enough to develop our expertise. Of course, above all, musicians need a good manager. Otherwise you’re sitting on a sleek sports car without an engine.
Obstacles will always be there. We can overcome if we believe. The choice is ours.
Let’s explore our God given musical talent to the maximum. State government is doing its best to promote and encourage music as an industry in Nagaland. Things are falling into place. With the exception of our state, I don’t think there is any government department in India which specifically promotes music. Nagaland is known as the land of festivals; wouldn’t it be a proud moment if Nagaland were to be recognised as the Music State of India?
Music is a gift from God, Not of men
Yanren kikon
SKY Entertainment
