Chele: Weaving praises into timeless melodies

Vishü Rita Krocha 
Kohima | May 17

While pursuing music and being a mother are both incredibly demanding callings requiring passion and commitment, four music moms- Velulu, Akhrou, Ruth and Alhile are defying the odds even as they come together to create ‘Heartsongs’ that are not just melodies but a reflection of who they were and a reminder of how far they have come. 

“We all grew up loving music”, they related to The Morung Express in an exclusive interview while recalling that “it was a part of our lives and friendship.” “As we transitioned into motherhood, life became busier and more demanding. Yet, in the chaos, music found us again. Our shared passion naturally brought us together, and we often found ourselves singing in harmony,” they shared. This led them to the formation of “Chele” meaning “Psalm” in the Chakhesang dialect- a name that they chose as a reflection of their desire to sing praises to God, the giver of music. 

Chele is a journey close to their hearts even as they explained that “it was born in one of the most challenging seasons of our lives- raising children, guiding teens, and caring for aging parents.” However, despite the challenges, every meeting and practice is something that they treasure as it is often made possible against all odds.

The female singing group made its debut at The King Chilli Dimapur on April 6, drawing the attention and love of music lovers across the commercial hub of Nagaland. The debut music concert saw an evening of music, memories and stories woven into timeless songs of four distinct voices, but seamlessly harmonising heart songs. 

Recalling the experience, the female singing group said, “performing at Dimapur was nerve wrecking (although we have been singing together all our lives) since it was our debut concert. But surprisingly, the response was beyond our expectations. Quite overwhelming actually.”

Chele is now gearing up to perform at the De Oriental Grand, Kohima on Sunday, May 18 at 5:00 PM. Exuding excitement for the upcoming concert in the state capital, they expressed that, “we hope to receive the same (or even more) support that we received at Dimapur. More so, we hope that we can bring even a small amount of joy and encouragement especially to all who come.”

Chele is also currently exploring the kind of music that resonates with them at this stage of their lives even as they revisit songs they have sung individually and together over the years.

“Our focus is on filling our own cups first, so we can inspire others to keep singing, no matter what life brings,” they put across even as they underscored that, “the simple encouragement we give each other continues to lift us, as we do our small part in promoting Christian music because there’s nothing more beautiful than singing for Jesus.”

Mention may be made here that Velulu is a devoted mother of three, who has found her sanctuary in music, a constant companion through every season of life. Trained as a vocational music student at Patkai, her journey is about forging genuine connections through song. For her, singing is more than performance—it’s a heartfelt conversation, a way to touch souls. With every note, she reaches inward for growth and outward to share the deep emotions that words alone fails to express. 

Akhrou is a loving mother of two, and serves with passion and purpose as the Music Director at her local Church. A versatile singer, musician, and conductor, she brings excellence, adaptability, and discipline to every endeavor—whether performing on stage, working behind the scenes, or mentoring others. She embraces challenges like no other, turning each one into an opportunity for growth and impact not only for her, but for her community as a whole. 

Ruth balances life as a mother of three with a deep musical calling. A gifted singer and accomplished pianist whose passion extends into teaching, Ruth’s warm, mellow voice is both soothing and expressive, offering a comforting presence that resonates with listeners. She is also known for her versatility and precision, and adapts effortlessly to a wide range of musical styles. Whether on stage or at the piano bench, she brings grace, discipline, and heartfelt emotion to every performance and lesson.

Alhile is rooted both in family life and a rich musical journey. A naturally gifted soprano and music vocational student from Patkai, she brings a unique freshness to every song she sings with her voice marked by clarity and heartfelt nuance. Having performed nationally and internationally, she is a seasoned musician whose life experiences infuse her artistry with authenticity and depth. Her vocal talent, combined with her dedication and artistic insight, makes her a compelling presence on any stage.