Alobo Naga and The Band to headline charity concert
Dimapur, June 3 (MExN): Stepping up and doing their part to give back to society and help those in need, a group of young Naga professionals and musicians have come together under the banner of “Free Handed 2013”, a charity concert designed for Kohima, Mokokchung, and Mon. The tickets sold will fund at least two charity organizations: Poor Patient Fund in Mokokchung Hospital, Speak Guru Foundation Kohima.
The event is primarily organized by Clement Imsong, who is the Managing Director of Rockstar Entertainment International (REI). REI’s main goal is to promote local and independent musicians in South-East Asia by providing them with various platforms. REI is an Artist-Management, events and merchandising company in Singapore. Clement is also the Coordinator at Youth Oasis Centre (YOC) which is a Christian Retreat located in Dimapur, and since 2009 has been actively involved in organizing youth camps and various other spiritual enrichment programs for youth as well as adults.
Also partnering for the event is ‘I Love Mokokchung’, a forum which has been started with a purpose to connect/teach the younger generations the history of Mokokchung and the cultural richness of the Ao people. The forum has also been involved in various social works, charities, and campaigns with the aim to create the first steps towards ushering a new dawn.
Next is Zero Gravity (ZG), which describes itself as not a group of people but a movement. ZG stresses that growth of society is directly influenced by the positive contribution of individuals and anyone who subscribe to Zero Gravity will pledge to promote one another without any vested interest, to work with one another without nay fear or hidden agendas.
Wenkhang Foundation is another partner based in Mon and aims to promote music & art. Headed by Dr. Chenjei as the President, Samuel H Konyak as the Secretary, it may be mentioned that they were the district partner for Naga Orpheus Hunt 2012 and the NSACS RockPlus 2012.
“There are many so children with disabilities and deformities in Mon, who needs social attention, so the organizers wished to do something for these children through the profits generated through this concert, the exact activity to be confirmed at a later date,” WF expressed.
To add star power, local band Alobo Naga and The Band, who is currently riding the waves of their new found success as Winner of Best Indian Act, and nominee of World’s Best Act at MTV EMA 2012 will be the main headliner of the concert. Frontrunner of the band, Alobo Naga also touts the concert as a good time for their fans to witness them live on stage. “Nagas have heard about us mostly from the news but have not heard our songs, so come and experience us and have fun with us.” The band promises good original music and lots of surprises.
Also sharing the stage are local acts Ember band, winner of Rock Reign 2012 for the Mokokchung show, Cadence band for Kohima and Toxic Peace for Mon.
YOC Coordinator and Rockstar Entertainment International Director, Clement Imsong, feels that through this initiative youths can be a part of the charity event through the purchasing of tickets and thereby contributing indirectly. He also invites interested people to come and join them post-concert if they are willing to visit the charity organizations. “Our goal is to join hands and work together with like-minded organization with similar beliefs and mission,” he said.
With the aim of touching lives together, Free Handed 3012 aims to give a part of the concert proceeds to Speak Guru Foundation (SGF), a non-profit organization that has been working steadfast for the needy children living with cancers in Nagaland. The organization has been touching many little lives, giving financial support to pay for the treatment, but also help them through emotional support by way of visiting, playing and praying with them and their families. SGF also provide children’s storybooks, videos and toys to keep them happy, positive and to make them feel at-home during their stay in the hospital. The Foundation’s top priority is to ensure every child unable to receive adequate cancer treatment to have access to the Foundation’s facilities as well as its financial and emotional support.
A portion of the concert proceeds will also be donated to The Poor Patient Fund, an initiative taken up to help the patients who cannot afford to pay the medical bills due to poor economic condition. This initiative has helped, blessed and healed many needy and sick people. The most painful sight is the plight of poor patients fighting cancer with no or less financial support. The money for the fund is meager and generated through the income of one cabin in the hospital and contributions from a handful of concerned citizens.
“Free Handed 2013”charity concert will be held at Kohima on June 6th, Mokokchung at 8th and Mon on July 2. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1000, and Rs. 200.
