Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 30
‘Joy to the World - An Indigenous Christmas Concert’ a celebration of Naga Indigenous Music through Christmas carols ‘bringing indigenous musicians together’ is scheduled to be held at Akuvuto, Thahekhu on December 12 from 4:00 pm onwards. The concert is organised by Afuko School of Music and Indigenous Arts (ASMIA) which is under Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK).
“With the onset of the festive season in Nagaland, everyone deserves a family-friendly environment to experience an evening of Christmas joy and warmth appreciating music in friendship and communal harmony. This is one such event where we want to facilitate this safe and joyous space for all,” the festival organisers stated in a note.
The Concert Committee members include Abokali Jimomi, Alice Achumi, Vito Sumi, Akhevi Sumi, Ledia Awomi, Hermes Achumi, Betoka Swu, Rev Hojevi Kappo, Akali Awomi, Kakivi Chishi and Kivigho Chishi.
The concert will be lead by Nagaland’s premier indigenous singers - Nagagenous, followed by the Cantumus Choir, Mathung Odyuo, NK Naga, ACMIA Choir & Ensemble, Tokhuli Yeputhomi, Pretty Rhythm, Hotolu Yeptho, Lejole Teams from villages and many more showcasing traditional instruments and indigenous melodies.
The event will also feature a special performance by international folk music artiste Edgar Macapilli from Taiwan.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the development and preservation of Naga indigenous music through ACMIA.
ACMIA is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and training of Naga indigenous music, an initiative of Rev Hojevi Kappo under WSBAK.
Rev Kappo is an indigenous musician extraordinaire, recipient of the Governor Award in the Field of Music & Arts, and founder of Nagagenous (Folk & Gospel Music & Arts performing team). ACMIA was established in 2023, currently a department under Platinum College, affiliated to Nagaland University.
The organisers said that indigenous music represents the expression of our cultural identity, history and community; it embodies the stories of our people, our struggles, joys and hopes. Naga traditional songs have been passed down from generations and are living proofs of our cultural heritage that need our people’s appreciation and support.
“The concert is a pro-active step toward formally recognizing and accommodating Naga traditional music genre in our region’s vibrant music space which has been predominantly western music but currently witnessing a commendable growth of artistes inspired by traditional songs and indigenous melodies.”
It is with this rationale that the Indigenous Christmas Concert has been conceived to be an annual event celebrating indigenous music in Nagaland through ACMIA in the years to come.
