Singing for singing’s sake: Band members of the A capella band from Dimapur ‘_N Frenz’. (Manen Aier Photo)
Akangchila Longchar
Dimapur | October 11
This is the story of outstanding young men, who set on a journey from Dimapur on January 6 to 11, 2012 and toured Mokokchung district, while enthralling villagers through songs. Calling it the ‘Homeland Tour’ since the young men in question were from the seven villages of Yajang, Lirmen, Waromong, Khar, Longjang, Mongsenyimti, and Changtongya, this tour was not the ordinary ‘singers traversing to villages tour’ so often heard about in Nagaland. The boys covered the distance on their bikes whilst spreading the gospel of God through songs.
It is inspiring, as well as refreshing to meet talented singers, and ten handsome young men at that, who perform for the sheer love of music. In a world, and connoting the situation in our State where commercial success has become the end goal of all artistes (well most artistes), and where payment has become the strictest criteria, it is a miracle to come across such level headed, talented, and modest musicians. No garish outfits for these boys, no counting of fans, and definitely no fake overtone. It’s all about Music from the heart. Continue reading and find out why ‘_N Frenz’ are called the good boys of A cappella in Nagaland.
The genesis of ‘_N Frenz’: Today, ‘_N Frenz’ consist of Manen Pongen, Lanuwapang Aier, Salang Ozukum, Alem Longchar, Lanu Longkumer, Imkongwati, Lanutoshi Aier, Achet Jamir, Imchungyanger and Kalong. The story takes shape in the year 2005, when a group of music lovers from different localities in Dimapur received the opportunity to join the Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) Youth Choir for the inauguration of DABA main Church in Duncan. This was followed by another opportunity to perform a ‘male voice’ at Duncan Youth Fellowship, DABA. Since then, there has been no stopping the boys and they continued to perform in countless churches, ministries and social gatherings. The group also slowly started to gather in number and finnally in 2012 the group decided to officially name themselves as ‘_N Frenz’.
Music Style & Influence: ‘_N Frenz’ style of music is categorically male voice A cappella. But a group member reveals that currently the band has been leaning towards contemporary music a lot. “We have taken it as a challenge and we are trying to bring in contemporary songs,” says a member of the band. The method of music is also simple for these boys: “We listen to music and practice together” is their simple and only explanation.
On influence, the band members feel that since they are a team of ten, there is no shortage of song selection and also everyone has their varied choice in music which brings a special something to the group. “We do not stick to one genre,” the group chimes but also shared that they were largely influenced by A cappella bands that they came across though a video-sharing website - YouTube like Mike Tompkins and a band ‘Legaci’.
Music-a blessing and our service: The singers from ‘_N Frenz’ also comprise mostly of church youth leaders and student leaders while also managing to juggle their professional careers.
Music, for the group is a blessing for they say they have all benefitted massively from their church. “Today we have only our service of music to offer and to give back to our Church,” they passionately share, and add that if people receive a positive message through their music… ‘Then it is also another blessing for us’. Considering their talent as gift from God, the band feels that it is a burden and if not for him (God), then for whom else. We have what others don’t have so all we can do is giving it back,” the group feels.
Beyond Music there is Friendship: ‘_N Frenz’ are not only music partners but friends of the stringers bond. The group claims that music has brought them together. “The friendship of ‘_N Frenz’ has shown our strengths and weaknesses,” said one band member. The group also shared that their practice sessions are more like hangout sessions, adding, “We meet so often to practice at night that if we don’t meet up…we feel incomplete.”
Keeping the wheels of music on the go: The members of ‘_N Frenz’ have all been musicians ever since they could remember. In fact, they share an anecdote that some of the members originally used to play musical instruments. “But now they sing more than they play instruments,” the band members joyously pull their legs. ‘_N Frenz’ also do not consider themselves as a “professional band”. For us, we love music as a team and it’s not a business. A band member meanwhile says that no one should be too modest… “We do have hopes. We also want to be the best, so we try to be the best in our performance. Hence we try to practice a lot.”
The only expectation, the group shares is the wish for people to be encouraging. “Also, our hope is that at least some youths will get inspired from us and form a band of their own like ours in their town or village.” There are not many contemporary A cappella bands in Nagaland and we are proud to belong to ‘_N Frenz’.
There have been testaments that the group is always willing to perform for free and in fact the group ends up spending from their own pockets. We are music lovers, and for us we see it as an opportunity, as a blessing. In the long run… we hope that it will amount to something.”
It is a struggle for musicians in Nagaland. The love for music. check. Passion. check. Dedication. check. Hardwork. check. But like every other the band is also facing difficulties when it concerns practice and stage equipments. Imagine ten A Cappella singers. Ten microphones! Ask ‘_N Frenz’ if they ever sought help, and they admit regretfully that they have tried once, but response is yet to come. The story of ‘_N Frenz’ thus takes the route of many in Nagaland. Let’s give these guys support. They deserve it.
