•-Music is an integral part of the life of the Nagas. The Nagas sing and rejoice when they are happy, lonely and sad, during celebrations and also at work. The Nagas sing with indigenous musical instrumentals made by themselves. The Nagas can sing western music with modern instruments and they also sing in Hindi or any other languages. Therefore, there is no occasion without singing in the cultural life of the Nagas.
A visionary leader, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Nephiu Rio realizing the importance of music in the culture life of the Nagas, created the Music Task Force to tap musical talents and to upgrade the skills to be at par with National and International standards. He also placed the right man at the right job- Dr. Nicky Kire, Hon’ble MLA, a physician, musician and sportsman to lead and guide the Music Task Force.
Under his leadership the Naga musicians could expose themselves to the outside world in National and International level competitions. For instance, the Divine Connection Band was adjudged the winner of the MTV Desi Beats National Rock Contest in 2010 at Mumbai. And Mr. Joey Woch, a popular Naga Classical Guitarist could come out 4th position Best Classical Guitarist in India held at Kolkata in December 2010. Mr. Joey Woch is currently in the U.S. to participate in the International Classical Guitar Solo competition and Concert organized by the Guitar Foundation of America, from 27th June to 3rd July 2011.
He has been sponsored by the Music Task Force Department and The Chief Minister Corpus Fund, Government of Nagaland.
We are really proud of the Patkai Christian College Music Department and the Music Task Force Department for producing such talented Naga youths to the National and International level competition.
However, I would like to make a little pinch to the Naga musicians. In our local saying, every fruit ripens from inside to outward, with an exception of one rare fruit, which is known as Avumeghubi in my local dialect. This fruit ripens from the outside to the inside. Therefore, when we look outwardly it is fully ripen but when we crack it and see the inside, it is still green in colour which means it not yet fully ripe. In the same manner, most of our musically talented children are not trained with the basic nor appropriately guided with opportunities and avenues. But, they simply hear, see, copy and perform in unproductive platforms. In this way many talents go wasted.
Therefore, my humble suggestion is that we should introduce music as one of the optional subjects in the schools and colleges. It is also high time to set an authority or mechanism to streamline the mushrooming music schools in Nagaland. Efforts need to be given to tie up with Institutions/Universities for awarding degrees in music at different levels. This way, I feel, that our musical talents can be nurtured and groomed and that our children can use their talent and passion for their living.
Khinyi Woch
Cultural Secretary
Kethagha Welfare Society, Kohima
A visionary leader, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Nephiu Rio realizing the importance of music in the culture life of the Nagas, created the Music Task Force to tap musical talents and to upgrade the skills to be at par with National and International standards. He also placed the right man at the right job- Dr. Nicky Kire, Hon’ble MLA, a physician, musician and sportsman to lead and guide the Music Task Force.
Under his leadership the Naga musicians could expose themselves to the outside world in National and International level competitions. For instance, the Divine Connection Band was adjudged the winner of the MTV Desi Beats National Rock Contest in 2010 at Mumbai. And Mr. Joey Woch, a popular Naga Classical Guitarist could come out 4th position Best Classical Guitarist in India held at Kolkata in December 2010. Mr. Joey Woch is currently in the U.S. to participate in the International Classical Guitar Solo competition and Concert organized by the Guitar Foundation of America, from 27th June to 3rd July 2011.
He has been sponsored by the Music Task Force Department and The Chief Minister Corpus Fund, Government of Nagaland.
We are really proud of the Patkai Christian College Music Department and the Music Task Force Department for producing such talented Naga youths to the National and International level competition.
However, I would like to make a little pinch to the Naga musicians. In our local saying, every fruit ripens from inside to outward, with an exception of one rare fruit, which is known as Avumeghubi in my local dialect. This fruit ripens from the outside to the inside. Therefore, when we look outwardly it is fully ripen but when we crack it and see the inside, it is still green in colour which means it not yet fully ripe. In the same manner, most of our musically talented children are not trained with the basic nor appropriately guided with opportunities and avenues. But, they simply hear, see, copy and perform in unproductive platforms. In this way many talents go wasted.
Therefore, my humble suggestion is that we should introduce music as one of the optional subjects in the schools and colleges. It is also high time to set an authority or mechanism to streamline the mushrooming music schools in Nagaland. Efforts need to be given to tie up with Institutions/Universities for awarding degrees in music at different levels. This way, I feel, that our musical talents can be nurtured and groomed and that our children can use their talent and passion for their living.
Khinyi Woch
Cultural Secretary
Kethagha Welfare Society, Kohima
