Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and others with the recipients of TaFMA Excellence Award 2025 on June 19. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 19
Several Naga artists were conferred with the TaFMA (Task Force for Music & Arts) Excellence Awards 2025 at the award ceremony graced by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on June 19.
Dr Rio handed over the awards to the recipients, which included; Fifth Note Band, Ruopfuzhano Whiso, Arenla Subong, Lenen Jamir, Tiameren Aier, The Nagaland Madrigal Singers, Trance Effect, Bendang Walling, Alobo Naga and Hito Kiho.
TaFMA Excellence Award has been conceptualized to honour and celebrate outstanding individuals from Nagaland who have excelled in the field of music and the arts. These awards recognizes musicians, artists, actors and creative professionals who brought laurels to the state by winning accolades or achieving distinction at national and international platforms.
This year's award edition was particularly noteworthy as it featured the unveiling of a grand piano gifted to Nagaland by world-renowned music composer Dr AR Rahman and the release of the 25th Hornbill Music Festival Coffee Table Book.
Recipients’ of TaFMA Excellence Award 2025
Alobo Naga: Alobo Naga has been awarded for winning Best Regional Song/Album at Clef Music Awards 2024 & Best North East Artist at Hungama Indian Music Awards 2024. Alobo's music has once again elevated the sound of Nagaland to the national spotlight. His songs Ajukiviu and anthem “Think NE, Think NEW’ brought renewed attention to Naga Music and identity across the country.
Arenla Subong: Arenla Subong has been a force in music, theatre and cinema. This Year, her feature film “Enter My World” was awarded Best Feature Film at the 5th Nawada International Film Festival. Creator of the unique Howey Musical Drama format, she continues to champion indigenous narratives through her multidisciplinary art.
Bendang Walling: Bendang Walling have been awarded for Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Theatre Direction, 2023. An exceptional theatre director, Walling was the recipient of one of India's highest national honours for young theatre practitioners. His works signifies a major step in reviving and nurturing theatre in Nagaland.
Fifth Note Band: Fifth Note is an experimental progressive rock band known their distinct sound, musical integrity and meaningful performances. Formed in 2019, the band crowned winners of Ticket to Hornbill 2024-India's biggest band battle as part of Hornbill Festival. They have taken their music from the hills to a national stage.
Lenen Jamir: Lenen Jamir has made history by becoming the first artiste from Nagaland to surpass 10 million views on YouTube with her popular music video ‘Itaya Nungu.’ Her soulful voice and authentic storytelling have earned her a loyal global following and marked a new digital milestone for northeast Indian musicians.
Ruopfuzhano Whiso: Ruopfuzhano Whiso made history by becoming the first contestant from North East to enter the Top 5 at Miss Universe India 2024, finishing as 4th Runner-Up. With a background in English literature and a multifaceted carrer in modelling, content creation and entrepreneurship, she is a symbol of empowered grace and modern Naga identity.
The Nagaland Madrigal Singers: The Nagaland Madrigal Singers has been conferred with the award for winning two Gold Medals at the 13th World Choir Games, Auckland, New Zealand. They won medals in the C7 Mixed Chamber Choir and C19 Contemporary Music categories. With their world-class harmonies and devotion to the choral art, they have put Nagaland on the global stage.
Tiameren Aier: Tiameren Aier has been awarded for composition of ‘Itaya Nungu', the first locally composed song to cross 10 million YouTube views. A musician and music composer, Aier’s work reflects the growing reach and resonance of indigenous music in the digital age.
Trance Effect: Trance Effect from Dimapur has been awarded for becoming a Top 16 finalist at Gwangju Busking World Cup Festival 2024 in South Korea. Their musical storytelling and evolving artistry continue to captivate fans across the country and beyond.
Hito Kiho: Hito Kiho bagged the Ultimate Achiever of the Year award. He is the director of The Nagaland Madrigal Singers. For this award, he got Toyota Glanza car, sponsored by Okusa Toyota Dimapur.
