Longrangty Longchar
Dimapur | June 17
The assertion that Nagas are talented, natural singers is well-established and demonstrated for a long time, acknowledged by many both nationally and internationally. However, the lack of originality in the music has been a cause of concern. Hopefully, the worldwide release of a genre of Naga music by Saregama HMV Records on June 15 will inspire aspiring Naga musicians to develop indigenous modern music with originality.
The latest album of Abiogenesis, ‘Aeon Spell’, has paved a pathway by creating and developing a new genre called Howey Music, which is a fusion of indigenous Naga folk tunes with modern rock. The album will hit music stores in Chicago and other US cities soon, said Moa Subong, a co-founder of the band.
However, the album which is already being sold in music stores in Indian cities will be officially and formally released in Nagaland only on June 25, with members from the Nagaland Music Task Force and representatives from the Saregama HMV Records in attendance.
A special feature of the latest Abiogenesis output is the use of the ‘bamhum’, a novel Naga musical instrument, and the creation of a new musical genre called ‘Howey’ developed by the band. Moa Subong, who believes that good music should come out straight from the heart to express inner thoughts, disclosed that Abiogenisis want their songs to be original, and based on the traditional roots of the land. He encourages young aspiring Naga singers and bands to be original and not to be copy-cats, forgetting their ‘roots’..
A well recognized singer and entrepreneur, Theja Meru, commented that the new Abiogenesis album ‘Aeon Spell’ is ‘very original and truly traditional’ and termed it as a big step in the field of music.
The first Naga Idol, Moanungsang, termed the new genre as ‘unique’ and added that Howey music shows the maturity of the musicians, namely the Abiogenesis band.
The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Abhishek Singh, who is responsible for initiating the Naga idol contest, said that the new genre is ‘excellent music’ and added that very few musicians use traditional instrument (such as Bamhum) in their songs. In this regard, Abhishek Singh said that the new genre is very innovative since it is a fusion of two different kinds of music.
On being asked about the popularity of the Howey among the Nagas, given the fact that western and Indian music have gained a strong hold, DC Abhishek Singh expressed his strong wish that “it should”, and added, “let’s hope it should”.
The Naga Idol, Moanungsang, could not exactly say whether the new genre would become popular saying that only time will tell, depending on the people’s response. However, for once the Naga singers and song lovers can feel proud that a thread of originality has germinated in the Naga songs. Theja Meru, in this regard, said that it is a ‘big step’ towards originality.
The new abiogenesis album ‘Aeon Spell’ has ten tracks and one can listen to the mp3 track of ‘Saramati Tears’ in www.abiogenesis.altpro.net.
It may be mentioned that the five member Abiogenisis band is into experimental music and their tireless effort has resulted in developing Howey Music. An outstanding feature is that they play a new wind musical instrument made of bamboo which was invented by a band member- Moa Subong. Bamhum was unveiled by the Governor of Meghalaya during the International Bamboo festival in May 2005 at Shillong in Meghalaya.
Morung Express News
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