Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, Director of Ülikhrei seen with its members.
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | September 22
While observing that the present generation is losing touch with their songs, culture and tradition, Ülikhrei Folk Group, a vibrant ensemble of young talents from Chedema is endeavouring to preserve the originality of the folk songs practiced by our ancestors.
Ülikhrei which means “singing peer group” (Ü- Song; Li- Singing; Khrei- Peer Group) comprises of 12 individuals including 6 males and 6 females. The ensemble was formed in 2022 as a result of their Church Youth Cultural Music Camp wherein Vimedonuo Chakrüno initially took the lead in imparting musical knowledge among the group members.
Ülikhrei is a first-of-its-kind emerging from Chedema village. It was in recognition of their rare talent for folk music that Dr Keneilhoulie Medom took notice and decided to groom them further for bigger stage. Seeing that although they had the talent but were lacking in presentation to come on the big stage, he brought in Noune Kuotsu as their vocal mentor, who is currently training them.
Dr Keneilhoulie Medom is the Director of Ülikhrei Folk Group, and is somebody who has been interested in music since he was in Class-3. He took up music till the time he went away to pursue MBBS and is now an Anesthesiologist, currently serving as Managing Director of KOHIMAS Hospital.
Expressing pride on how the Group's vocal mentor has been polishing them and bringing them up to another level, he further related that one of his aspirations for the group is for them to not only preserve our songs and culture but also be able to sustain their livelihoods eventually through their folk music.
“My dream for them is not just performing in Nagaland but at the international level; not just represent Angami tribe or Chedema but represent Nagaland to the world,” he articulated.
On the other hand, he is also looking at Rural Tourism with tourists now coming to visit the state not only during Hornbill Festival but throughout the year. Ülikhrei, he asserted “is not just about singing but involved with other skill training such as weaving, basket making, etc. so they can enhance their livelihoods through these activities.”
Stating concern that our generation is losing touch with folk music and our culture, he exuded hope that the group will be instrumental in preserving it and passing it on to the younger generation.
Underscoring that there are many young professionally trained musicians nowadays, he also appealed to the government to support the young, upcoming artists and not only focus on the more accomplished ones.
Since its formation, Ülikhrei has performed on numerous occasions such as Republic Day 2022, Chedema Students Union Conference 2022, Independence Day 2023, Republic Day 2023 and 2024, CBC Cultural Sunday 2023, Brilliante Piano Festival 2023, and Chedema Village Wrestling Meet 2024. The group also performed at the annual conference of Association of Oncologists of North East India (AONEI) last year.
Ülikhrei will participate in the upcoming Brillante Piano Festival at Bangalore from September 28-29 and also perform at an event in Kerala from October 1-2 for which Designer Kivitoli Chishi is designing their attires.
Ülikhrei affirms that they are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their community through music, dance, and storytelling, and takes its audience on a journey through the traditions and customs of their ancestral homeland.
