Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 10
A two-day seminar on preservation and promotion of tradition folk song was held at three schools in Zunheboto – Olymic Higher Secondary School, Immanuel School, and Cornerstone Higher Secondary School – under the banner Nixüle- A project to Revive, Retrieve and Reinvent our traditional folk song. Nixüle is a combination of three word – Ni (we/our), xu (life), le (music) and basically means “Our Music History”.
The seminar was conceptualized and presented by Hojevi Cappo, the founder of gospel folk musical team, Nagagenous. A composer and musician, Hojevi has created many indigenous music instruments. He has performed at White House, Washington D.C USA, Birmingham, London, Billy Graham Crusade, Amsterdam, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. He was assisted by his associate and the co-founder of Nagagenous, Vikiho Swu during the seminar.
In the seminar held in three venues, Hojevi not only took hold of the attention of his audience through fact findings and untold stories about music of Naga ancestors, but enthralled them with some of his well know works like "Kashopapu" and "the bird Song".
“Our folk song and music should not only be confined to festivals and special occasion, but become an integral part of our day today activities," he told the participants. He stated that music, which has been used as a very effective means of communication in the olden days, is still being used as an important means to unite and break barriers when other means of persuasions fail.
Speaking on the increasing lack of communication and misunderstanding in the Naga society because of two contrasting generations, the new and the old, he said, “The communication gap between the younger and older generation could be bridged if we the younger generation takes the initiative step to tap the resources from the older generation by interacting with them; our traditional music should not die with old people.” In this whole process, a better relationship and bond could be created between the old and younger generation, he said.
However, he lamented how the younger generation is so lost in the modern means of communication and technology that they have forgotten the true experience of human feeling, emotion and experience; instead they are infatuated by the virtual world.
Hojevi also showcased some of the traditional instruments that he has restored and improvised like the two hole flute Anheküthü Apulu, Qüqüpu, Asüpuhu, Ghasüthi, Azühu, Aheo, Ahughi (Apoxi), Xisüpuhu. He also spoke about his enthusiasm and eagerness to carry the project beyond the Sumi tribe. He wishes to conduct many more seminars in different districts, interact with other tribes once his ongoing research on their music is done.
