The champion – New Ages from Phek with the organizers, the hosts and the judges.
Pfutsero, January 7: The Pfutsero Town Christian Revival Church Youth Fellowship Open Gospel Music contest concluded on a high note after two days of battle between 12 bands from Pfutsero, Kohima, Dimapur, Phek and Chesezu.
The contest started on November 27, 2013 with Vibi Mero and Setolu Tünyi, hosts of the show, captivating everyone with their entertaining talks. Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Vepocü Epao, followed by welcome address and greetings delivered by Medovelo Sono, Convenor Organizing Committee. Neite-ü Koza, the guest artist, crooned out a sweet inaugural song.
Rev. Züpelhi Mero, a legendary Christian figure, shared the message of encouragement and inaugurated the Contest. He appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, which is a small group but guided by dynamic youth leaders, for putting up one of the best show in his lifetime for the glory of God in his hometown. He said that he is very happy to see inspiring young generation working towards the kingdom of Heaven. Music brings joy to everyone, old and young and it is a pleasure to see many young Christian Musicians taking the opportunity to share the love of God through music.
The winner of the Season 1 Open Gospel Music Contest, the “7th Milestone” belted out the number “Winter Wonderland” and set the mood for the contest. During the contest Vileno Kapü, who was in the Panel of Judges belted out “You never know”. The first night concluded with benediction pronounced by Solhou Sono, Pastor PTCRC.
The grand finale on December 28, 2013 started with invocation by Dr. Tshülingupe Kapfo followed by special appearance by young Vocal Students of Pfutsero coached by Vilevi Sakhrie. They droned the sweet “Tears in Heaven” and “I won’t give up” to start the final battle of 12 bands.
Panel of Judges gave a wowing performance with Vileno Kapu singing the melodious “Love in any language”, Pfuche Koza, performing his original number “Pfutsero oh! Pfutsero” and; Thejove Medeo belted out a wonderful Guitar music, showing off his high level of Artistry in Guitar playing. Guest artist, Neite-ü Koza mesmerized the crowd with “Song of Love” and “Bless the Broken Road” at the end of the contest. Ado Kezo made a Special Appearance to entertain everyone with his lively Hindi songs before the results were declared.
The Panel of Judges consists of 5 Professional and highly respected Musicians:
Pfüche Koza – Music Analyst and Composer; Thejove Medeo – Highly acclaimed Guitarist and prominent Judge in Musical Contest; Elijah Koza – Music Tutor of Bangalore Conservatory; Vileno Kapü – Music Teacher and renowned Vocalist; and Wechete- ü Khape – Music tutor, Pianist and Church Music Leader.
The results were declared at the end and “New Ages” from Phek Village was declared the winner of the 2nd Season of Open Gospel Music Contest and walked away with Rs. 50,000 cash prize. “Detoxified” from Dimapur and “Zenith” from Chesezu were declared the 1st and 2nd Runners up respectively and they took away Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. “Arcane Dreams” from Pfutsero Town received the award of “The Most Promising Band”. Kuzholüzo (Azo) Nienu, Minister R&B PWD sponsored the first prize money; second prize money by the Music Task Force (MTF) and third prize by Hotel Cimorb, Minister’s Hill Kohima.
The following artists walked away with the individual prizes: Best vocalist – Pelesa Keyho from New Ages sponsored by Teisovilhou Koza; Best Drummer – Dzütopo K.Therie from Detoxified sponsored by Hotel Halcyon, Pfutsero; Best Lead Guit arist – Vezo Puro from Arcane Dreams sponsored by Savizo Koza; Best Rhythm Guitarist – Jonah Sep from 70 Times 7 sponsored by Mary Kezo; Best Bassist – Peteneizo Solo from J.I.O.R.A.F. sponsored by Kevie Ngone.
Vibi Mero and Setolu Tünyi, closed the show on a very high spirit and encouraged all the musicians to do their best in the coming years. David Sarah pronounced the benediction and closed the 2nd Season giving all Glory to God.
The Open Gospel Music Contest is organized by the Pfutsero Town Christian Revival Church Youth Fellowship along with media partner Nagaland Post, print partner Innovations Kohima, sound partner Hills Sound Senapati and video partner Maple Studio Production; and in partnership with Xerography Chozuba, V.K. Enterprise Phek and Wetsolhi Khape Pfutsero. The co-sponsors are Music Task Force (YRS), Unlimited LCS Building, Elite Electronics, Penuel Automobile, NOIZ Tyres, Impact Computer sales and service, A2COMPUTech sales and servicing, Bible House, Pride Furniture & Furnishing, and Glamour Beauty Parlor.
