Meribeni T Kikon
Wokha | May 4
Rushamo Tsopoe, a musician and educator from Wokha, has played a significant role in shaping the district’s music scene over the past several decades. From pioneering the use of sound systems in local events to setting up Wokha’s first recording studio, Tsopoe has been instrumental in promoting music education and mentoring young talent.
His musical journey began in the church choirs of Don Bosco School, where his daily route passed by the Wokha Town Baptist Church. “Every day, I passed by the church and could hear the choir rehearsing. The sounds they created sparked an interest and passion for music in me,” he recalls.
Curiosity soon turned into commitment. Without invitation, he once entered a rehearsal and asked to join. Warmly welcomed by the choir, that moment marked the beginning of his lifelong connection to music. From that point, music became more than just a passion. It became a purpose.
In the early years, Wokha lacked proper sound systems, especially during large events and church functions. Recognising the gap, Tsopoe began hiring out sound systems, becoming one of the first to do so in the district. “The equipment we had were makeshift units… that sparked an idea—someone had to do something about it,” he said. The move gained momentum, and Tsopoe found himself travelling to villages and churches across the region.
Tsopoe later established Wokha’s first-ever recording studio. Before that, musicians had to travel to Dimapur to record their music. “I saw a lot of talented people going to Dimapur for recording and thought, why not set up something right here in Wokha?” he shared.
Another lesser-known contribution was his work in Sunday schools. In the absence of digital tools, Tsopoe translated numerous gospel songs into the Lotha language and compiled a printed songbook that was distributed across churches. He also recorded these songs on cassette tapes for Sunday school teachers, some of which are still used today.
Reflecting on his career, Tsopoe recalls the tough moments, particularly the challenges faced in forming his first band, The Starlight Gospel Band. Financial constraints made it difficult to sustain, but the group found its footing by focusing on gospel music—earning the support of both parents and churches. The band performed regularly, spreading the gospel through music and building a dedicated following. Despite early challenges, Tsopoe expanded his efforts with new projects, including The Sowers children’s choir, which gained attention through performances on local television and radio, and later went on to release three albums.
The idea for The Sowers emerged in the 1990s, during a time when drug addiction was a growing concern in Nagaland. Tsopoe aimed to provide young people with a creative outlet. He gathered children from Classes 4 to 10 and began mentoring them through music, with the support of his wife, Loreni Ngullie. “We started the ministry before and after marriage—it’s always been a joint effort,” he said.
The initiative continued for nearly a decade, eventually dividing the group into junior and senior sections due to overwhelming interest. “I wanted to give children an outlet, to keep their minds occupied and ultimately lead them to the church,” Tsopoe said.
Today, he carries that vision forward as the founder of Fernbrook School, where music is integrated with formal education. “We start music classes as early as Class 1, and by Class 9, students can take music as a subject,” he said. The school also offers free after-school music lessons—ranging from guitar and piano to drums and pipe band—for students who maintain their academic grades.
Among Fernbrook School’s unique achievements is the formation of an all-girls pipe band, which has performed at national events such as Independence Day and Republic Day. “The school is the best platform to explore children’s talents, and we’ve seen remarkable results,” he shared.
Tsopoe’s dedication to both academics and the arts came with personal sacrifices. He left a secure job at the State Bank of India to pursue education and music full-time. “I didn’t want to be away from my children, so I started my own school where I could focus on both academics and spiritual growth,” he said.
Throughout his journey, Tsopoe has remained deeply involved in music-related events—whether directing school choirs, supporting local youth groups in competitions, or conducting music seminars.
Now in a quieter phase of life but still active, Tsopoe continues to mentor and teach. “Where there is will, there is a way,” he says, adding that he still has many plans—but prefers to keep them private for now.
To young people, he offers this advice: “Don’t give up easily. Keep trying, even if you fail at first. If you have a dream, pursue it. And if you have an idea, go for it. Don’t be afraid to experiment.”
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