Sideline from Mokokchung with the organizers and others during the Smash Contest 3.2 held at The Garden, Supermarket on August 9.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 10
Dimapur was set ablaze on the evening of Saturday August 9, 2025, as Smash Contest 3.2 took over at The Garden, Supermarket.
Embracing the theme of Heavy Metal, seven bands across Nagaland and beyond competed in a contest of talent and stage presence. Sideline from Mokokchung was claimed as the winner that saw bands perform both originals and covers of legendary bands like Iron Maiden, Pantera, Sepultura, and Dream Theatre.
A tribute was also paid to the late rock pioneer, Ozzy Osbourne, with the crowd lighting up the venue with mobile phone flashes in unison. Guest band Wishes and Dreams delivered a high-energy set, featuring covers of Pantera and Metallica, and paid their own tribute to the “Prince of Darkness” with a rendition of Mr. Crowley.
The organizers stated that Smash began as an initiative by a group of individuals determined to revitalize rock music in Nagaland and create a platform for local talent which has now evolved into a “recognized movement” in the Northeastern rock scene.
Over the years, Smash has featured bands like Rain in Sahara, Ambush, Bhayanak Maut, Jammers Graveyard, and War Tonight, alongside seasoned local legends. Looking ahead, Smash remains committed to continuing the contests, organizing bigger shows, and instigating a rock revolution in Nagaland.
Moreover, by engaging bands from outside Nagaland, the event has helped local musicians connect to the wider Indian rock community, promoting cross-cultural collaboration and professional growth. “Smash Fest is not just an event, it’s a movement that’s redefining the musical identity of Nagaland’s new generation,” the organizers declared.
The next edition, Smash Contest 3.3, will take place on November 8, 2025, with the theme of Death Metal, headlined by War Tonight from Kalimpong, West Bengal.
The writer, N Katemongla is a student of Mass Media and Communication in Nitte Institute of Communication, Mangalore, Karnataka. This report was written as part of her internship in The Morung Express.
