Abu Metha, Theja Meru, Dr Hovithal Sothu and Hokugha Yeptho at the press conference at RCEMPA Jotsoma on August 22. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 22
Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Nagaland today announced another three major upcoming events for this year. It includes; The Voice of Nagaland (Nagaland Ultimate Talent Hunt 2023), TaFMA Excellence Award and Hornbill Music Festival.
This was announced during a press conference at RCEMPA Jotsoma in the presence of Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Theja Meru, Chairman TaFMA, Dr Hovithal Sothu, Project Director, TaFMA and Hokugha Yeptho, CEO, Okusa Toyota.
For “The Voice of Nagaland” event, it is open to solo artists, duos and bands, vocal groups/choirs and music genre- all genres. It is applicable for English, Hindi, Nagamese and local dialects. The ultimate winner will get a Toyota Car and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Theja Meru said that guidelines and schedule for the event will be announced soon.
TaFMA Excellence Award is an initiative to award the youth who are pursuing and achieving excellence in their respective fields at national and international levels. Abu Metha said that this award is the initiative of TaFMA under the vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Hornbill Music Festival 2023
Metha said that Toyota is also partnering again with TaFMA for Hornbill Music Festival (HMF) 2023 and thanked Toyota for the same.
Besides Nagaland’s top bands, this year HMF will witness participation from USA, Ireland, Colombia and Israel.
HMF is India’s biggest music festival, he said adding that it has propelled Nagaland as one of the capitals of music. Today, top bands and musicians around the world are seeking entry to come and perform in Nagaland, he said.
For past couple of years, Metha said that TaFMA has developed excellent partnership with 21 private companies like ICCR, Toyota, Parx India, Dolby India, JK Trust, Shure, Casio, INRRCO, Gaana, Music Connect Asia, KM Music, KM Music Conservatory, RollingStone India, Tune Core, TATA Steel Foundation, Mahindra, Master Peace Global (The Netherlands), Culture Monks, Instabili Vaganti (Italy), Espire Hospitality and Riga Cathedral Choir School (Latvia). Though this collaboration, our musicians and artists are getting platform within the state and in different parts of the countries, Metha said.
Naga musicians are now performing in various resorts and star hotels in different parts of the country, he said.
TaFMA also developed partnership with six embassy of foreign countries in India. It includes Israel, USA, UK, Italy, Columbia and Latvia.
‘Naga musicians become brand ambassador of Naga people’
Today, musicians and artists from Nagaland have become the brand ambassador of the Naga people and the state, Metha said. They are spreading positive stories, they are telling good things about Nagaland, he said adding that their talents and capabilities is creating air of positivity for the whole state. The world is getting to know Nagaland through their talents, he said.
We are very proud of our artists, he said and assured that TaFMA will continue to work tirelessly for them. Stating that TaFMA is also partnering with different festivals in the country, Metha maintained that such collaboration contribute to appreciation of each other culture across international boundaries and connects different parts of the world.
“On behalf of Toyota, we are grateful to the state government and TaFMA for giving us privilege to partner with Hornbill festival this year again,” said Hokugha Yeptho.
