TaFMA presents ThinkFest on business of music

Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, TaFMA advisor Theja Meru and others during ThinkFest on the business of music at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on September 6.

 

A two day long ThinkFest on the business of music under the aegis of Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) in association with Epiphone got underway today at Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma.

The ThinkFest featured speakers like Luke Kenny, Viveick Rajagopalan, Arpito Cope, Ashwin Sharma, Jishnu Dasgupta and Nirmika Singh.

 

Govt serious about elevating music and arts industry
Launching the event, Nagaland’s Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said that the aim of the government is to ensure that every part of the state and every young talent should get the opportunity and the possibility to achieve their aspirations.

In line with this approach, he said, now the Hornbill Rock Contest has now been redesigned to make it into a full experiential music festival when the bands from within the country, from abroad and representing every district will get to play and perform at the Hornbill Rock outside the limiting boundaries of a competitive event.

“Now big bands, international names and upcoming talents will all get “Tickets to Hornbill” and make this event one of the biggest music festivals on an international scale,” said Toy.

He said that the state government has changed the nomenclature of the Music Task Force to Task Force for Music & Arts to expand the scope and reach of this government undertaking.

It is a unique model, and a first of its kind, and has attracted the attention of the rest of the country, he said adding that the appointment of the present Advisor is also a clear indication that the state government is serious in its policy of engaging the real stakeholders of the music and arts fraternity in elevating this industry.

He said that the TaFMA has taken several decisions that fully engages the entire industry and has made its initiatives more inclusive and widespread, he said adding “While we are partnering with renowned names and internationally acclaimed personalities and brands, we are also reaching out to each and every part of the state, especially the backward districts with programmes and initiatives.”

There is no doubt that we have an abundance of musical talent in Nagaland.

“Every second Naga that you meet will be able to hum a song, sing a tune and play the strings of a guitar. We are musically inclined. But to achieve recognition at the highest levels and to make successful careers in today’s competitive environment we need a professional approach. That is why TaFMA has been made to step up its activities and formulate policies that will be game changers. That’s why ThinkFest; and other linkages with music academies and institutions that that will partner us as knowledge partners, conduct exchange programmes, residencies, etc,” he said.

He said that it is the endeavor of the government to work towards realization of the dreams and aspirations of the youth.

He said the state government is now on a committed mission with this task force to support the youth towards reaching their ambitions.

“Though we have a lot more to do, we are happy that TaFMA is on the right track and we urge all the stakeholders to come and avail the opportunities not as participants but as partners in reaching towards our common endeavors,” Toy said.

 

More ThinkFest in future 
TaFMA advisor Theja Meru stressed on the need to have strategies of “how you want to promote yourself, your brand, and your music and to really start thinking in a very smart form also smart thinking.”

 “So for this reason, we bought into big names to talk with our young talents,” he said while talking o media persons.
About the two days of unravelling the business of music, he said “We are very excited as we have big names from the different industries present here today, but yes! This is just the beginning. There will be many more ThinkFest to help our industry stakeholders in the days to come.”

“Even drama artist are also all present as, I feel even though it’s about business of music but whether you are an actor, curator or anything it’s all same because you got to have the business sense,” said Meru.

He said that one of the principles of TaFMA is to turn ecosystem into economic and “these are all approaches that we are taking.” We can also start working smart but taking up economy activities and initiatives.

 

Unravel business of music 
About the music industry in the state, he said “Well, it good but we are not the best yet, it is not good enough. The competitive industry from my discovery or say experience I feel you have to be best of best and that is what TaFMA aims towards.”

He said TaFMA aim to train musicians and to take up industry to be the best to compete at par with anyone. “If we do a case study of our Naga musician’s talents is brilliant but knowledge is lacking,” Meru said. He said that TaFMA will continue its efforts and empower musicians with knowledge “so that they are best at par with the others.”

Meru said the ThinkFest pulled around 150 participants from all over Nagaland.

TaFMA advisor Theja Meru said that in line with the vision and direction of the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the ThinkFest have been launched to create a wholistic music ecosystem.

Meru said that it is an initiative to help Naga musicians learn and experience the best practices of the music industry from music industry stalwarts.

ThinkFest aim to unravel the business of music, the challenges, the opportunities and the power of design.

Earlier, Arpito Cope delivered keynote address while Viveick Rajagopalan and Nirmika Singh talked on “Creation to publishing” and “An artists’ guide to branding, social media and music business” respectively.

Jishnu Dasgupta, Ashwin Sharma and Luke Kenny will interact with the participants on September 7, from 10:30 AM onwards.

Vote of thanks will be proposed by TaFMA project director Dr. Hovithal Sothu.
(Morung Express News)