The winning band, The Redeemer, poses with the organizers and judges at the Süngkotenem Beat Contest 2025, held at Süngkotenem Park, Mopungchuket, on January 10.

Morung Express News
Mopungchuket | January 11
The Redeemer, a band from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam, emerged as the winners of the Süngkotenem Beat Contest 2025, held at the scenic Süngkotenem Park in Mopungchuket on January 10. The event marked the quadrennial Clash of the Bands competition, featuring seven bands, including The Redeemer as the sole participant from Assam.
The Süngkotenem Beat Contest was first organized in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Literary Department of Mopungchuket Ait Laishir Telungjem (MALT). In 2007, during MALT’s Platinum Jubilee, a resolution was passed to host the competition alongside the Culture Carnival, making it a quadrennial event that showcases a fusion of tradition and modernity.
This year’s participating bands included Mingle Tones, Generation Gap, Sideline, Henotic, Metallum Crux, The Redeemer, and Unison. The runners-up were Sideline from Mokokchung, with The Redeemer taking home a cash prize of Rs 80,000, while Sideline walked away with Rs 50,000.
Individual accolades included: Best Vocalist: Sarsonot Ronghang (The Redeemer); Best Guitarist: Klarhjohn Bey (The Redeemer); Best Bassist: Atir (Sideline); Best Drummer: Imsongti (Sideline). Each winner received Rs 5000 in recognition of their outstanding performances.
The contest drew an audience of around 1,000 people and was graced by Chief Guest T.N. Mannen, Retired IAS and Advisor, Law and Justice, and Land Revenue. In his address, Mannen praised the event as a close contender to the famed Hornbill Festival and emphasized the importance of nurturing young musical talent while promoting cultural tourism in Mopungchuket.
Reflecting on Mopungchuket’s rich cultural history, Mannen encouraged integrating traditional and western music, advocating for the preservation of the village’s heritage, including the diminishing Süngkotenem Lake. He suggested hosting the event annually to enhance its global reach.
The panel of judges included Arenlong, Atsa Lang Roths, Chubawapang, and Arsashi Ozüküm, who contributed their expertise to the evening’s proceedings.