Kohima, November 13 (MExN): Two Welsh artists and folk singer-songwriters, Gareth Bonello and Mari Mathias will be performing at Hornbill Festival 2024 in Nagaland.
The 10-day “Festival of Festivals”, is celebrating its 25th year and attracts visitors from all over the world, a DIPR report stated.
This year, Wales has been made a designated partner of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival marking the end of Wales in India 2024, a year-long series of celebrations and events to strengthen ties between the two countries. The partnership was announced during a recent visit to Wales by the Chief Minister of Nagaland in recognition of joint efforts by the British Council, the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, the Welsh Government and Wales Arts International.
Mari Mathias performs in the Welsh language, bringing her own contemporary approach to traditional folk melodies. She will be performing two solo sets as well as singing alongside Indian musician Seyievinuo Chuzho, writing a Welsh verse to one of her songs as part of the performance.
Mari said, “I’m eager not just to perform in my own language and represent Wales, but for all those conversations that come after when you’ve finished. That’s when I really connect to the audience and share why I’m doing what I’m doing.”
Gareth Bonello performs under the moniker of The Gentle Good and is known for his enchanting melodies and intricate acoustic guitar arrangements. Gareth is returning to Hornbill after performing in 2013. “I hope that our performances will encourage more people from all over the world to engage with the creativity of Indigenous cultures,” Gareth opined.
Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, said, “Being a partner country at Hornbill offers us the opportunity to share the best of Welsh creativity, music, and arts on one of India’s most prestigious cultural stages – certainly a proud moment for Wales.”
“This year, as part of the Wales in India 2024 programme, we’re excited to see Welsh and Indian artists collaborating, exchanging ideas, and inspiring one another, showcasing the richness of both cultures. Our long-standing association with the festival underscores our commitment to nurturing deep cultural and educational connections between India and Wales, fostering creativity and shared understanding through the arts,” commented Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council.
Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India said, “Yet it is not only about arts and culture. This is an opportunity to discuss a wider set of issues including business and trade opportunities with potential to contribute to mutual growth in the longer term.”
Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International said, “Our long-standing India-Wales programme, with our partners British Council and Welsh Government, has linked audiences and artists in both countries across diverse languages, cultures and traditions. “These new projects will continue to deepen the links with a specific focus on indigenous languages and on arts, health and well-being,” she added.
As part of the Year of Wales in India, the British Council and Wales, Arts International has invested in five projects through a dedicated culture fund. These projects will focus on deepening existing cultural relationships between artists from Wales and India, including those from Nagaland and the northeast, in the next six months.
