Envisioning the Future of Naga Musicians

SEPTEMBER2013

Envisioning the future of Naga musicians Zhalie Nienu Is there a possibility of Naga musicians going mainstream? Music scenario in Nagaland is quite intriguing. So many things are happening in Nagaland musically but in bits and pieces; not to mention the disproportioned identity accorded to artists and the mismatched platforms given to performers. Obvious lack of music industry is rarely a deterrent for passionate talents who still believe Nagaland could be the next big thing in music or, in other words, big breaks for Naga musicians. The big question, then, is whether “the big break” is a reality and, if it is, how do we go about? Before Naga music can go mainstream, I believe, we need a workable blueprint clearly defining the different platforms for various types of working musicians.

I personally appreciate Nagaland Government’s effort in sponsoring “temporary” random platforms for Naga musicians and musicians from other states in the form of Hornbill Rock Contest, Music Task Force’s various music initiatives and, many other local programs. We can observe that Nagaland Government sponsored programs in Nagaland, India, or in some foreign land is primarily to promote the State of Nagaland and not the musicians per se. Over the years few selected Naga musicians have been instrumental and proud ambassadors in government sponsored cultural exchange programs but promotion of Naga musicians is evidently not the main purpose of the events. I write not to negate Nagaland Government’s effort but to state the need for the “next level”. The next level I am talking about is with reference to Music Industry where Naga musicians can call themselves as full time working musicians and earning their living as Original Recording artists.

There seems to be confusion amongst Naga musicians, organizers, and even promoters in Nagaland regarding marketing talents. Most musicians are not sure whether they are Top 40 artist/band or a Recording and Performing artist/ band or a mix of both. I often see that in Nagaland Top 40 artists

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are rendered star status and treatment whereas Recording artists are ignored and many a times belittled. In the USA Top 40 artists and acts are never considered anywhere close to an identity of a star. For the sake of those not familiar with a Top 40: Top 40 artists are musicians who will only sing hit songs sung by others. Thus it is illegal to play Top 40 songs in concert halls.

Surprisingly, it is not deemed illegal in Nagaland for Top 40 bands to perform in concert halls; and tickets often costs even more than gigs of Original Recording Artists! This is ridiculous and must be rectified if we want to see Naga recording & performing artists to make an impact in Nagaland and out in the world as well. The perimeter of musicians performing Top 40 songs are usually confined to bars, restaurants, school events, weddings, birthday parties and their likes, and rightfully so.

Naga musicians can enter mainstream with proper music infrastructure with the help of capable investors who would help propel music industry to the right direction in Nagaland; this is the need of the hour. By “proper music infrastructure” I mean clear-cut distinguishing platform for both Top 40 type musicians and Original Recording artists. To cite an instance, legendary concert halls such as Warfield and Fillmore in San Francisco are exclusively reserved with all rights and privileges only to Original Recording artists and bands. On the other hand, Top 40 artists and bands are comfortably able to make a living doing gigs in the bars and coffee house circuits 5 to 7 days a week, normally as guest and house bands. The Top 40 market in the US is traditional in nature and has a huge following. Nagaland too has an appealing environment and potential market for Top 40, and even bigger market for original performing and recording artists.

The neglected platforms are those for the Original Recording and Performing artists and bands in Nagaland.

Those few notable Naga original bands and artists venturing outside of Nagaland are probably doing so without contracts, endorsement and thereby bearing heavy expenses on their

own. Their only consolation is having great fun and exposure.

Many competent Original Recording bands and artists probably earn just a fraction of what an amateur Naga idol might be awarded. This is a real shame and portrays a lopsided value judgement of music.

Nagas in general are not only avid music lovers but exude discriminatory appetite especially for western music.

Musically speaking, once we shed off the ingrained, erroneous, and almost cult-like belief that west is better than east, Naga music will become marketable in Nagaland (and beyond). For example, people in Nagaland are willing to pay few thousand rupees to see a western band perform in Dimapur and Kohima but will only pay few hundred rupees to see an equally good original local artist/band. No one in the USA or the UK will pay premium money to see a Naga band more than what they normally pay to see their own local band/s. It is high time to do away with such discriminatory approach towards brilliant original talents in Nagaland. We need to support original talents, buy their albums, merchandises and attend their concerts and help build music industry and consequently advance local economy. Believe it or not, Naga bands are bound to sound different from any other musical bands in the world; our unique sound is and can be our gift to the world.

Can Government of Nagaland help Naga musicians/ artists/bands and music entrepreneurs to rise to the “next level”? It can provide more low interest loans and grants to help establish competitive entertainment market (artists/bands) and marketable music related products. Quality control of products must not be overlooked. For instance, Nagaland music market must switch from domestic burnt CD quality to commercial industry standard pressed CD’s. Music industry could generate hundreds and even thousands of employment opportunity right here in Nagaland and could very well mitigate the already chronic unemployment crisis. Then it could be a win - win situation for both Nagaland Government and Naga music industry.

TOP: A Teacher teaching his new student how to play a violin at Mountain Music Academy , Dimapur.

BOTTOM: International Opera Singer CHRISTINE MATOVICH performing ‘ “SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW” with the students of HCE at IMC HALL, Dimapur RIGHT: The Three Brothers getting ready for the performances somewhere at the the outskirt of Dimapur. The eldest brother is a Music student while the two young brothers joined the pre-nursery music classes recently.

PHOTOGRAPHS: BETOKA SWU Opinion is a theme-based supplement published on the third Saturday of every month. Here you are the artist, the writer, the photographer, the storyteller and the creator of your own opinion. The articles do not reflect the position of the newspaper.

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Nagas just love Music. Don’t we?

Arenjungla Kichu I am really pumped up to write something on ‘Nagas And Its Love For Music.’ I mean, who wouldn’t?? I, myself am a huge music fan and my friends often makes fun of me calling me a ‘Jonas Freak’, yes, a small Jonas Brothers fan I am.

Being born a Naga and living in Nagaland for quite a few good years, I kinda realise what music means to the Nagas. For instance, if we decides to attend any kind of festivals, ceremonies or any kind of occasions in Nagaland, it is hundred

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percent sure that we’ll come across some Naga Music Bands a.k.a Local bands. Forget about becoming famous, Nagas just loves to play and entertain themselves with music.

Any Naga gathering without music is like having bread without butter.

In fact, there’s a big chance people could come out with a pointed mouth even though a healthy pork dish was served because ‘Music’ was absent in that occasion. In addition to that, there will be a lot of yawning in a ‘’music-less’’ occasion.

Nagas have people who can’t read, who can’t take care of themselves and who can never assume that they have a good voice. Still, Nagas just don’t have people who simply say,

‘I don’t like Music’ and even if i ever come across someone who would say that, I’d doubt he’s even a Naga. That’s the magnitude of music power in Nagaland. Nagas have a capability of learning quickly, creating rare musical sounds and obviously good imitators as well. These all points to how Nagas are talented.

But, are we misusing these talents? Its a pretty quick question hitting right at my head all the time.

It all seems ‘’cool’’ to follow Western music and sing exactly like they do but it could be better if we Nagas pursue our own cultural music and give some moral support. I would love to hear our unique Naga sounds in famous radios one day..or see a

naga popstar or rockstar someday.

I am really proud of those Naga bands like ‘Alobo Naga and the band’, ‘Divine Connection’, ‘Melodrama’ and many more. They are the reason we believe that someday we Nagas will be able to make Music history. But it’s just not the artist who had to work hard.

There’s a lot that We, being in the same locality are responsible for those artists to achieve their dream.

It is us who needs to encourage those dreamers and support them morally as well as financially in the best way we can. Let us not just neglect their music just because we think we can do better than them or just because we feel that being

a ‘Musician’ is the end of one’s life.

For most Nagas, Musicians are those people who do not have a future anymore because he did not passed out his High school. But No. Getting Master degree and graduating in colleges or universities is not the only achievement a person can made...its obvious. ‘Music’. It could open up a massive opportunity for many Naga youths and would ultimately help in making Nagaland a better state.

We should at least give those struggling artists a chance to live their dream that way a new future could open. Nagas really should encourage Music and its Lovers.

After all, Nagas just love Music.

Don’t we???

Photographs by Mireuyi Herie

Walking The Fine Line Bito Lohe Without doubt it is not above reproach when something well-liked is being pinpointed for flaw.

Conversely, it is within the reach of riposte that this piece is devised to digging out the obsession of an assemblage- the Nagas. Put more precisely, the Nagas’ attachment to music has been on the mount. Music is a verve that thrills multitude in which millions have been immersed in its progression. A safe contemplation is that, through the course, the Nagas as well lie close to the realm of those who have been incorporated in the immersion, if a yardstick is to be set. To put the focus in perspective, a gaze at the contemporary scenario is not gratuitous.

All propitious events encompass music as their integral facets. From church setting to political framework; from inaugural observance of sports meet to flamboyant merriment of festivals; from opening miniscule resting shed to dedicating palatial building; music is seen as indissolubly linked. What is the efficacy of the incorporation of music in all auspicious proceedings? What would turn out in its nonappearance? Would its dearth defy the state of completeness as the barring of cement from the edifice?

The above elementary queries seem to be absurd and yet they are in call for pose and pause in a context analogous to ours.

The inflow of western culture has left its deep indentations into our setting.

Consequently, to many, western music has become the impulsion that operates as a sort of muse. The yearning for western air is so elevated that it is mulled over as a part and parcel of our time-honored tune, when glimpsed at the facade. In attempting to craft it as ours, perhaps, its exceptionality has been distorted. Are then we the ones who are exceedingly into it? Or in doing so something worth-

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while is budding is a craze that is tentative.

Parallel to this setting is the hankering for music in church domain, for this craving impels one to analyze others in the course of musical lens. The topnotch prerequisite for a youth director, for instance, is an exceptional performer or in the least, an aspirant who disseminates a few guitar chords. It is not mythical to aver that this state has confined one with a notion that one must be au fait with staff notation in order to unearth one’s abode, placing the ones to whom music is foreign at odd. Appraising others based on musicality alone can engender added flaws than mere fallacy as it ignores other elevated preconditions.

To authentic the focal point, a vignette on some prominent personas whose indifference to music were patently seen is indispensable. “It seems almost incredible to anyone who loves Mozart that people- quite likeable people- should exist to whom the songs of Mozart give no more pleasure than the noise of a buzzer or the harsh cry of a jay.

Yet experience tells us that indifference to music is a fairly common characteristic of the great and the good,” said Robert Lynd in his noted essay “Indifference.”

Stating his stance, he pushed further by way of cherry-picking a few esteemed names that were indifferent to music, in which Dr. Johnson and Mr. W.B. Yeats were synonymous as the latter could not tell apart the National Anthem of Irish Free State and that of Great Britain. Still, their indifference to the same in no way debased their sound footing.

It sounds chary to those who find music irresistible and deem it as an element of life. Yet the true-life revelation of the renowned speak that now and again the reality can be odd and we are to attune ourselves to it. Should then we to say that the abandonment should be

the initial precondition and the precise move? The point of contention is not to desist utterly, but rather to set a bridge and walk the fine line between two extremes. To pave the middle lane under one’s steam, nonetheless, would be a tedious undertaking as it demands exertion in addition to disparagement from the existing flow.

Look closer home: the common leaning is that more often than not music is entailed as the point of reference to appraising a person as whose tinge of faculty is seen is propelled vertically up. Evenly on the other side of computation, the entities whose innate abilities have been deficient in this aptitude are sidelined. In other lexis, to be a Naga is to be musically equipped or least of all to be an enthusiast- lest she/he misses the mark of life. If this one-sided inclination is elongated with less spur to rectify in time; the outcome may tilt towards fabricating ills than good. In trying to lay it on with a trowel on one exacting fixation, it also curtails one and the same sum on other vital occupations and this fact may possibly be thorny to own up for those who are not indifferent to the same but whose proclivities are with the popular surge.

An eminent Naga recitalist once shrewdly said, “If everyone turns out to be a musician then ultimately its meaning would be mislaid.” This simple yet weighty avowal cannot be merely overlooked as it has some import to be contemplated upon. The current trend seems to be en route for the said caveat.

If the incomparable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were alive today and happens to break in his journey in our vicinity, he might weep resentfully, for taking music to relegation whereby virtually all and sundry is an artiste in one’s own mode. What if sans music in a setting akin to ours?

ILLUSTRATION by Atong Rothrong

voices on Musically blessed indigenous people, Music Runs in our blood.

From the days of our forefathers through folk music and dances, till the coming of Christian Missionaries and introducing of western church music , Nagas association with music have come a long way today.

Music is no longer a hobby or passion or just a culture & tradition for Nagas but also a career option. Music is a way of life today, from weddings to Funeral, birthday to Festivals, church to school, all you find is music, music, music. Indeed we love Music!

Ranging from folk songs to country, pop or rock, Nagas have it all. You name it we can play it.

Nagas were so passionate for music that led us to make the most basic but very creative musical instruments with natures gift like the Log Drum, Cup Violins, Tate, Jemji, drums made of cattle skin etc. This not only reveals our passion but what our passion drove us to create; we are not only passionate but creative too.

Modern Naga music has gone to the next stage with much struggle but the fruit is authentic. we love music so much that it not only motivated us to create musical instruments but brought us together under one umbrella to spread Naga music and our musical talent in the air others breathe selflessly. If given a chance to rename music i would call it NAGA. "WE STARTED WITH NOTHING BUT CREATIVITY ALONE"

Music does not have any concrete meaning. Music has different meanings for different people. To a musician, music is their life. They eat, breathe and live music. But everyone does not have all the encompassing passion a musician possesses.

Music and Nagas? Well, I’m not surprised; it’s not a new thing! Nagas love for Music can be traced to the ancient times in the sense that the forefathers’ taste for music from the beautiful war songs to love songs, festival songs, marriage songs etc, it goes on and on… Every Naga tribe has different songs on different occasions.

And now, we can see so many talented and young artists already rising high.

They shine not just in Nagaland, but in mainland India too and oh! some are going international. These young performers bring laurels to our State and puts us on the map of World Music.

This shows that the former Headhunters have come of age to conquer the World of Music! I can almost definitely say that in every Naga house an average of two persons can strum the guitar.

Nobody can convince anyone that Nagas don’t love music because it is a ‘gene-disease’.

Cheers to all the Music Lovers!

ALOBO NAGA

CHRISTINE HSIUNG

ROSELINE PHOM

Music with its only 8 syllables, including the relative major and minor keys, produces thousands of songs everyday. It is indeed an amazing and divine gift. I am always so thankful to God for those missionaries who introduced Western music to Nagaland which has gone to do extent that today, even the word “music” fills our hearts

with enthusiasm. It is very exciting and encouraging to see the citizens of Nagaland excelling and being competitive musically and especially the emerging trend of folk music, local artists becoming celebrities, preserving cultural tunes etc. These speak volume that Naga people love music!

Music is my passion and

personally, it has made me into a better and smarter person and helps me to reach out to my dreams. I am Naga and I love Music!

MUSIC Recently we have seen the Manipur people excelling in the field of sports, going even to the extent of winning Olympic medals. In the same manner, in recent years we have also seen our people doing excellent in the field of music. I grew up in the heart of Dimapur had seen and attended many concerts and I can proudly say that Nagas love for music has never gone dry. If we attend any college social programme in our state, the programme never end up without having a concert or a musical night. If ask to any Naga about their hobby, there is always ‘listening to music’ in the list. Once I was asked by an outsider ‘Is it compulsory for you Nagas to learn atleast one instrument?’ I jokingly replied back with a big ‘YES’. But the truth is, it’s already there in our blood. Today when we listen to our Naga folk songs, we can proudly say that even before the western music was introduce to our people, the Nagas love for music was already there.

VEPOCHO KHAMO

Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.

SungJem Gen Photograph.

VEKUTALÜ SWÜRO

For The Love Of Music And Compliments To The Merry Makers T. Achumi For the Nagas and their love for music I am honoured for the inspiration to write this to the Merry makers. When our society has turned well in music in heaps and bounds the merry makers are also making their way to the red carpet of musicians in Nagaland. I had the honour, of the front row experience to witness this band outperforming everyone else.

This group of young people whose talent is impeccable. Their performance showing the magnitude of their enthusiasm. Young and yet have the intensity to conquer for more. Their outspoken and sleek fashion which tells us that they are indeed different. Their music creates ripples of excitement in the crowd. Their performance is phenomenal. The lyrics of their songs speaks more than who they are. They can easily take a place in any one’s heart.

You will have to love them no matter what. If you have not witnessed them performing, Don’t miss the next chance to watch them.

To the Merry makers- Break a leg!

F

P.S: Eagerly waiting to witness other talented bands as well.

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An Opinion Hach Patton It’s magical, powerful and awesome. Nagas and their love for music are but a tapestry. It is inherent to both the old and the young. It is inexplicably intense. I still remember one fine morning the guitar maestro, Ren Merry telling his music students at Patkai Christian College about the Nagas love for music and its prospects.

In his words. “I find that Nagas are incredibly talented in whatever they do. But as of now I can assure you that, if we are to complete with the rest of the world.

Its’ through our music”. That was circa 1994. Almost 20 years down the line he has not been proven wrong.

Naga musician have taken their passion for music all across the world and have made great impressions. Some mention can be made about the indomitable spirit of the Abiogenesis, Divine Connection, Alobo Naga, Neise Meruno, Nagaland Chamber Choir and the new teenage sensation the Polar Lights. Talk about Goa and Jamaica and you think of music and good times. So, Naga ‘musicos’. You have taken Nagaland to the world. Now, it is about time you bring the world to Nagaland and let them feel our love and passion for good music.

Nagaland here we come. Tis the land of music and festivities.

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TOP: Ballet Students of HCE performing during the Annual event.

BOTTOM: Hope Centre of Excellence Symphony Orchestra performing during the school annual Event. It is one of the first Orchestra in Nagaland.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BETOKA SWU

I was born with Music inside me...

A young boy of eight months playing with his instruments.

PHOTO BY - VEVOZO VERO

Photographs by Mireuyi Herie

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