Nagaland’s music ecosystem needs more than passionate musicians, says Theja Meru

Our Reporter
Dimapur April 8 (EMN):  Infinity NXT, an artist development and management programme that was conceptualised by Infinity Inc., was launched by Advisor for Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru at Infinity Inc. studio in Dimapur on Thursday.

Speaking at the launching programme Meru said that it was TaFMa’s belief that in order to thrive in Nagaland’s music ecosystem, they needed more than passionate musicians; he said that they needed intelligent musicians and artists who were well-trained, skilled and informed.

Meru added that the initiative of Infinity Inc. was going to push the serious lot towards a much needed direction and the partnership with TaFMA would help nurture and grow the talented artists to their full potential.

The advisor said that electronic music was a serious business in the country and world and stated that according to the CNBC Newsletter, the music festival ‘Tomorrowland’ in Belgium employs 12,000 people and directly feeds the local economy with around 120 million dollars annually.

He said that according to Times of India, it is estimated that Indian tourists will spend around $ 45 billion by 2022 and added that if Nagaland could attract just 1 percent of that outbound Indian tourists it would come to around five lakh tourists to Nagaland.

Meru said that music festivals plays an important role in the growth of local economy and urged the gathering to work hard, plan things intelligently and consistently expand their networks. He added that most importantly, the music industry must choose to dream big, evolve and keep to current trends.

At the event, the CEO of Infinity Inc., Asalie Peseyie said that Infinity NxT would be an annual programme that will run for seven months and mentor young talented artists in various aspects of the industry. The programme will culminate with a showcase of the artists in December.

The programme will consist of various topics like song writing, song and video production, styling, marketing and branding, performance.

The first batch of Infinity NXT was selected through open auditions; they are Sarah, Kendra, Joshua, Rylo, Temsu Clover and Nikato. These young talented artists will be mentored by DJ Ina, Kekhrie and Asalie Peseyie.

For these workshops, they have also roped in eight best of the best in the music industry in Nagaland as specialist mentors which includes Nise Meruno, Alobo Naga, Mar Jamir, Angelina Pongener, Kevi Pucho, Sesino Dimasha, Yanfo Kikon and Iliang Haralu.