Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Aseno Metha “Momo Girl”

Aseno Metha, popularly known as the “Momo Girl” because of the popularity of one of her songs with the same name, is a talented young songwriter and singer from Nagaland. The said song, which has garnered till now more than six million views on YouTube, is a comedic piece depicting a girl’s playful flirtation with a customer who catches her eye.

However, she is more than just that one particular song. She is now preparing to release a new song, this time in English, following three successful original releases in Nagamese. She is passionate about exploring new languages and genres, which fans can look forward to in her musical journey.

Eastern Mirror: How would you like to introduce yourself to the readers?

Aseno Metha: Buckle up, because you are about to face a triple threat! They call me Ruokuosanuo Metha, but you can see me on stage as Aseno Metha, or you might recognise me as the one and only Momo Girl. I am a singer, songwriter, and content creator. Prepare for a wild ride through music, laughter, and whatever crazy thing I come up with next.

Eastern Mirror: What inspired you to get into music? Could you tell us more about your musical journey?

Aseno Metha: My musical journey began in Dimapur in 2015, when I took a big step forward by competing in the live singing competition ‘You Know You Got It’. This experience, as the first runner-up, opened doors to further exploration within the music industry. I honed my skills and worked as a music teacher in Dimapur, but because I wanted to further my education, I moved to Delhi, where I pursued music and gained valuable experience working in various schools throughout the city.

Eastern Mirror:  Can you tell us about the creative process for your debut music video, “Momo Girl”?

Aseno Metha: The creation of ‘Momo Girl’ came as a delightful surprise, even to me! I had never imagined singing in Nagamese, but the song emerged organically during my first studio session with singer SunepLemtur. As we discussed the music scene, Lemtur picked up his guitar, and we began improvising random lyrics. Despite initial hesitation, given that it was my first venture into Nagamese, encouragement from friends fueled my confidence.

Eastern Mirror: Did you expect your debut original, “Momo Girl,” to be a big hit? How do you feel about receiving so much love for your song?

Aseno Metha: The success of “Momo Girl” has been nothing short of incredible. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such a positive response. Reaching one million views in just four months was a thrilling milestone and a big surprise. To see that number climb to over 6 million today is truly humbling. The outpouring of love and support from people has been the most rewarding part of this entire journey.

Eastern Mirror: What inspired you to create music in Nagamese, given that all of your original songs are in the language? Is there any interesting backstory?

Aseno Metha: The creation of my comedic Nagamese songs is not driven by a single specific story but rather by observation. I have noticed a strong audience connection with catchy, lighthearted music. With this in mind, and with my mentor SunepLemtur guiding me, we embraced the power of humour and crafted “Momo Girl” as a fun, upbeat Nagamese song. This approach resonated with the audience, and it is definitely a direction I am excited to explore further in my music.

Eastern Mirror:  Will you continue to create Nagamese songs in the future, or branch out into other languages/genres?

Aseno Metha: While “Momo Girl” has been a fantastic foray into Nagamese music, my creative spirit extends far beyond. I am absolutely committed to continuing to create music in Nagamese, but I am also incredibly passionate about exploring other languages and genres. This is just the beginning of my musical adventure, and I am thrilled to see where the path leads!

Eastern Mirror: What inspires you while writing lyrics?

Aseno Metha: The sheer talent of Naga artists is awe-inspiring, and their ability to excel across diverse genres and lyrical themes is truly remarkable. Their work pushes me to constantly evolve and explore the vast potential of music.

Eastern Mirror:  What is your most ambitious artistic goal?

Aseno Metha: That’s quite an exciting question! My wildest dream? Well, taking my music global has always been a dream of mine. Just imagine performing a song or tracks for a crowd that sings along, even if they don’t understand every word. And filling a stadium with my music – maybe that’s a bit out there, but wouldn’t it be amazing to see a sea of faces, all there to hear my music? The energy would be electric! Honestly, my dreams are always growing. Who knows what wild ideas will pop into my head next?

Eastern Mirror:  What are some of the challenges you face as a new artiste?

Aseno Metha: As a new artist from Nagaland, there are definitely a few hurdles to overcome. The hustle is real. Making it as a musician anywhere takes serious dedication. Juggling creating new music, promoting myself, and finding performance opportunities keeps me busy.

Eastern Mirror: Apart from music, what else interests you?

Aseno Metha: When I’m not rocking out on stage, you can find me with my hands dirty in the garden. That creative energy also translates to my living space. I’m also a bit of a travel bug!

Eastern Mirror: What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a musician?

Aseno Metha: I’m incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their constant encouragement and belief in me fuel my creative fire and allow me to pursue my musical ambitions with confidence.

Eastern Mirror: Any projects in the offing?

Aseno Metha: Get ready for a genre-bending experience! I’m brewing up something special for my next project, which is an English song. It’s a chance to explore a new side of my musical identity, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!

Eastern Mirror: Any message you want to share with the readers?

Aseno Metha: To all the aspiring artists out there, here’s the biggest tip I’ve learned: Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem. Embrace your unique voice, keep creating, and never give up on the music that’s burning inside you. We all have a story to tell, and the world needs to hear yours! And hey, if a small-town girl from Nagaland can make a splash, anything is possible. Let’s make some magic together.