Nagaland Drums Festival: Changkhanthaipou, Wungrito win top positions

Changkhanthaipou Kamei and Wungrito Yimkhiung, both from Dimapur, emerged winners in the senior and junior categories, respectively, in the drums competition at the third Nagaland Drums Festival held at the State Academy Hall, Kohima on October 26.

Kamei and Yimkhiung each received Avus cymbals set, Evans hydraulic snare drum head and promark sticks, an update stated.

Viruduozo Keretsu from Kohima who stood second in the senior category, received Evans American standard drum head pack, pro mark sticks and a pair of Avus hi-hat.

In the junior category, second position holder Arka Bhattacharjee from Guwahati, was awarded Avus cymbal set, Evans hydraulic snare drum head and promark sticks.

Nikivi Nathan Chishi from Dimapur, who stood third in the junior category, received Avus crash cymbal, a pair of Avus hi-hat, Evans hydraulic snare drum head and promark sticks.

The prizes for the winners were sponsored by Galaxy Digital, Gretex, RSL and Dr. Naresh Jain. 

The judges for the completion were Kunal Netrapal, drummer and an educator from Delhi; Shubham Bhardwaj, drummer and founder of Ryet Cymbals from Jamshedpur; Arindam Saha, brand manager for Galaxy Digital for Zildjian India; Hertz DW and PDP from Kolkata.

The event also witnessed special performances by Kunal Netrapal, Shubham Bhardwaj, Moa Pongen, Visheto Asumi, Shangyo Konyak, Riiguotuolie Pichurii and Seyiejanuo Rachel Rutsa.

RSL examiners Tim Moore and David Hawthorne also interacted with the drummers.

TaFMA project director, Dr. Hovithal Sothu extended greetings and urged the youngsters to continue to work hard and to hone their skills.

The event was compered by Keneisenuo Rio and Nzan Kithan.

The third Nagaland Drums Festival was presented by Vivezza Music Studio and supported by TaFMA.  

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