Arts and Entertainment
Abu Metha meets AR Rahman; discusses music industry in Nagaland
DIMAPUR — Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, on Friday met the music legend Dr. A. R. Rahman in Chennai and discussed about music industry in the state.
An update from the DIPR issued on July 14 informed that the Advisor accompanied by Chairman of TAFMA, Theja Meru, visited the KM College of Music & Technology in Chennai.
During their visit, Metha interacted with the faculty and management, gathered feedback on the Chief Minister’s Music Scholarship programme and explored prospects for future collaborations and partnerships.
The Nagaland officials toured the facilities and gained firsthand experience of the programmes undertaken by students from Nagaland.
Honoured to meet music maestro Dr. A. R. Rahman along with TAFMA Chairman Mr. Theja Meru.
— abu metha (@abumetha) July 14, 2023
Always grateful to Dr. Rahman for the guidance and support he provided to the music fraternity of Nagaland and the North East. He is mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra of Nagaland, and… pic.twitter.com/mE4IZZ6Bfy
At the meeting, Metha and Dr. Rahman discussed various roadmaps and strategies for the development of the music industry in Nagaland and the northeastern region. They also discussed on various ongoing projects, programmes, and potential future collaborations with Dr. Rahman and his institutions.
Read: Musician from Nagaland among top 4 winners of AR Rahman’s ‘NEXA Music’ competition
Metha conveyed the appreciation of Nagaland government and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to Rahman, who is actively involved in various music promotion and mentorship programmess in Nagaland. Following his visit to Nagaland in 2019 as the Chief Guest at the Hornbill Festival, Dr. Rahman initiated a programme to mentor musicians from the Kohima Orphanage & Destitute Home, bringing them under his renowned Sunshine Orchestra. He still continues to mentor members of the Sunshine Orchestra from Nagaland, and earlier this year, he took the children to Chennai to perform at an international concert in collaboration with the British Council.
Also, candidates selected for the Chief Minister’s Music Scholarship undergo a customised professional course at the KM College of Music & Technology, which is one of Asia’s most renowned music institutions with an esteemed international faculty.
The update further informed that Dr. Rahman is also engaged in mentoring and producing audio-video promotional productions that promote Nagaland and its musicians. Metha expressed appreciation for Rahman’s voluntary contributions to the music industry in Nagaland, emphasising that his concern and contributions have positively impacted numerous lives and symbolise a gesture towards nation-building.
Dr. A. R. Rahman, a recipient of the Oscar and Grammy Awards, is known for his mentorship in several international projects and partnerships with countries and institutions worldwide. He led the music and entertainment of the World Expo in Dubai and established his trademark studio there.