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KOHIMA — It was not just music but the deep bond they shared and nurtured for years, beginning from their association during the Sunday school days, as well as the mentorship of Neitseizonuo Liezietsu, that brought the members of gospel musical group “The Truism” together and binds them thus far.
The Kohima-based gospel musical group “The Truism”, comprising Vikielienuo Solo, Thejasenuo Kire, Keviphrünuo Khezhie, Nourhengunuo Zatsu and Khriekesonuo Liezietsu continues to share their story and passion with the audience through their gospel music.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Mirror, the band share the challenges they have overcome, their vision for sending out message through music, and more.
How has singing together in Sunday school and growing up together built the bond and dynamic of the group?
Truism: Singing together in Sunday school and growing up together has had a profound impact on our group's bond. It created a sense of unity, trust, and shared experiences that have strengthened our friendship. Through music, we have not only grown spiritually but also developed a deep emotional connection with each other. These shared memories have become a cornerstone of our group, making us feel like a second family.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Are there challenges the group has faced? If yes, how did you overcome?
Truism: One challenge we face is scheduling due to our different career paths and commitments. To address this, we implement a shared calendar and set rehearsal times that accommodate everyone’s schedules.
Another challenge is our differing musical preferences. We tackle this by encouraging open discussions, allowing us to explore a broader range while respecting individual tastes.
How do you collectively envision the future of Truism in terms of spreading your music and message?
Truism: We don't intend to make a career out of this, but we aspire to keep singing and eagerly anticipate continuing our musical journey whenever the chance arises. Our goal is to continue glorifying God's name for as long as we can and share about His love even in our own personal life through our songs.
Can you share us how performances shape your connection with the audience and your sense of purpose as a gospel singing group?
Truism: We believe in the power of gospel music as a means of touching hearts and souls and each performance serves to us as a reminder of our sense of purpose. It reaffirms our commitment to spreading the message of God’s love.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating and releasing the gospel cover album "Out of His Great Love”?
Truism: Making an album together has always been a huge dream for The Truism and God made that possible for us when Vipralhou Kesiezie, Board Chairman of Khedi Baptist Church Kohima Village approached us to help us produce a gospel album. God and the opportunity to convey positivity, hope and encouragement through the art of music were undeniably the primary source of inspiration.
How did you select the songs for the album? Any criteria you applied in doing so?
Truism: For the album, we chose some of our personal favourite gospel songs, songs that each inspired us in our own personal lives, hoping that it would inspire others and also speak to others about God’s love in different life situations.
What message do you think the listeners can take home from the album?
Truism: Our album has a variety of songs but one of the main messages that we hope to convey through it is to talk about God's great love and make people introspect about His love even in their own personal lives. We hope that these songs become a source of comfort, inspiration and renewal to the listeners.
Looking ahead, do you have plans to release more albums in the future or any other creative projects?
Truism: Given that we are all pursuing various career paths, we currently do not have any forthcoming plans for additional albums at this time. But if God willing and we get another opportunity to do so, we would love to work on something together again.
From The Truism members and their mentor
Thejasenuo Kire: The universal impact that the gospel music can make, was what drew and inspired the singer to it. One performance she cherishes and shares a deep emotional connection was one performed on the occasion of a Father's Day. While sharing out how the group's constructive feedback and support have enhanced her skills as a singer, she has a message for the aspiring gospel artistes- to stay true to their faith, deliver messages with authenticity, and recognize the profound impact their voices can have on others.
Vikielienuo Solo: Sharing God's love through music gives her immense joy, she said, adding that the group’s performance on the occasion of Mother's Day holds a special place in her heart. Being a part of the group has improved her vocal skills, stage presence, and knowledge about music, she said. Focusing on God with a purpose beyond one's plans is one aspect she thinks gospel music artistes should have.
Keviphrünuo Khezhie: It’s the sharing of God's gift of music and celebrating friendship that motivates the singer. Out of many special moments, she cherishes the moment the group’s album was released, surrounded by their family members and loved ones. It's not about singing perfectly but connecting with the audience and touching their hearts with the song that matters, she said, while stressing on the importance of staying true to oneself.
Nourhengunuo Zatsu: While the progression from singing together as friends in the church to forming a group was a natural process, Zatsu said she drew inspiration from her family with a musical background, especially her sisters. For her, the group's most memorable performance was on the occasion of Father's Day, after meeting a personal loss. She said her experience with The Truism has taught her the significance of song choice, originality and prayer. Her advice to aspiring gospel singers is to embrace their unique journey and always convey a meaningful story through their music.
Khriekesonuo Liezietsu: Her journey in gospel music wasn't a choice but a heartfelt obligation rooted in her Christian upbringing, and she drew inspiration from the desire to spread positivity, hope and encouragement. Describing the joy experienced during a mission trip in 2020 as the memorable moment with The Truism, she said she has witnessed remarkable growth as a singer and a performer; marked by challenges, learning and strengthening of faith following her association with the group. Her words for aspiring gospel singers is to stay true to their purpose, deliver the message of hope, faith, and inspiration through their music.
Neitseizonuo Liezietsu: Right from the moment the journey of The Truism began, Liezietsu, the mentor of the group, was there to support, guide and advice them; embodying the role of a cheerleader more than a mentor. She described the formation of the musical group as a natural one, driven by their love for music, mutual affection, and a commitment to live as Christ's ambassadors. Her unwavering commitment to Christ's love and the significance of Christian hymnals was what inspired the talented singers to spread love through gospel music. She said her contribution to the group has been minimal, but her prayers for their success and grounded values have been heard, reflecting her hope for their future.