Local music legends honoured with awards

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 26 (EMN): A musicians’ initiative, the Naga Musicians’ Collective (NMC), gave recognitions to two local folk music legends during a tribute concert on Saturday at The Heritage in Kohima.
The late Silas Kikon from Wokha, and another Naga folk legend Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo from Kohima, were named for the awards in recognition of their contribution to the development of music in Nagaland.

The two-night concert is being staged in the memory of departed musicians. The event was organised by the NMC in partnership with the Task Force for Music and Arts (Tafma).

Naga singers from the yesteryears such as Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo, Lima Ozukum, Linda Solo, Kethoser, Boulie-O Whuorie, Alemtemshi Jamir, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire and his brother K Kire also performed during the concert.

Artistes backed by the NMC and the DGP Band performed popular music from the ‘70s and the ‘90s dedicating the songs to departed musicians.

The NMC also sang their theme song “Come Together.” Youngsters Narola Jati, Vito Awomi, Rukuse and Ato Neinu also performed during the three-hour long concert.

The NMC Award for Excellence in Music 2019 were awarded to Methaneilie Jütakhrie Solo, and posthumously to late Silas Kikon in recognition of their contribution to the progress and development of music.

Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, who is also the advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, handed over the NMC awards to Methaneilie, and to a family member of Kikon.

The NMC will be performing along with locally noted bands like Squadron, Bluetone and other artistes on the second night which will begin at 5:00 pm.