Our Reporter
Dimapur, Feb. 28 (EMN): Music has the profound propensity of transcending barriers irrespective of class or age, and in an ever-increasing world of change, Nagaland has come a long way, assimilating and progressing with contemporary music.
The advisor to Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru, on Friday stated that the music scene in Nagaland has drastically changed, or rather evolved, over the last three decades with the coming of the internet, social media platforms, etc.
He was speaking as one of the resource persons at the ‘Music and the Arts- a catalyst for positive change in Nagaland’, along with Naga artists Alobo Naga, Renthunglo Shitiri, and Kekhrie Ringa held at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL) in Dimapur.
Stressing on the need to promote arts and the art culture, Mero pointed out that the major challenge faced by Naga artists was ‘creating good content’. Mero, while advocating for the artists of Nagaland, said that ‘we the Naga people are seemingly too laidback and have zero discipline as a musician, nor do we have the passion for learning’.
“We need to start the narrative and put into action the envisioning of what our future will be, and in that process, we can bring about change. We (TaFMA) are positively and aggressively looking forward. We need all your support, suggestion and engagement. I believe change has already begun,” stated Meru.
On being asked about the policies and support from the government to the upcoming artists, the advisor said that TaFMA is one of the smallest groups operating in Nagaland or even in the world. He, however, maintained that “TaFMA does small things in a big way.”
Singer, songwriter and composer, Alobo Naga also spoke at the event. He, on the other hand, insisted that one does not require support (or aid) from the government to make a living, especially from a musician’s point of view.
“Where in the world are musicians depending on the government?” he asked. “People (musicians) earn and achieve fame with their own struggle. If they (government) help musicians, it’s great but if not, that’s okay too,” he asserted.
Naga, on being asked about making money through music in Nagaland, replied that 80% of his earnings were from outside Nagaland. He stated that the ‘public also has failed many a time to turn up at events, which were really worth attending.’
The singer added that ‘people don’t like to come out to watch shows anymore but rather prefer to stay home and watch the online contents.’
Naga also shared that it was only when he went out of the state that he realised how big the competition was.
He told the young upcoming artists that ‘one needs to study the market and work smart, not hard.’
Stating that there were many talented Naga artists and bands, the singer requested TaFMA to pick ‘only those musicians who are really good, serious and deserving’.
The event was organised by Heritage Publishing House in collaboration with the Morung Foundation and The Morung Express.
