Musicians honoured for their inputs to music in Nagaland

In an encouraging gesture, an 11-member team of people from various backgrounds who have formed themselves into a group called M-Table felicitated musicians who had brought laurels to Nagaland through their contribution to music. A youngster in the local music scene Jano Nyekha, progressive pop rock band Search and Found (SNF), veteran rock band Abiogenesis and music mentor Nikolo Tsuzu were felicitated on Sunday April 30 at the Bangkok Café in Dimapur by the group. Nagaland need not look beyond its boundaries for entertainment when extraordinary local artists are amongst us, said Kuzholuzo Neinu, MLA, who attended the felicitation programme as guest of honour. Observing that Naga artists were truly talented, Neinu however said that the ‘lack of consistency, practice and confidence’ was the ‘root cause’ of the music industry in the state not growing or improving. “In order to raise up to international level, local artists should have confidence in their passion and be committed,” Neinu said. He expressed optimism that in 2017 a ‘stronger and better government’ would be formed that can help the music community to grow. The project director of the Music Task Force, Gugs Chishi, said during interactions with the music community that the MTF has ‘considerable agenda with stakeholders making best choices.’ Chishi said that there will be continuous efforts from the MTF to pick the best. Also, the managing director and founder of Pheto Music Association, Kashito Kiba, recommended an appropriate FM station for the state. He was critical of the ‘monotonous Hornbill festivals’ and ‘road shows’ in the state ‘which does not provide suitable platform for artists to earn money.’ He has suggested that the state’s government to deliberate on the issue. Staff Reporter