Naga musicians facing an offbeat crisis due to lockdown

Music, culture and celebrations! These  words are undoubtedly the essence of  Nagaland, as  it is no wonder called the land of festivals. A tourist may  define it based on how their experience was. In general, Nagas are commonly known for their love for music, culture and outdoor activities.

However, with the lockdown in order, the music industry in Nagaland is also bearing the brunt of the pandemic and the lockdown. Eastern Mirror spoke with a few people from the industry to know more on how the pandemic has affected the music industry of Nagaland, which was only  beginning to stand on its feet.

Singer, song-writer and  famous Naga musician Alobo Naga said that musicians were no different from others as they too equally bear the brunt of the lockdown and the pandemic.

“People may see musicians as well-to-do and self-sufficient individuals because of the glamour and our lifestyles but the reality is that we are also helpless at this current situation,” said the musician.

Naga said that tours, events and gigs, which are the main sources of revenue for musicians today, are being cancelled, and the closing and cancellation of festivals, events, pubs, hotels and clubs had badly affected  performing artists.

With music recordings and studios being paralysed and closed, he said this would result in delaying further tours and works even after the lockdown is over. At the same time, he said that many sound engineers, studio session musicians/ recording artists are now jobless at home as they too have received and suffered equal blow, like everyone.

Music schools

Not just tours, events and gigs, but the other side of the music industry i.e., music schools and colleges are no less from the rest.

The music schools and colleges, being one of the most stable income generating sources for the musicians and educators, have now ceased as the owners of the respective music schools and colleges are struggling to pay rent fees and salary to their employees, said Naga.

Online – The New Normal

The advisor of the Task Force for Music and Arts  (Tafma)  Theja Meru said that while the income of many musicians and music vendors have been affected, the fraternity (music industry) has risen to the occasion by becoming more creative in ways possible.

‘They (musicians) have been initiating and bringing out content for self and public’s wellbeing and happiness through the numerous online live shows  and personal videos,’ said Meru.

Meru was of the opinion that the industry had adapted quickly to the lockdown by going virtual where many musicians were honing their skills through online classes and preparing for the future.

While stating that the new normal was different and totally a new approach for every single musician, he said the industry is adapting fast to scale up with the many challenges being posed by the lockdown.

Keeping in mind the harsh reality of the situation, the advisor said that TaFMA, in order to keep the fraternity engaged, to encourage and inspire the public to stay home, had initiated online concerts called #TafmaStayHomeGigs and  #My Best Advice by senior Naga musicians.

Apart from that, he said that online classes for sound management to selected candidates from the state were also given. At the same time, TaFMA on April 11 initiated a Virtual Art Exhibition, and had also made some music videos involving artists from Nagaland and other countries, he said.

 (Our Reporter)