Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Chubatsür Jamir

EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about yourself. What made you want to take up music as a career?

Chubatsür Jamir: I am Chubatsur Jamir from Ao Community. I hail from Longjang village of Mokokchung district. Singing has always been a part of my life since childhood. My Mother is always my greatest support and inspiration. I remember singing from the very young age of 5. My first music album was recorded when I was only 8 years old. Presently alongside with my Job I am preparing for my classical voice grade exam, some upcoming music projects, weddings and social gathering programs. I am also looking after my local Church choir voluntarily.

I can’t exactly remember what had made me choose music. But I always feel that it was my mother who had influenced me. She was a teacher in our church, and yes she is still working as one. Like most children in Nagaland I started actively participating in Church and in different singing events. As a child I sang the songs that my mother composed. And as I grew up I started to write, putting my heart into it and now it has become a part of my life.

Singing has always been my passion and I love writing and composing songs and giving joy and peace to all the music lovers who listen to my music.

EASTERN MIRROR: What genre/theme/topics do you generally cover?

Chubatsür Jamir: I sing folk fusion and Gospel songs.

EASTERN MIRROR: What is it about music that makes you love it? What type of musician would you prefer to collaborate with?

Chubatsür Jamir: Music has no limit and I love learning and exploring new heights. Firstly, it is the passion that keeps me alive in the realm of music. Secondly, it is the community, the people, the church, working with them is another motivation. And lastly, I strongly feel that I must never stop using this precious gift of God for His glory.

There are only a handful of skilful musicians of this kind in Nagaland but in the near future I hope to see more of it. It will be a dream come true for me if I get the chance to collaborate with orchestral musicians one day.

EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your favourite and least part of being a musician?

Chubatsür Jamir: My favourite part of being a musician is that I can experience the joy and have those unspeakable feelings that I get as I sing. And if I am to say about the least favourite part of being a musician then, there is nothing as such because being a musician is undoubtedly one of the best gifts from God which I enjoy every single day.

EASTERN MIRROR: Your songs are mostly in your vernacular language, what influenced you to make such music?

Chubatsür Jamir: My heart lies in my roots, writing and singing in our dialect always makes me feel the real version of me. To promote our culture is another reason, and most importantly music itself is a language which has no bar. Though we don’t understand the meaning we find our self humming away. For e.g “Kelhoukevira” by Ledi and Nise Meruno, we know that people love singing that song. Likewise, I hear people singing my songs irrespective of tribe. So, the more I get such positivity, the more I am encouraged.

EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your song writing process? Which amongst your songs is closest to your heart and why?

Chubatsür Jamir: I usually write folk fusion and soulful lyrics. It requires some extra effort to write folk music and so I had to go deeper into our rich culture and folklores. I try to convey gospel messages through my folk music. I always dedicate my lyrics in God’s hand as I write any music. I have written a lot of Christian Music for different occasions, Praise and worship music album too. As I have mentioned earlier I usually write soulful music so all my music speaks out my heart and thus is so close to my heart.    

EASTERN MIRROR: How has the pandemic been treating you and your musical career?

Chubatsür Jamir: This pandemic has prevented me from physical performances, but writing some music, spending time with young musicians through different means, taking online music course, etc. always keeps me going and busy. So I feel like I have made a good use of this pandemic to grow myself more in my musical career.

EASTERN MIRROR: What is your opinion on the TaFMA’s method of providing avenues for the artistes?  Does it focus of inclusivity? What suggestions would you give TaFMA if you were asked to for the betterment of the industry?

Chubatsür Jamir: Honestly I don’t have much acquaintance with TaFMA, but from the little knowledge I have, I should say TaFMA has been doing great and they have the right people.

I would suggest that they bring skilled musicians to the limelight to train young ones. And if they can also hunt raw talents in all the districts reaching out to those who are financially poor and promote them with some sustainable programs.