Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Ilitoli Kumsu Shohe

Growing up in a music loving family, Ilitoli Kumsu Shohe has been enthralled with music since she was a little child. She was a contestant in the first season of Naga Idol and is now successfully juggling her role as a musician and a wife.

In today’s Rhythm of Love Shohe takes us through her musical journey.

Eastern Mirror: What motivated you to become a musician? Tell us about your musical Journey?

Ilitoli Kumsu Shohe: Coming from a music loving family, my journey towards music started when I was just five. I grew up listening to my mom’s lullabies, actively participated in my Sunday schools and that basically became my first platform to perform. My parents observed my fast grasping ability and keen interest in music and made me learn guitar at seven years of age. I remember that it was such an ethereal experience. There was no music teacher or vocal mentor in those days, so my mom and my class teacher used to teach me songs and prepare me to perform. Music was my passion and I was totally into it, that I started taking part in every music competition and also won prizes in almost all of it, that’s how my musical journey begin.

Eastern Mirror: Have you written any originals?

I have written few songs till date, but one song which I specifically want to mention is “MY HERO” which I wrote for my dad and recorded in 2020. I share a very close bond with my dad and we have always shared our love for music. I believed that my voice is my father’s gift to me; whatever I am today is all because of him. His life has inspired and motivated me to write this song for him.

Eastern Mirror: Your first stage performance.

I had my first public appearance in 2003. I was still a student and had to focus on my studies as well, but I had my first break though in the year 2006, where I participated in Naga Idol first season, organised by MDACC, and that’s where I was introduced to higher platforms and better opportunities to get a stage not only in Nagaland, but in different parts of Northeast and Indian states as well.

Eastern Mirror: Do you consider music as your profession?

It’s definitely yes, but at the end of the day, it is all about hard work and smart work.

Eastern Mirror: If you could change anything about the music industry in Nagaland what would that be?

1. Provide equal opportunity to every deserving and talented artiste, irrespective of any creed or colour.

2. To sort out imitation, because it antagonises the beauty of music.

Eastern Mirror: What has been the best part of being a musician?

The best part of being a musician is that, it makes us happy and enables us to express ourselves through music, not only that but it also enthrals others and get us connected globally.

Eastern Mirror: What has been the most difficult part of being a female musician?

In my erstwhile musical journey I never faced any uphill battle or hardship for being a female musician. But as of now, being a married woman, to be a full time musician becomes difficult sometimes, since the life of a musician is schedule/ and time demanding. We have to juggle responsibilities to family and household chores, art and self and it becomes sluggish to take care of much stuff at one time, particularly for a working woman. However, I am so grateful to share that my husband has always been very supportive and he has been the one pushing me forward throughout my musical scene post marriage.

Eastern Mirror: Apart from music, do you have any hobbies or interests?

Yes, besides music planting flowers and collecting them is also in the book of my life. I have a little flower garden just at my doorstep and it gives me immense joy to watch them grow and bloom.

I am a lover of pets too; I love pets and have always had them. At this juncture, I am raising German shepherd, Labrador and Pug. As a woman full of emotions and feelings, I end up falling in love with all my pets; they are my best companions/ friends.

Eastern Mirror: What strengths do you have that you believe made you a successful musician?

The confidence in me, for which I solely believe confidence is the outstanding element in getting better in whatever we do.

Eastern Mirror: Highlight of your musical journey so far.

After graduation I pursued theological studies and completed my B.D, (Bachelor of Divinity) from Trinity Theological College. After which, I took up vocal training and did 8th grade in classical vocal. I was into youth ministry and music ministry for five years and have released two music albums-Give me life 2017 and Songs for every season 2020.

At this point of time, I’m into theoretical music studies and gearing up for the exams this year hopefully.