Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Lenen Jamir

Soulful Lenen Jamir, an upcoming artiste from Mokokchung started singing when she was just three years old. Over the years the gifted artiste has sung many cover songs that have captured the attention of viewers on various social media platforms and she now has over 6.6k subscribers on YouTube and 10.4k Instagram followers.

Eastern Mirror has an exclusive on Lenen Jamir’s musical journey in today’s Rhythm of Love.

Eastern Mirror: Could you introduce yourself to our readers and share your musical journey so far?

Lenen Jamir: Dear readers, I’m Lenen Jamir from Ungma Village, Mokokchung, Nagaland. I’m currently based in my village. Growing up from a musical family, I started my musical journey/ singing career when I was 3 years old.

Eastern Mirror: Which music genre are you most comfortable with?

Lenen Jamir: As far as music genre is concerned, I don’t have any uncomfortable music genre as such because singing is my ultimate passion.

Eastern Mirror: Would you consider yourself a soul singer?

Lenen Jamir: Yes, of course I think I am a soulful singer.

Eastern Mirror: You have been singing a lot of English cover songs, what about an original song? Are you working on any at the moment?

Lenen Jamir: Apart from singing cover songs, I do have my own original songs which are yet to be recorded. Factors like accessibility of good studios, their recording charges and not enough personal musical gadgets and instruments sometimes hold me back.

Eastern Mirror: During the past couple of years, many Naga musicians have gotten exposure not only in Nagaland but even at the international level through digital mediums like Spotify, YouTube, etc, and the feedback has been positive. What is your take on that?

Lenen Jamir: Our Naga people who are being recognised and appreciated even at the international level, being a Naga, I feel proud of them. Having said that, there are also so many emerging talented young artists from far small villages and towns exposing their versatile singing abilities through different media platforms. It is my sincere wish that we should support and promote each other and make sure that more Naga musicians are exposed even at the international level.

Eastern Mirror: As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Lenen Jamir: Well, to me, success is all about having complete Faith in God, hard working and positive approach and attitude towards one’s own passion and dreams.

Eastern Mirror: Who or what has been the most important influence in your music career?

Lenen Jamir: Our parents always come first. My parents are the most important influential people in my musical life. Secondly, without being very judgemental to myself, I see gifted musicians are also my influences.  

Eastern Mirror: Your father Sama Jamir is also a singer. Could you share with us how he helped you discover the essential ropes of the music vocation?

Lenen Jamir: Yes, my dad Sama Jamir is a singer, composer and a lyricist as well. Here, I would really like to mention that since my sisters who are also amongst the best teachers for me helped me discover the essential ropes in my musical vocation. They and my father always help me in developing my skills, techniques and shares tips on how to sound vocally perfect and my mother is the best mentor when it comes to giving comments on my performances. It helps me grow better in my musical journey.

Eastern Mirror: Nowadays, a lot of singers also use auto-tune technology to enhance their music/voice. What is your take on that?

Lenen Jamir: Auto-tune is a very popular gadget/software in today’s music industry. It really eases the work of recording studios and live performers. To be honest, I prefer to go for originality when it comes to vocals, a raw and natural voice.

Eastern Mirror: Do you incorporate any particular singer’s style in your rendition of the cover songs?

Lenen Jamir: No, I just deliver my own rendition and follow my ‘self’ trade mark.

Eastern Mirror: How important is strong academic backing before attempting to pursue a career in music, especially in Nagaland?

Lenen Jamir: Having an academic backing/certificate in today’s fast world adds more platforms and consideration in getting regards and confidence in attempting to pursue a career or recognition in music. So, academic certificate becomes mandatory.

Eastern Mirror: How have you been keeping busy during this pandemic?

Lenen Jamir: I have been keeping myself busy by doing households chores, cooking, etc. Besides that, I spend 2 to 3 hours rehearsing songs and run through it on a good day.

Eastern Mirror: What is the best compliment you have received for your work that you are most proud of?

Lenen Jamir: There are two unforgettable compliments that I have received for my work. One was during my high school days when I secured 1st position in interschool painting competition and secondly, the compliment on my co-ordination for planning my cousin’s wedding.

Eastern Mirror: If you hadn’t chosen the music field, what would have been your alternate profession?

Lenen Jamir: If I were not gifted in music, I would have pursued fashion designing, painting, make-up artist, chef or architect designing because these are the things that I do in my everyday life apart from my music career.

Eastern Mirror: Any project in the pipeline?

Lenen Jamir: I wish . . . .!!! I would like to thank  Eastern Mirror for giving me the privilege to feature in your news feed. I also would like to thank each and everyone one of the team for interviewing me. My gratitude is with your team. Truly honoured. I truly thank God for this opportunity. Best regards from Lenen Jamir.