Meet Moko Koza, 21 year old rapper and song writer from Kohima. A science student who is not only a bookworm but enjoys music. This young upcoming musician embraced Hip-Hop/Rap, genres practiced by very few Naga musicians.
He is a person with tremendous love for music and his story is filled with dreams.
EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your early phase into the music industry.
MOKO KOZA: Well, I’m not a mainstream artist but starting out as an underground artist there were lots of influences around. From local rappers and other musicians, we inspired each other. I’m still yet to make my own name out in the music scene, but with the people I have around who have been there with me since day one, I surrounded myself with this genre.
EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your musical background.
MOKO KOZA: My genre is Hip-Hop/Rap. Been grinding since 2005, started rapping since i’m a geek when it comes to music. My early days when I first started rapping was back when Eminem was the most happening rapper. His music inspired me as a young kid where inspirations were all around. I’ve been rapping and writing songs for more than a decade now. Of course, I haven’t really been given bigger opportunities in life but I’m dedicated and I’m perfecting myself everyday coz when it comes to rapping, with hard work and dedication, everyday you make yourself better than yesterday.
EASTERN MIRROR: Who have been your influences? What influences your song writing?
MOKO KOZA: Rappers like KRS-One, 2pac, Biggie and many underground rappers inspired me to rap. But personally, my greatest influences in my life are the people around. The people I’m close to whom I consider as blood and brothers. And not forgetting my mom coz she’s the first person to hear my songs when I write them. After listening, she’d give me that SMILE indicating that her son did that. What influences my song writing is the world itself. The people around, the present scenario and everything coz there is inspiration everywhere!
EASTERN MIRROR: How would you describe your sound/music? Does Nagaland influence your compositions?
MOKO KOZA: I don’t really have a name for my technique even though it’s pure hip-hop & rap. But to describe my style, I like to play with the words and the flows. Just mess around with the beat, try to sound like me and no one else coz I don’t want to sound cliché.
Yes, being a Naga I want to relate myself with my people and our culture. When I write a song, the first thing that’s on my mind is that I am a Naga and whatever I write I want to make it sound like a Naga. I want to break down this stereotype of the people that Naga musicians when they sing/rap they sound very much like a Naga. But actually, aren’t we all proud that we sound like Nagas? Coz we are all Nagas and not Americans.
EASTERN MIRROR: Rap music has not really reached the audience of Nagaland. Why did you choose this genre?
MOKO KOZA: Rap music is gradually making its scene in Nagaland but hasn’t reached its peak yet. If you really observe, so many talented rappers and people who have a lot of passion for this very genre are present in Nagaland too. Nagaland has a lot of artists and singers ranging from genres like folk music, rock, metal, pop, indie, etc. but few rappers who have made their name in the industry. But it’s good to see upcoming rappers and fellow friends dedicating themselves to this genre and uplifting Hip-Hop/Rap music in Nagaland. Why I chose this genre is because rap music speaks the truth. From legends like Rakim, KRS-ONE, Tupac, Biggie, etc. Their life was a struggle. They tell their stories through their songs and inspire the people and uplift their spirits coz people can relate to them. And one fun thing about rapping is that rap can blend into every genre. Whether it be folk, rock or pop, you can always add your verse in it and the song will sound dope.
EASTERN MIRROR: How do you balance your music with other obligations as a student?
MOKO KOZA: Being a student still, I like to write my music when I’m free. Mostly, I write all my songs during the midnight hour coz this is when I’m most inspired. Just plug in my earphones and let it flow. Well, my student life and music don’t really clash but sometimes there comes a time when I’m so into music that I tend to forget about my other works and errands. Anyhow, I’ve learned to give myself time in both the fields and so right now, I’m taking a break from music and concentrating on my life as a student. After my degree, I am planning to release an EP with my crew, Naga Homeboiz. Stay Tuned.
