The upcoming artist Renpi Kikon forayed into the music scene with no formal education but has already released his debut single 'Let Love’. A gospel artist, Renpi does not shy away at addressing the issues within the music scenario in the state. Get close with Renpi and his music.
EASTERN MIRROR: For those new to you and your music, tell us something about you.
RENPI KIKON: I am Renpi Kikon. I belong to the Lotha community. I am an aspiring artiste. I didn’t have a formal education in music. I’m a self-taught artiste, my genres are Pop, Acoustic pop and Alternative Rock. I initially took to social media sites to polish my skills and enhance my capabilities, I’m a native of Aree Old Village under Wokha district of Nagaland , I did my bachelor’s degree in theology and as of now I am independent. I was 15 when I first started out. I started out in churches and then eventually in bigger social events where my singing skill was first discovered which eventually made me venture more into my talent. Since I was a teenager I had planned on taking up music as my career, I always had this vision in my mind to do gospel music as my passion was and still is all about making good music. Gradually this vision made me decide to take up music as my career.
Do visit my official Facebook page Renpi Kikon and my songs are available for free downloads in the link given below: http://www.Reverbnation.com/Renpikikon
EASTERN MIRROR: Tell us about your early phase into the music industry.
RENPI KIKON: To begin with I am still an artiste in the making. Well, my early phase into the music industry was a memorable one. I received a lot of support and encouragement from my fellow senior musicians, well wishers, and family. This community of support and encouragement has motivated me to keep going.
EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your single debut ‘Let Love’.
RENPI KIKON: “Let Love’’ is a song that sends out a message about restoration for hurt and broken people. It’s all about letting go of what’s not meant to be and allowing God to take control. Let go and let God.
EASTERN MIRROR: You have also released a song in your dialect titled ‘Oyo Mhonden’. Tell us about the song and the inspiration behind it.
RENPI KIKON: ‘’Oyo Mhonden’’ in Lotha dialect, means ‘Good Mother’, this song reflects on the good character of women as depicted in the bible. This song is a tribute to every mother. This song is a prayer to strengthen mothers and that heaven bless them with longevity, it’s all about praising God for the lives of every mother. The song was recorded and mastered at Richa Production. I drew my inspiration from the Bible.
EASTERN MIRROR: With no formal training in music, what challenges have you faced in the music industry of Nagaland so far?
RENPI KIKON: Despite the fact that I had no formal training in music I still got my share of opportunities and platforms. Of course this is not to say that I never face challenges. But as far as the music industry is concerned I have yet to face the challenges.
Three issues that you strongly feel about the music scenario of Nagaland?
1. Favoritism; where you want to promote only your friends, cousins, and relatives.
2. Voting system in singing competition by selling tickets is not favorable because sometimes people with exceptional talents but no financial support gets disqualified. It appears as if a talent is worth the amount of money one gets by selling off the tickets.
3. The local people constitute the support base, which is crucial for every musician. There is need for empowerment.
What’s next for Renpi?
The artiste inside of me will continue to work in those areas where I am lagging behind. I also have a project in mind which I am working on at the moment. Besides that I hope to make more good music in the foreseeable future. Thank you so much Eastern Mirror for the interview.
