Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Seps Sangtam

Seps Sangtam is a preacher and singer who composes songs in the Sangtam language. He has released 10 music videos so far, aiming to make a positive impact through spirituality and music.

In an exclusive interview with Eastern Mirror, Seps, who currently serves as the youth pastor at Sangtam Baptist Church in Diphupar, Chümuokedima, shared insights into his musical and pastoral career.

Eastern Mirror: How does your faith influence the theme and message in your music?

Seps Sangtam: Music as a passion is made purposeful when it impacts spirituality along the path of melody. I believe that the vocation of a Christian minister is to propagate the gospel and in that way, I share my experience of the saving grace of Jesus through songs.

Eastern Mirror: What challenges do you face in navigating the world of entertainment and spirituality simultaneously?

Seps Sangtam: Challenges have aided my growth. Being vulnerable and accepting imperfections have indeed propelled me so far.

Eastern Mirror: As a singer and pastor, how do you envision using your platform to inspire and uplift others, both within and outside of your faith?

Seps Sangtam: With a vision fueled by hard work and consistency, I strive to enhance every opportunity by infusing clarity into both the lyrical message and the videography of my work, which still requires improvement. I want to broaden my audience by using common linguistic communication. While I cannot guarantee this, it’s a vision I eagerly pursue.

Eastern Mirror: How do you handle requests to perform at events while remaining committed to your pastoral responsibilities?

Seps Sangtam: The primary duty of a full-time committed church minister is to prioritise their responsibility to their ministry; if their ministry falters, everything suffers. However, it’s also important to recognise that music is increasingly being seen as another means of ministry capable of generating positive outcomes.

Eastern Mirror: How long does it take for you to compose a song, and why don’t you compose songs in English as well?

Seps Sangtam: For me, contemplating and crafting lyrics takes anywhere between two and seven months. My priority is to improve my own language’s clarity and fluency, as well as to meet the requests. While I have previously put less emphasis on producing English songs, I plan to incorporate them more into future projects.

Eastern Mirror: Would you like to collaborate with any singers or musicians who also work with the Sangtam language in future projects?

Seps Sangtam: Among the revered singers, Azi Rudy (Zisela Rudy) is one with whom I would like to collaborate if time and circumstances allow, taking into account genre preferences.

Eastern Mirror: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a singer who performs in a local language?

Seps Sangtam: There are more advantages than disadvantages to being a singer in a specific language. First, the audience I am most comfortable with will be my community. Second, being initially accepted by my own community feels better than being known nationally and globally but shunned by my own community.

While English is widely accepted, it may still be unfamiliar to many, leading to potential misinterpretations. Moreover, conveying justice and nuanced meanings from local languages through English can sometimes result in miscommunication.

Eastern Mirror: Any new release in the offing?

Seps Sangtam: Soon, I will release my official Sangtam gospel confessional song with English subtitles. Additionally, work is underway on an English song.

Eastern Mirror: Is there anything more you want to convey to our readers and your supporters?

Seps Sangtam: Thank you so much for your immense support.