Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Tsarola Y Sangtam

DIMAPUR — Music has a universal power to connect hearts and uplift spirits. This rings true for Tsarola Y Sangtam, a budding songwriter and singer from Kiphire district. With her melodic voice and meaningfully penned lyrics, Tsarola is charming listeners near and far.

Her debut music video, “Akünyangnung Mungmung,” encapsulates the Sangtam tribe’s annual “Mungmung” festival and has received an outpouring of love from viewers. The song, featuring Khumti Mongzar, was also honoured at the 15th Music Awards of Nagaland in 2023 by the Native Trax Society with the ‘Best Producer’ award.

She is also an entrepreneur, having co-founded Eastern Enterprise.

In an exclusive interview with Eastern Mirror, Tsarola gives us a glimpse of her musical journey and passions. Read on to learn more about this talented artiste on the rise.

Eastern Mirror: How would you like to introduce yourself to the readers?

Tsarola: I am a beginner in the world of music and am trying to learn and express my talent. I am hoping for continuous support from the readers.

Eastern Mirror: What inspired you to get into music? Could you share with us your musical journey?

Tsarola: As a child who loved attending Sunday school, I always enjoyed singing along with my peers. Over time, it developed into a hobby, and I began singing at school, colleges, and various other programme functions. Last year, I made my music debut on YouTube.

Eastern Mirror: Tell us about the creative process behind your first music video, “Akünyangnung Mungmung,” featuring Khumti Mongzar.

Tsarola: I always wanted to have my own original song released but I did not know when or where to start. Then one day, a close friend of mine asked me whether I would love to sing a song for our tribe’s “mungmung” festival programme. So, I thought, ‘Why not compose my own song in the name of our festival?’ That is how I contacted my friends for some help and the first music video of mine was officially released on September 20, 2023.

Eastern Mirror: What is the song about and the inspiration behind it?

Tsarola: This song is all about our “Mungmung” (togetherness forever) festival. It is celebrated for six days from September 1 to 6 every year by the Sangtam Naga tribe. The song describes the process of how the festival has been celebrated since ancestral times, which itself is the inspiration behind the song. 

Eastern Mirror: What influenced you to make your debut music in your mother tongue?

Tsarola: Since the song is all about the “Mungmung” festival, I felt it was necessary to use my mother tongue to forge a deeper emotional connection.

Eastern Mirror: What kind of music genre would you want to experiment with in the future?

Tsarola: Apart from folk fusion, I would love to explore rock music if I get the opportunity.

Eastern Mirror: Besides music, what else interests you?

Tsarola: I love spending time with intellectual people.

Eastern Mirror: What do you like most about music?

Tsarola: The one thing I like about music is that I can express myself through it. 

Eastern Mirror: What is your biggest strength? How does it help you as a musician?

Tsarola: My biggest strengths are my parents. I get inspiration from my parents when it comes to singing and writing new songs.

Eastern Mirror: Any upcoming projects that you want your listeners to look forward to?

Tsarola: Yes, I have some projects in process but they are not official yet, so my listeners will have to wait some more time. Hopefully, everything goes well. 

Eastern Mirror: Where (platforms) can the listeners find your music?

Tsarola: As of now, only on YouTube (youtube.com/@tsarolaysangtam9188).

Eastern Mirror: Considering the challenges musicians face when starting out, do you have any other source of income beyond music?

Tsarola: As a beginner, of course, it is very difficult to rely only on music to meet my end. However, I am also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Eastern Enterprise, which focuses on education, entrepreneurship and employment. This is how I am managing.

Eastern Mirror: How do you market your music?

Tsarola: Sadly, I am yet to market my music.

Eastern Mirror: Any message for your listeners?

Tsarola: I really did not expect this amount of support and love. Sometimes I feel like I do not deserve this much love but by God’s grace and by everyone’s support, I have come so far and my career in music is doing well and fine. Keep on supporting, and soon I will be coming up with new songs. Lots of love!

Also read: Rhythm of Love: In conversation with Etongbemo and Sandemo Kithan