KOHIMA — With an aim to bring combined Indian rhythm, specifically hip hop with Naga chants and cultural expressions, the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), on Wednesday, launched the ‘Ta Dhom’ project in Nagaland at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.
Speaking at the launch event, the founder of Ta Dhom Project, Viveick Rajagopalan, said that he initiated the project eight years ago with the goal of giving a distinct identity to Indian rap culture.
He observed that while many rappers in India excel in writing songs, their work tends to reflect Western music influences, lacking a unique identity of its own.
Rajagopalan, a composer, percussionist, and innovator, is trained in the Carnatic tradition on the Mridangam, a percussive instrument from South India.
He uses his classical roots to compose music that blends various styles including electronic, drum-n-bass, jazz, and folk. His compositions retain the unique flavour of Indian music while seamlessly integrating elements from other genres.
He believed that art and culture are the only things that bring people together adding that through the Dom project, they have been building connections.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Advisor to the chief minister, Abu Metha, emphasised the diversity and uniqueness of the North Eastern region and highlighted how the rest of India often viewed it as a single entity despite the presence of over 200 communities in the region.
He said that Nagaland is making its presence felt through young talents who served as ambassadors in the region.
Under the visionary leadership and guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio, another exciting music project is launched - TA DHOM NAGALAND.
— TaFMA (@TafmaNagaland)
TaFMA expresses heartfelt gratitude to Shri Abu Metha - Advisor to Chief Minister for launching the music project today at…
“There are sportspersons and musicians from the North East that is making India global winners on the world stage,” Metha said.
He informed that TaFMA has been providing opportunities for youth in the music industry and planned to participate in international events such as WOMEX (Worldwide music expo) in Spain in October and host the next Asia Music Summit.
Theja Meru, chairman of TaFMA, expressed his belief that the Ta Dhom project would not only impact the country but also gain recognition on the world stage.
He further informed that nine individuals under TaFMA have been selected to work on Nagaland's version of Ta Dhom for the next three days.
Earlier, Viveick Rajagopalan and his bandmate Kalaivanan Kannan performed unplugged Ta Dhom music.