We Care: Fundraiser concert for Kiphire on Sep. 16

A group of young entrepreneurs, artists and professionals from different districts along with the church are joining hands to organise ‘We Care: Love is Giving’, a fundraiser concert for the people of Kiphire who have been reeling under the impact of massive landslides triggered by the monsoon. The major roads to the district remain cut off for over a month and the people there have been facing shortage of essential commodities.

The event, set to be held on September 16 at The Heritage (Old DC Bungalow) in Kohima, will kick start with an open mic session from 2.30 pm till 4.30 pm where anyone can perform, followed by the main concert which will feature popular Naga bands and artistes. According to the organisers, entry will be on free-will donation and the money raised through it will go to the monsoon disaster affected people in Kiphire.

The event is being initiated by Symphony Productions and Symphony Academy of Music, in collaboration with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Indihut and Musicians Guild; supported by Rattle & Hum Music Society, Eastern Mirror as the media partner, and other partners – Seyie Auto, Lighthouse UBC, LEAD Entertainment, Ciekhan Fitness, Shiu Lights, de Oriental Grand, The Eastgate Hotel, LifePro Sound Solution, Imprint, Decibel, Basement Empire, Ete Coffee, and Occassions. All the partners and artists are onboard voluntarily as a gesture to the cause.

 

The following is a brief profile of the artists who will be performing at the charity concert:

Tune Up Channel– Tune Up Channel is a pop-funk rock band formed in 2015 with Sunep Jamir on vocals, Temjen Lemtur on guitars, Tia Jamir on drums, Meren Longchar on bass and Ayu Mongro on keyboards. This Mokokchung band was adjudged as Nagaland’s best band at the Hornbill International Rock Contest 2015; winner of Youth Fest Clash of Bands 2016; they were the Headlining Band at the Sonabyss NEIST 2016; they also featured at the Orange Festival Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh in 2016 where the legendary guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen also performed.

SNF (Search & Found)– SNF is a progressive rock band from Dimapur. Formed in 2015, SNF consists of Neil Gonmei (drums), Kuto (lead guitars/backing vocals), Along Longkumer (bassist/backing vocals), Yan Ngullie (keyboards/backing vocals) and Albert Jinger (lead vocals/guitar). The band has had a string of success ever since it was launched, which include, winner of Hornbill International Rock Contest 2016, winner of Rockville National Rock Contest 2016, winner of National Summer Beats Battle of the Bands 2016 and the winner of TechAura National Rock Contest 2016. SNF is also the recipient of the prestigious Naga Musicians’ Achievement Award 2017.

Powerfaith– Powerfaith started in 2003 comprising of young believers with a common vision to minister the youth. With the intention to reach out to musicians and music lovers through positive gospel music, the award winning Kohima-based band expanded into a ministry in 2004. Powerfaith is involved in school and campus ministry and are advocates of green environment.

Two tracks from their 2005 debut album ‘Testify’ got featured in the first Indian gospel rock album 2006; One of their songs was aired on ‘Whitedove’, which is one of the oldest gospel radio stations in the United States.

Harmonic Voices Nagaland– The Harmonic Voices Nagaland is a collective group of music enthusiasts who stands to bring glory to God and to present the gospel message in word and song. The choir is four years old in profession after winning the Ultimate Hornbill Choir Competition in 2014; led by Akhrou as the choir director and Mele Pucho as the managing director, Harmonic Voices includes a 16 member versatile singers and musicians of six different tribes. They have performed in various events and churches, both in the state and regional levels. They choose their repertoire from spiritual gospels, contemporary musicals and fusion as well.

Dreamz Unlimited

Dreamz Unlimited (DU) is a Dimapur-based theatre and film production house which was launched in 2008. This group is acclaimed for its unique blend of humour and sarcastic commentary on contemporary social issues.

DU have a Youtube Channel with the same name where they consistently upload short videos mostly on the trending topics in the state with a touch of satire and humour. They also do Ads for government and private entrepreneurs and since their forte is comedy most of their videos reflects that. At present they have more than 110000 subscribers which is highest compared to any Youtube channel from Nagaland or even from North East very few Youtubers has reached that mark. They also perform plays for various Churches, Civil Societies, NGO’s and Government departments. Most of their plays are based on social issues prevalent in the state with a touch of humour and message which instantly connects with the people. Recently their feature film NANA – a tale of us was widely appreciated by all section of people and also won Best Director Golden Calton Award at Edinburgh Festival of Indian Films and Documentaries. one of their video on the theme ‘Swachh Sanklap Se Swachh Siddhi’ (My Contribution towards Making India Clean) got 3rd position at National Level Short film competition. The members of DU consist of different tribes and they are committed in working together in unity to bring a positive change in our society through this medium of art.

METET– METET is an electronic pop band from Kohima formed in February 2016. The band has Metet Jamir as the lead vocalist, Sunep Oz as programmer/vocalist, Temjen on guitars and Jungshi on bass. METET music is varied, referencing everything from EDM to jazz to soul that manage to fuse all together and create a uniform trademark style, marked by a gripping beat and bright instrumental collaborating with various session musicians.

Ethnic Future– Ethnic Future is a group of dancers from different dance groups and solo artists of Kohima formed in 2016. The group is led by Anung Walling and Akehoto Yeptho of Elemenz crew and they are managed by Dream Corp. Ethnic Future has represented India at the Sarang Festival in South Korea 2017 and has performed at various events.

Mengu Suokhrie– Mengu Suokhrie is a Kohima-based singer, songwriter, composer, recording artist and vocal teacher. She is vocally trained in classical and contemporary music and is not a new contender to the music scene. She tries to connote the existence of both good and bad sides of life through her songs.

 

Upcoming artists:

Mezanuo Ngukha