Nagaland Turns To Music as Militancy Subsides

By Peter Chachei

  Dimapur, Apr 14 : Music forms an inseparable part of a Naga's life. The community just loves music. As peace takes root in the state, musicians and music lovers are optimistic about a better tomorrow.

There is no doubting the fact that Nagas are good musicians and can get a crowd giving. Concerts, rock shows, music competitions and festivals are a regular feature in Nagaland.

Youth here are passionate about music and many opt for it as a profession. No surprise then that the music industry here is a vibrant one. Moa Subong and Aren Subong of Dimapur have created an indigenous musical instrument called the Bamhum.

The duo want to popularize this instrument across the country, and even abroad. Nagas need a chance to showcase it at international level, opines musician Aren Subong.

"Nagas are talented. All you need is to be talented for success, we need to move out and go global and showcase our talent at the international level. The creation of a Naga Music Task Force is a positive sign for the music industry and the government has recognized it. So, we can now get loans and other facilities, and, I am sure one day, we will be popular," Subong said.

Rock bands like Divine Connection the Eximonous Group and Azi Tetseo have already made a name in Nagaland. Nesie Merano, another professional musician, foresees a great future for Naga musicians.

"I think Nagas are blessed with the gift of musicians who had privilege to go abroad and study. Because even when I was staying in Delhi, the number of music graduates in Nagaland are more than that in Delhi or Bombay and I am glad that they are back to serve as an inspiration for others," Merano said.

With music studios being set up and the easy availability of high-end musical instruments, the music industry in Nagaland is the growth path. A drop in militancy and the ongoing peace dialogue between the rebel Naga leadership and the Central Government has also given hope to the musicians.

"We have so much of talent in Nagaland hidden, music industry unless we have peace we cannot let it out. So I think it is a positive step and should come to a point where people realize that enough is enough," said Nevi, a local, about militancy and the talks.

People in the state believe things are getting clearer and look forward to a successful outcome of the talks. "I strongly believe that things are getting transparent and people have opportunity to see and hear what is going on at the talks at any level. I have a strong faith that this time talks will be fruitful," said Tali Angh, a singer from Nagaland.

Musicians in India have found a nationwide platform with the advent of talent hunts on television. Many artists from northeast like Debojit Saha from Silchar, Assam, who won Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005 have already proved their ability.

And musicians from Nagaland are now looking for their moment in the sun.