June 21, World Music Day, was indeed a long day for music
lovers across Nagaland as everyone eagerly waited for the big curtain to rise
to give way to music.
In Dimapur city, music lovers thronged the Agri Expo at 4th mile and “The Garden” at Supermarket to watch musicians perform.
Calling Nagaland ‘the land of festivals–songs and dances,’
the Member of the Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio was there to support the fans, the
musical celebrations and its spirit to the fullest.
Speaking to musicians and music lovers of Dimapur, the former
chief minister of Nagaland said music needs to work with peace and that the art
of music should always go together with peace. The common interest of all
musicians should be to exist both in music and in words, Rio said.
Commenting on the Music Task Force (MTF) of Nagaland, the
official music agency of the state government, which was instituted during his
tenure as chief minister, Rio said that the MTF was taking shape in its purpose
with various talented musicians emerging from Nagaland.
The MP also said that the MTF was a tool that would inspire
the youths and talented musicians to grow.
Following the MP’s speech, the thirst for international
guitarist Neil Zaza’s solo performance was quenched when the stage was given to
him.
Thousands swarmed the Agri Expo to witness the legendary
melodic instrumentalist Neil Zaza play live. Even before the show had begun, the
enthusiastic crowd had been screaming for Zaza. The ‘I’m Alright’ hit maker
came escorted by bikers. He took the stage with the greeting ‘Kinika asae, Dimapur’–much
to the crowd’s roaring approval. The legendary guitarist also defied security
measures and took to performing amongst the crowd which left the crowd in higher
spirit.
Following the performance, locally-renowned band from
Nagaland, the veteran Abiogenesis, took the stage. The band had the crowd head
banging with their power-packed performances: Riverside, Saramati Tears and
Hitch Hiker.
Another band, Gold Planet, performed an original ‘Love
with no names’. Moajungla who gained some fans on social media after her cover
on Dolly Parton’s “Coat of many colors” went into circulation, made an
appearance with two numbers.
Another, a cover of Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’
by Mengu felt like Freddie Mercury in a female form. She stole the hearts of the
fans right there.
The scene at “The Garden” was no less exciting as the young
and old alike throng the ground for the World Music Day event dubbed “The Sound
Garden.” Local singers Moanungsang, Akummika, Colored Keys, Papersky, James
Basnet, Jonathan Yhome, Incipit, Thunglamo, Ronnie, Renbeni and Gearmen Dudes
were some of the artists who performed during the evening.
Nagaland’s music community lost a member recently, the then-upcoming
singer Lamstala H Odyuo earlier this month. The Sound Garden paid tributes to
her during the event.
(By Eastern Mirror's staff reporters, June 21, 2016)
(By Eastern Mirror's staff reporters, June 21, 2016)
