Editor's Note--A government that believes freedom of creative expression are one of the founding pillars of a healthier society and actually encourages it has been a big point of discussion at the Homegrown headquarters these days and Gukhato Chisi, director of Nagaland's progressive Music Task Force, resonates these exact sentiments. We were hugely inspired by the sheer simplicity and positivity of his philosophies and urge all our readers to read, share and support this man's vision.
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I. When did you affiliation with music begin and how did that passion eventually turn itself into a career?
Tipriti 'Tips' Bangar & Rudy Wallang of Soulmate mesmerize audiences as always.
II. How has the direct intervention of the MTF helped the music scene in Nagaland?
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III. What were the challenges in setting up the MTF?
The concept started with the government’s initiative. Given that it was their idea, we never faced any problems in terms of bureaucratic hassles as a government body ourselves. Additionally, the policy was aimed at minimising those kind of obstacles.
"For our generation, music was and remained a hobby. Now we want to encourage youngsters to choose music as a profession."
IV. What are some of the distinct genres of music in Nagaland?
V. What are you expecting from this project, what is the objective of the residency?
Nagaland's Tetseo Sisters move towards a Naga 'fusion' sound.
VI. Tell us about the synergies shared with the British Council.
VII. Over the course of the British Councils Folk Nation’s program, which are some of the promising collaborations that have stood out from the rest in your opinion?
Collaborations between UK musicians and native Naga musicians is common at The Hornbill Festival.
VIII. Tell us a little bit more about the Hornbill Festival in Kohima and how it's grown.
The Hornbill festival got generated as a way to introduce the world to the NE. Nagaland was always associated with insurgency. People preferred to keep their distance and the government wanted to provide an opportunity for people to think otherwise. And that’s where the Tourism Department was given the role to showcase the best of Nagaland’s tribal communities. Tribes celebrate a lot of festivals which is based around the agricultural cycle. So there’s pre-sowing, the clearing after the sowing, pre-harvest and post-harvest. So it’s a continuous celebration. Each tribe – we have 16 tribes on the Gazette – and each tribe has its own cycle and celebrations. So there’s one festival happening at any given point in time. So for a tourist to come down and see all the tribes performing together, the festival gives them a 10-day window to see all the tribes together. This concept has worked to a great extent. Festivals always generate a lot of happiness and love and many people have made repeat visits. The government has played a keen role in building and generating this infrastructure but now they’re moving away as stakeholders’ participation is now growing. We have teams in place who have taken on a responsibility for different aspects of the festival. We’re not a big population – Nagaland has just under 2 million people so that’s not a big enough market for an MNC or the national corporate but the festival has grown in scale; from Rs 4.5 lakh worth of prizes in competition it now has worth over Rs 60 lakhs. Airtel sponsored the first place prize of Rs 10 lakh and even BOSE gave us equipment.
"For our generation, music was and remained a hobby. Now we encourage youngsters to choose music as a profession."
VIII. How does the MTF help aspiring musicians? Does it award scholarships? What are your future plans?
The Taal Inc. Rhythm Ensemble.
IX. The Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts was recently inaugurated in Kohima. Does the centre target “young musicians” or is it open to anyone that shows an inclination towards music?
X. The state has produced internationally acclaimed bands like “Abiogenesis” and “Alobo Naga and the Band”. How does it feel when local bands achieve visibility on an international scale?
XI. What is the one piece of advice you would give young aspiring musicians in the country/ state who hope to make it in the music industry?
Pictures Courtesy: Little Big Noise