The Zeme Music Committee, in collaboration with the Zeme Council Nagaland, organised the first-ever Zeme Music Festival on December 20 at Jalukie village in Peren district, marking a historic moment for the Zeme community.
The programme began with an invocation by Pastor Jalukie Baptist Church, Heuziebe who sought divine blessings for the success of the event. Convenor of the Zeme Music Committee, Dachuyi Pame, welcomed the gathering with the traditional greeting “Redau Kelu Sam” and highlighted the festival’s theme, “Feel the Rhythm, Find Your Tribe.” He said the festival aimed to revive the rich musical heritage of the Zeme people while encouraging young talents for the future.
Addressing the gathering, Zeme Council Nagaland president Ernest Zeliang spoke on the deep-rooted musical traditions of the Zeme forefathers, noting that many traditional songs and dances were romantic in nature and celebrated love and legacy. He also acknowledged the contributions of noted Zeme lyricists and composers such as Nieba Ndang, Kelei Zeliang, Pauramheing Nampeung and Nangkamlak Pame. The festival was formally declared open by the council president.
The evening featured special performances by theme song composer Nangkamlak Pame and Asingbe Heikha. The second session saw a closely contested Zeme solo song competition involving 13 young artistes. Karchile Pame emerged as the winner, while Kawizonle and Ipungchile secured the first and second runner-up positions respectively.
The winners received cash prizes of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000. The event concluded with an energetic performance by Panic Station Rock Band.
The Zeme Music Committee and the Zeme Council Nagaland expressed gratitude to Zeme officers, village councils and well-wishers for their generous financial support, which contributed to the successful hosting of the inaugural Zeme Music Festival.
