Nagaland-based band Stereo Groove was crowned winner at the grand finale of Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s (TKM) NE Star–Ultimate Music Talent Hunt held in Guwahati on September 27.
Stereo Groove comprises Along Jamir on vocals, Wabangtoshi Jamir on bass, Ayoung Jamir and Wapang Walling on guitars, and I Lima Imsong on drums.
The finale brought together 16 finalists representing the eight Northeastern states, following more than 300 registrations and auditions held across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
According to a press release, Pateng Band from Meghalaya and Naad Band from Sikkim were declared the first and second runners-up, respectively. Pateng Band also emerged winner in the Mogo category. Special Judges’ Choice Awards went to Samuel from Nagaland, Pallavi from Assam and Immanuel from Mizoram.
The finalists were judged by Subir Malik, founding member and keyboardist of Parikrama, and Kaushik Dutta, founder-director of Music Connect. The finale also featured a performance by celebrity singer Deeplina Deka.
Vice President–East Region, Sales-Service-Used Car, TKM, Sachin Sharma, said the talent hunt was conceived to provide young artists from the Northeast a platform to showcase their talent and potential.
The competition was open to singers, musicians, bands, choirs and other performers aged 18 to 35. TKM said the initiative aims to support youth aspirations and local talent while contributing to the cultural development of communities across the region.
