The organisers of the 17th Music Awards of Nagaland (MAN) have announced the postponement of this year’s awards ceremony, originally scheduled for November 29. The new date has been fixed for December 17, 2025, at Town Hall, Dimapur.
Addressing the media, MAN President Imli Lee and Musika Director Alobo Naga said the change became necessary as many participating artists are currently engaged with rehearsals and performances for the Hornbill Festival. They stated that holding the awards after the festival would ensure the participation of more musicians and provide a more fitting celebration for the state’s music community.
Alobo added that the organisers had initially secured the venue and lined up performers, but the schedule conflict prompted a last-minute decision to move the event. Despite the postponement, he highlighted that this year saw an exceptional response, with over 200 entries received, which later shortlisted to around 120 nominees across various categories.
The main categories have already been judged by a panel and sub-categories such as Best Music Video is still being judged.
Online voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award has been extended to November 30, and supporters can cast their votes at the official MAN website.
Imli outlined the award categories, which include rock, gospel, hip-hop/R&B, pop, original, folk fusion, open category, song of the year and the newly introduced viewer’s choice award. Sub-categories include best music video, best producer, best sound engineer, best lyricist, best upcoming artist/band, and the lifetime achievement award.
He noted that the MAN, an initiative launched by Native Trax Society (NTS), continues to be run “by artists, for artists” and has grown into the state’s biggest platform recognising musical excellence. He also shared how winning an early MAN award helped boost his own career, encouraging musicians to keep submitting their work.
Alobo also emphasised that MAN was the only music award in India and possibly beyond that provides cash prizes to its winners, making funding a significant annual challenge. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the continued support from TaFMA and various sponsors.
The organisers appealed to the government to consider steady, long-term support to help the awards expand and reach even bigger heights, including the possibility of opening the competition to the Northeast in future editions.
They also encouraged the public to support local musicians, stressing that music was an essential part of every major event in the state from pageants to cultural gatherings and even solemn occasions and musicians deserve recognition and encouragement.
The organisers apologised to artists planning to attend the earlier date but said the postponement will ultimately ensure wider participation and a more vibrant awards night.
(Staff Reporter)
