Nagaland TaFMA announces Toyota Hornbill music fest 2025

The Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) has announced that the much-anticipated Toyota Hornbill Music Festival 2025 will once again bring together an exciting fusion of international collaborations and homegrown talent, marking the 26th edition of the festival and the fourth consecutive year of Toyota’s partnership as the presenting sponsor.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima, TaFMA chairman Theja Meru said the Hornbill Music Festival has evolved into one of Nagaland’s most prominent cultural events, gaining global recognition while remaining deeply committed to promoting local musicians.
“This partnership means the world to us,” Meru remarked, expressing gratitude to Toyota for its continued association. “Toyota has been one of our strongest and dearest partners, and their support has played a huge role in helping us grow year after year.”
Meru informed that the 2025 edition will feature artists and bands from Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, Israel, Nepal, Japan, and across India, alongside a strong line-up of local performers from Nagaland. He underlined that while the festival draws international attention, its core vision remains to uplift Naga artists and independent musicians from the region.
“The Hornbill Music Festival is primarily about our local artists,” Meru stated. “The emphasis has always been on giving them the platform they deserve, while also welcoming deserving independent bands from India who do not have access to large stages.”
Clarifying that the festival’s focus is not on high-budget international acts, Meru said that most foreign bands featured are part of cultural collaborations facilitated through embassies and international friendships.
As part of its inclusive approach, TaFMA will continue to involve all 17 districts of Nagaland through the Hornbill Busking segment, where the best emerging artists from each district, selected by TaFMA’s district partners, will perform at the festival. “This gives young boys and girls, even from the remotest corners of the state, a chance to live their dream of performing on the big stage,” he said.
A major highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the first-ever Nagaland Choir Games, to be held on December 8 and 9 at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima. Organized under the vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the event will feature choirs from all districts and is expected to become a new flagship attraction of the Hornbill Festival.
Representing Toyota, Managing Director of Toyota (Nagaland), Vikheho Sema, expressed gratitude to the Government of Nagaland and TaFMA for the continued partnership, describing it as a privilege to be part of one of the state’s most iconic events.
“This will be the fourth year Toyota is presenting the Hornbill Music Festival,” Sema said. “We are delighted to announce the return of Drum Tao, the Japanese percussion troupe, who were a sensation last year and are coming back by popular demand.” He also informed that Toyota would showcase a range of flagship car models during the festival, adding to the overall experience for visitors.
Meru confirmed that Drum Tao will deliver longer and more dynamic performances this year, describing their act as “earth-shaking and groundbreaking.” He also announced that the festival will run from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, located about 30–40 minutes from Kohima town.
Highlighting new features, Meru revealed a special international collaboration between Mongdol, a South Korean rock boy band, and Trans Effect, one of Nagaland’s most prominent bands. “This is going to be a very interesting collaboration,” he said, adding that more global partnerships are in the pipeline and will be revealed in upcoming press briefings.
Meru noted that the Hornbill Festival offers “two parallel experiences” — the day sessions at Kisama that celebrate Naga heritage through traditional games, songs, and dances, and the evening music sessions from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring local, national, and international bands.
Inviting music lovers from across the region and beyond, Meru said, “We want everyone — young and old, from Nagaland, Northeast India, and the rest of the country — to come and support our bands. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.”