Nagaland’s music scene will be represented at the third edition of Soundscapes of India (SOI), with senior state officials joining two emerging musical acts at the three-day event in New Delhi from August 29 to 31.
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Mehta, and Chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru, will attend the festival organised by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre.
Their participation aims to strengthen links between musicians from Nagaland and the wider national and international music industry, while exploring opportunities for Naga artists to access global audiences, festivals and markets.
Meru said Nagaland’s participation was part of ongoing efforts to create wider national and global platforms for artists from the State and the Northeast. He said platforms such as SOI enable artists to interact directly with festival programmers, industry professionals and international music networks.
IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam said the organisation shared a longstanding association with TaFMA based on a common commitment to nurturing musical talent from Nagaland. He said the presence of the State’s leadership alongside artists at the showcase would further strengthen connections between Naga musicians and the wider music ecosystem.
Representing Nagaland on the performance stage will be Seyie Intrepid, led by Gold Award-winning artist Seyievinuo Chuzho, and Street Stories.
Seyie Intrepid blends traditional Naga folklore and cultural heritage with contemporary musical expression. Chuzho has also participated in cross-cultural collaborations, including the Wales-Nagaland musical exchange.
Street Stories, meanwhile, represents Nagaland’s contemporary rock scene, combining high-energy pop-punk influences with songwriting drawn from the members’ experiences and travels. The band cites international acts such as Blink-182 and Green Day among its influences.
Together, the two acts will showcase the diversity of Nagaland’s music landscape, where indigenous storytelling and traditional heritage intersect with rock and contemporary global influences.
Soundscapes of India brings together artists, industry professionals, festival programmers, labels, touring agents and international delegates through performances, industry pitching sessions, panel discussions and mentorship programmes.
For Nagaland, the participation is aimed not only at showcasing its musicians but also at building industry connections that could help artists gain access to international touring, festivals, collaborators and new markets.
