The Nagaland College of Music & Fine Arts (NCMFA) held its Folk Showcase at the NCMFA Auditorium today, celebrating the rich and diverse folk traditions of Nagaland under the theme “Rooted in Tradition, Inspiring Tomorrow.”
The programme was hosted by Ms. Konthunglo Ngullie, a student of NCMFA. It began with a Prelude by the Folk Strings Ensemble, featuring guitar, violin and the traditional Tati, a bamboo stringed instrument of the Nagas. The ensemble was under the Musical Direction of Mrs. Ameu Üsou Zao. The programme also included the Opening Prayer by Mrs. Lozino Rhetso, Faculty, NCMFA, and a Welcome Note by Dr. Rükulü Kezo, Principal, NCMFA.
The showcase featured folk presentations representing the Yimkhiung, Sumi, Lotha, Pochury, Chakhesang, Rengma and Angami traditions, highlighting the diversity and richness of Naga folk music. A special presentation on Chokri Li was delivered by Mr. Vesato Theluo, Managing Director, NCMFA. The presentation highlighted the distinctive features of Chokri Li, including its vocal techniques and different forms of Li, while emphasising how folk music is deeply woven into the everyday life, culture and identity of the Nagas.
The Special Guest, Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom, Managing Director of Kohimas Hospital, Kohima, Director of the Ulikhrie Folk Group, and Founder and Proprietor of Experience the Nagaland Kitchen, Chedema, spoke on the wider possibilities of folk knowledge and cultural heritage. Drawing from his own experience, he highlighted how cultural knowledge can also become a space for entrepreneurship and creative enterprise while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Naga heritage.
The event was attended by students and accompanying teachers from Fernwood Higher Secondary School, Mt. Sinai Higher Secondary School, R.D. Nums, Ministers Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, and Model Higher Secondary School. Their participation provided an opportunity for young learners to experience Nagaland’s folk traditions and understand their continuing relevance.
The programme concluded with the NCMFA Folk Choir, also under the Musical Direction of Mrs. Ameu Üsou Zao, followed by closing remarks. Participants subsequently visited the NCMFA Museum to explore traditional musical instruments and aspects of Naga musical heritage, followed by refreshments.
The Folk Showcase reflected NCMFA’s commitment to keeping traditional knowledge alive through performance, education, documentation and contemporary engagement. The theme, “Rooted in Tradition, Inspiring Tomorrow,” captured the spirit of the event by encouraging young people to value their heritage while finding new ways to carry it forward.
(Correspondent)
