A.R. RAHMAN PLANS TO ESTABLISH A MUSIC STUDIO IN NAGALAND, SAYS RIO
The Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Excellence Awards 2025 was held at RCEMPA Jotsoma, Kohima with chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio gracing the occasion as the special guest. The event celebrated the achievements of Naga artistes across various disciplines and honoured their contributions to the fields of music, film, fashion, and theatre.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rio said the awards ceremony was a celebration of the talent and hard work of Naga youths who have excelled in their respective fields. Reflecting on the journey of the state’s music and arts movement, he noted that the vision to empower Naga youths through the arts began over two decades ago when he assumed office as Chief Minister.
He recalled that in 2003, he had approached the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a proposal to skill and train 50,000 Naga youths in music and sports. Although the plan was approved in principle, the change in central leadership following the 2004 general elections meant that financial support did not materialize. Nevertheless, Dr. Rio said the state pursued the vision with determination, declaring the “Year of the Youth” and launching initiatives such as the Music Task Force, tribal roadshows, and the Mini Hornbill festivals to promote local talent.
Dr. Rio attributed the cultural and educational transformation of Nagaland to the coming of Christianity 153 years ago, which he said brought with it not only faith but also education, governance, and civilization. He emphasized that despite their tribal past, Nagas have always had a deep connection with music, storytelling, and festivals, which continue to thrive today in more structured and recognized forms.
Dr. Rio lauded TaFMA’s efforts in nurturing over 100 music institutions and creating platforms for artistes to excel both within and beyond India. He acknowledged the growing international recognition of Naga musicians and performers and praised their commitment to the arts as a full-time profession, rather than a part-time pursuit.
Dr. Rio also expressed gratitude to Grammy Award-winning composer Dr A.R. Rahman for his support to TaFMA and the state. He revealed that Rahman had not only donated a grand piano to the state but was also considering establishing a music studio in Nagaland.
He urged awardees and young artistes to continue striving for higher achievements and to carry forward the spirit of creativity and cultural pride.
Advisor to the chief minister and chairman of the investment and development authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, also addressed the gathering. The welcome address was delivered by chairman of TaFMA, Theja Meru while the vote of thanks was proposed by TaFMA project director Dr Hovithal Sothu.
Special musical performances marked the evening, featuring Inato Achumi, Palak Chauhan from KM Music Conservatory, Trance Effect, Temsuinla Longchar, and the Nagaland Madrigal Singers.
The TaFMA Excellence Awards 2025 were conferred to the following artistes and groups:
- Fifth Note Band – For winning the Ticket to Hornbill 2024, India’s biggest band battle.
- Ruopfuzhanuo Whiso – For emerging as the 4th runner-up at Miss Universe India 2024.
- Arenla Subong – For winning Best Feature Film at the 50th Nawada International Film Festival for Enter My World.
- The Nagaland Madrigal Singers – For securing two Gold Medals at the 13th World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Trance Effect – For reaching the top 16 at the Gwangju Busking World Cup Festival 2024.
- Lenen Jamir – For becoming the first artiste from Nagaland to cross 10 million YouTube views for the song Itaya Nungu.
- Tiameren Aier – For composing Itaya Nungu, the first locally composed song to reach 10 million views on YouTube.
- Bendang Walling – For receiving the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Theatre Direction (2023).
- Alobo Naga – For winning Best Regional Song/Album at the Clef Music Awards 2024 and Best North East Artist at the Hungama Indian Music Awards 2024.
- Hito Kiho, Director of The Nagaland Madrigal Singers – Conferred the title of Ultimate Achiever of the Year. (Correspondent)