‘Ta Dhom Project’ launched in Nagaland

In a unique collaboration blending the diverse traditions, advisor to chief minister, Abu Metha launched “Ta Dhom Project” at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on Wednesday. “Ta Dhom Project” is a project for a new sub-genre of Indian hip hop, focused together from a unique vocal percussion along with the world of rap creating music and harmony.
Under the project, nine artistes were selected from Nagaland namely Asalie Peseyie (team leader), rappers – Moko Koza, LC Sekhose, Savizo, Atiro Kiho; Beatboxers – Rovi Lolo; DJ Raikui and Producer- RYLO.
Speaking at the launching programme, Metha maintained that such initiatives was much required, uniting the rich culture of India and pushing brand India to International platform while applauding and the voices and music of Nagaland, which have contributed much to the country and global community. Metha added that through such collaborations, more flavour and aroma can be added with their unique tradition and culture.
“Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) served as a special purpose vehicle which the state government had instituted to push Nagaland music, to convert music and arts into an industry and to promote entrepreneurship and create gainful careers to music fraternity”, Metha added.
Metha stated that there was real strength in diversity, and announced that a team from TaFMA would attend at the next WOMEX, the most diverse global music meeting in the world to be held in Spain with the intention to get exposure, create network and informed that Nagaland would be holding the next Asian music summit, hoping that if given the opportunities, Nagaland would shine.
Founder, Ta Dhom Project, Viveick Rajagopalan, a composer, percussionist, innovator who had performed at WOMAD (UK) and WOMAX (Spain) and a host of other high-profile concerts around the country and abroad emphasized that art and culture was the only thing that brought people together.
Trained under the Carnatic tradition on the majestic percussive instrument of South India, Mridangam, Viveick and Kalaivanan Kannan are currently training nine rappers and beatboxers from Nagaland to collaborate Indian rhythm with Naga chants and culture and bring out the unique flavour of music. He stated that the sessions were for three days, July 25-27 and would also coordinate with online sessions in the days to come.
TaFMA chairman, Theja Meru, informed that the project was aimed to combine Indian rhythms with Naga chants and singing along with cultural expressions.