UT bureau | Ukhrul, Aug 14: In a small unofficial event organised by Meiphung Productions, Tangkhul folk fusion band Featherheads, in collaboration with The Dialog Media released their new song ‘How Long’ today at the Meiphung Productions Hall in Ukhrul.
The event was attended by members of the ADC Ukhrul and a few journalists along with some other well wishes. Yaronso Ngalung, the chairman of Ukhrul ADC was the the chief guest and spoke briefly about Naga’s struggle ending his speech with hopes of celebrating the Naga Independence day as an official event very soon in the near future.
Songwriter Songachan Vasah, speaking of the song, recalls that the inspiration came 10 years ago in the wake of the Naga Independence day celebration in 2010.
Vasah, however, stresses that the song isn’t only about the Nagas, “While it’s true that the main inspiration to write this song came from the struggle of the Nagas, I believe it can speak for many more people from the NE and Kashmir who have been oppressed under the Indian rule. Its a song questioning how long the struggle will go on.”
Lyrics:
How long
-Songachan Vasah 2010
How long, how long, how long, how long?
How long shall my people suffer?
How long shall we wait for peace to prevail
Oh, how long…. How long
How long shall my people endure the pain of oppression in their own land?
How long?
How long will it take for the morning Sun
Of hope to rise in this land?
How many, how many more war cries must we shout?
(How many tears and blood must be shed)
How many more ceremonies must we condone?
(How long…How long…. How long)
Soon, our fathers will learn to smile again.
Soon, our mothers will sing their songs again.
Soon, we will listen to the stories of the old again.
Featherheads music video is now available on Dialog Media’s YouTube page.