DIMAPUR: The 10thanniversary of MUSiK-A was celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey of promoting music and nurturing talent in Nagaland, at Town Hall, Dimapur on Wednesday.
The event was graced by Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, who attended as the chief guest, expressed immense pleasure and honour in being part of the celebration, describing the occasion as not just a passage of time but a testament to dedication, passion and the unifying power of music. Over the past decade, MUSiK-A has established itself as a prominent platform in the state’s cultural landscape, fostering creativity and providing opportunities for musicians across generations.
The Governor highlighted the unique role of music in bridging differences, stating that it transcends language, tribe and background, bringing people together in harmony. MUSiK-A was lauded for embodying this spirit and strengthening unity through artistic expression. He also extended appreciation to Alobo Naga, founder of MUSiK-A, for his vision, perseverance and tireless efforts in building and sustaining the platform. His contribution to promoting music and nurturing young talent in Nagaland was acknowledged as commendable and instrumental in shaping the organisation’s success, he added.
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He mentioned that the event underscored Nagaland’s rich musical heritage, noting that music remains deeply ingrained in the identity of its people—ranging from folk traditions and church choirs to contemporary bands and modern compositions. Platforms like MUSiK-A were recognised as vital in preserving this legacy while encouraging innovation and global engagement.
Encouraging young artists, Yadav urged them to pursue their passion with discipline and perseverance, emphasizing that music carries the responsibility to inspire, uplift and spread positivity in society. As MUSIK-A embarks on its next decade, optimism was expressed that the platform will continue to grow, innovate and expand its reach, carrying the voice of Nagaland to broader horizons.
Director of MUSIK-A, Alobo Naga, in his keynote address, reflected on the institution’s journey, describing it as a mission that evolved from a personal calling into a community-driven movement. He shared that establishing a music institute was not part of his original aspirations, as he had initially envisioned a career focused on performing, singing and touring.
However, a turning point came during a tour to Hong Kong in 2015, where he experienced a deep sense of responsibility to give back to society after being blessed with opportunities beyond the state. This realization inspired him to contribute meaningfully to the growth of aspiring artists in his home region.
Highlighting the challenges faced by young musicians in Nagaland, Alobo pointed out the limited access to formal music education at the time. This gap led to the founding of Musika Society in 2016, guided by the motto “share, educate and be enriched.” The initiative aimed to create a platform where talented youth could receive structured training, exposure, and mentorship.
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He mentioned that, over the past decade, Musika Society has made notable strides in the field of music and youth development, the institute has trained more than 1,000 youths in areas such as music education, recording arts, and lifestyle management. In addition, it has organized over 250 events across Nagaland and Assam, providing performance opportunities and industry exposure to emerging artists.
The organisation has also played a supportive role in shaping individual careers, having sponsored and assisted over 250 young individuals in pursuing their artistic ambitions. Emphasizing its broader mission, Alobo stated that Musika is not confined to music alone but extends to education, personal growth, and cultural preservation.
He further noted that the institution has expanded its activities into sports training, incorporating values such as discipline, character building and teamwork into its programmes. This holistic approach, he said, aims to equip youth with life skills beyond artistic excellence. The decade-long journey of Musika Society stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and education in empowering youth and strengthening community bonds in the region.
The event commenced with the national song and national anthem, followed by an invocation led by Pastor of Thilixu Village Baptist Church, Rev. Khetoi Shikhu. The formal programme featured a rich blend of musical performances, including renditions such as “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata), 3rd Movement (Opus 27 No. 2), showcasing the diverse talents of the institution’s students and faculty.
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The event was hosted by Kekhrie Ringa Jakha, while participation from faculty members, students and special invitees contributed to the overall success of the celebration. An interaction session was held towards the end, encouraging engagement between guests, performers, and attendees.
Celebrating 10 years of dedication, MUSIK-A continues to stand as a significant cultural institution in Dimapur, fostering artistic growth and inspiring the next generation of musicians.