By Akangjungla
The songs of the Indigenous Peoples globally are themed around nature, war, romance and friendship. With the growing popularity to revive and promote traditional art, clothes, music and language, the question of sustainability matters the most. Due to shared historical attributes, Indigenous Peoples globally identify with the challenges brought along by colonizers and burden of western culture.
Regardless of the immense value of Indigenous songs as a storehouse of knowledge and history, the challenges continue to prevail. Therefore, it becomes even more crucial for the Indigenous community to develop cohesive idea and structure to maintain the continuity of this awareness.
In the wake of this new found appreciation for everything traditional, the scene of Indigenous Music in Nagaland is also slowly trying to pull out the rich worth and deep knowledge embedded in the traditional songs and stories. While a strong policy and formal curriculum is awaited, institutions like Afuko College of Music and Indigenous Arts offers so much hope for the Naga Indigenous music.
Afuko College of Music and Indigenous Arts (ACMIA) is dedicated to preservation, promotion and training of Naga Indigenous Music. It was established in 2023 under Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK). The ACMIA was initiated by Reverend Hojevi Kappo Secretary, Department of Church Music Ministry under WSBAK. The Reverend is also the founder and leader of Nagagenous (Indigenous Music and Art performing team).
ACMIA is currently a department under Platinum College, affiliated to Nagaland University. With 10 students enrolled now as of August 2024, the College stands positive that it will increase in the years to come as they ‘train accomplished professionals in the field of music and arts.’
The College birthed from the place of consciousness that ‘Indigenous music represents the expression of our cultural identity, history and community; it embodies the stories of our people, our struggles, joys and hopes. Naga traditional songs have been passed down from generations and are living proofs of our cultural heritage that need our people’s appreciation and support.’ Taking the note of ‘no formal setting such as a college to train’ people in Naga Indigenous Music and Arts, and to bridge this gap, ACMIA “the first of its kind” was established to cater to the crucial need of Naga people. With the goal of offering formal training and access to Naga Indigenous music and arts to musicians from across the globe, apart from the majors, ACMIA focuses on indigenous music and arts by incorporating specialised subjects as Indigenous Music and Art (Naga Music/Asian Music), Ethnomusicology, Folk Music Ensemble and Asian Hymnology.
While institutions like ACMIA continues its mission to retrieve and nurture Indigenous art and music, it would require a strong political commitment and engagement from the State Government to formulate policies, allocate funding for research and documentations, and also to re-imagine together with people who are aware, conscious and passionate about keeping Indigenous Music alive forever.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
