In the Inter-School Rock Beat, The Maple Tree School emerged as the winner.
CHÜOMOUKEDIMA, OCTOBER 25 (MExN): The campus of Hope Academy, Dimapur, transformed into a vibrant arena of rhythm, energy, and youthful creativity as it hosted the 7th edition of Melomania, the school’s annual inter-school music and dance festival. The event brought together young artists from across Nagaland, offering a dynamic platform to showcase their talent through music, dance, and expression.
Gracing the occasion as Guest of Honour, Asalie Peseyie, Founder and CEO of Infinity Inc., a leading figure in Nagaland’s music scene and a key promoter of hip-hop and rap, praised participants for their originality and enthusiasm. “Music unites us beyond boundaries, it is a powerful form of expression that reflects who we are,” he said, urging students to embrace the arts boldly.
The festival’s highlights, the Inter-School Rock Beat and Dance-Off, drew spirited performances. Schools participating in Rock Beat included Hollotoli School, The Maple Tree School, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Hope Academy, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Patkai Higher Secondary School, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School (Chümoukedima), Little Spring School (Zunheboto), Rajeshwari Karuna School (Tuli), Lorna’s Higher Secondary School, DMI St. Joseph Global School, and Model Higher Secondary School (Kohima).
The Dance-Off featured Hollotoli School, The Maple Tree School, Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Hope Academy, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Shamrock School, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, and N.N. Nagi School.
Judges for Rock Beat were Iuli (Trance Effect), Ritesh Khokhar (Bridge Music Academy), and Arenlong, while dance was evaluated by Akehoto Yeptho (Elemenz Crew/Ethnic Future), Rajesh Flick (GOF Crew, Manipur), and Meyitemsu Naga (The Revolution Dance & Fitness Academy, Dimapur).
In Rock Beat, The Maple Tree School won Rs 50,000, Hope Academy was 1st runners-up (Rs 30,000). Special titles-Best Vocalist, Best Drummer, Best Guitarist, Best Bassist, and Most Promising Artist went to Elivika N Aye (Maple Tree School), Zhapulhubi Sakhrie (Hope Academy), Nungshimar Tzudir (Maple Tree School), Nungshiakum Aier (Model Higher Secondary, Kohima), and Tonani Obedto Chishi (Little Spring School, Zunheboto), each receiving Rs 5,000.
In Dance-Off, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School won Rs 20,000, Hope Academy 1st runners-up (Rs 15,000), and The Maple Tree School 2nd runners-up (Rs 10,000).
The Principal of Hope Academy said, “Melomania is more than a competition, it is a movement that nurtures creativity, inspires collaboration, and strengthens bonds among young artists.” The School Captain added that such events build confidence, unity, and mutual respect among students from diverse backgrounds.
The festival was supported by sponsors including Case Construction, TOudi Basic, JP Park, Maa Furnishing, IOKI, LIC, Truly Bangkok, and Metro Sports, ensuring a professional and memorable experience.
