Akangchila Longchar
Dimapur | June 18
25 Naga artistes along with an entourage are jet setting tomorrow (June 19) to participate at The Handshake Concert 2012 at Bangkok, Thailand as part of the World Music Day celebrations on June 21. This is the fifth edition of the event, and this year’s event is supported by the Ministry of Commerce Government of Thailand, and the Government of Nagaland, Indian Records Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (INRECO), while under the initiative of the Rattle & Hum Music Society (RHMS).
It may be recalled that Kohima based Rattle & Hum Music Society were the organizer of last year’s successful Handshake Concert 2011 which was held at Bangalore. RHMS is a Nonprofit organization and its activities are solely funded by patrons, well wishers and cultural and Government institutions.
Informing The Morung Express, Theja Meru, president RHMS revealed that this year’s line up from Nagaland include Zowe Madrigal, Avancer, OFF, Tetseo Sisters, Pt.Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Kenei Chale, Zeliang dance troupe. Theja shared that the ultimate goal of The Handshake Concert is all about friendship and music. “It’s about going beyond borders to share Naga culture and music, and also for our artist to experience other cultures at close proximity. One of the very important goals is to give more visibility to our musicians,” he said.
On the onus of Naga artistes performing at such huge international event, Theja said that the Society thinks it’s a huge deal.
“Here we are a small state, and being invited by another country means a lot. Elaborate arrangements are being made for our artist to perform in Bangkok,” said the RHMS president.
Naga artistes are now familiar faces at The Handshake Concert. Theja felt that the event has given our musicians greater visibility. “We have been well received by the national media and all the venues we have performed,” he said. He also points out that as an outcome of our efforts through the Handshake Concert, Naga musicians have been invited to perform alongside Nazarudin Shah in a film called the Hunt.
“Our singer Kenei Chale got an opportunity to record with Pt. Vishwas Mohan Bhatt, and our latest achievement has been signing MoU with India Record Mfg.co.Ltd to promote Naga music online where our musicians will be getting a royalty for their music,” Theja proudly said. He further informed that the Society is also recognized by ICCR Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and as part of the relation with ICCR they have entrusted us with Horizon Series Program for Kohima. Great news indeed!
When queried if he believes that participating in such international event helps in Naga talents getting noticed, Theja answered a resounding “Absolutely!” and added that ‘Noticed’ was one of the main reasons for setting up the events outside Nagaland. He also shared that through the Handshake Concert; RHMS has been promoting and highlighting Naga culture and music in several ways.
Theja lets on, “In most of their shows we have had video projections about the culture of Nagaland. We have also involved both the folk and the contemporary styles of music. This year we are introducing our dance in the concert. In Bangalore last year we handed out many leaflets and brochures of Nagaland. Apart from music the concert works to connect people with Nagaland.”
“We are very grateful to the Thai Government, in particular the ministry of commerce for coming along side to support the vision of the Rattle & Hum Music Society,” said Theja. The venue for the concert is Centara Grand Hotel, Bangkok.
