(From Right) TaFMA Chairperson Theja Meru, Advisor to CM and IDAN Chairperson Abu Metha, and Managing Director of Okusa Toyota, Nagaland, Y Vikheho Swu at the press conference on November 12 announcing Hornbill Music Festival 2026. (Morung Photo)
Spotify and YouTube roped in for 10-day event
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 12
The Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) said that it is already ready to host the Hornbill Music Festival 2026 scheduled from December 1 to 10. Addressing a press conference on November 12, TaFMA Chairperson Theja Meru announced that Toyota will return as the corporate partner for the fifth year. The press conference was held at the Okusa Toyota Service Centre, Thilixu, Chümoukedima.
Meru was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairperson of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland Abu Mehta. Metha said that over 50 bands and around 1000 musicians from Nagaland, other Indian states, and abroad will perform during the 10-day fest. Concerts will take place nightly at the main arena from 5 pm, alongside events in other districts.
This year, the festival has tied up with Spotify and YouTube. According to Metha, Spotify will host a curated music evening, while YouTube’s Asia head will attend to observe musicians and video content creators.
Okusa Toyota Managing Director Y Vikheho Swu said the company will also present Japanese drumming troupe Drum Tao, who will stage a collaborative performance with Naga musicians. Swu also named former Femina Miss India Nagaland participant Nikali K Shohe as the brand ambassador for this year’s edition.
Responding to questions regarding artist selection, Metha said out-of-state bands must qualify through the nationwide ‘Ticket to Hornbill’ competition judged by professional musicians. For state acts, Meru said the Naga Musicians Collective selected three bands, while six solo performers were drawn directly from the Nagaland Music Awards, alongside performers picked through district empanelment rosters and corporate-backed street busking initiatives.
“Our roadmap is clear that public funds coming into this event should support local talent and independent music, not commercial acts that cost crores,” Metha said.
Govt funding
Replying to a query on state funding, Metha claimed that the music festival runs on an allocation of roughly Rs 1 crore from the state government, though formal financial clearance for the 2026 edition is still pending.
“Just to put a production of that nature in place, the ‘technical rider’ of the stage alone costs Rs 30 to 40 lakh,” Metha said, while stating that rehearsals involve a lot of expenditure. He explained that opening and closing ceremonies involve up to 600 performers. A single mass rehearsal costs between Rs 4 and 5 lakh to cover sound equipment rentals, meals, transport, and lodging for artists.
“So there’s a lot of expenditure and resources that go behind the scenes. At times, people in government tend not to understand those technical specifics,” he said. “But having said that, we are really grateful that the government continues to support us,” he added.
