Zowe Madrigal: A Class Apart

Akangchila Longchar 
Morung Express Feature

Do you enjoy the rich, sonorous sound of a great men’s chorus? Zowe Madrigal, in just a short span of its musical journey has proven that it has what it takes to go world-class.  Formed from the vision and under the tutelage of acclaimed classical pianist from Nagaland - Nise Meruno, Zowe Madrigal comprises of people from different musical backgrounds. From a vocal teacher at Hope Centre for Excellence, former rocker, a government servant and a lover of music. 

Vizho, Neikuo, Kehodi, and Kehepe are all trained musicians and singers. They have completed their concert certificate exams in singing under Trinity Music College London. Theja Khate, another talented, aspiring musician is also a part of the Zowe Madrigal, but is currently on a sabbatical of sorts. 

In July 2011, the group went on a concert tour to Guwahati, Delhi and Jaipur supported by the Neemrana Music Foundation and India Habitat Centre. But, Zowe’s most significant achievement would be the opportunity to have performed for the President of India three times. 

Founded in October 2009, the group is led by Nise Meruno, who is the director of the group. Zowe Madrigal sings diverse repertoire of classical works, show tunes, and sacred pieces. Their repertoire includes western classical, sacred, jazz, contemporary, popular classics etc. however the group forte lies in Naga-folk fusion originals. Mostly arranged and composed by their director, Nise Meruno. The group has been invited to perform for a number of shows, concerts and weddings. They have also been part of extravagant shows like ‘A night at the Broadway’ (their first concert), Hornbill festival December 2009, Dr T. Ao Opening Ceremony. 

In a tete-a-tete with The Morung Express, Zowe Madrigal shares that the group aspires not only to represent Nagaland but to be a representation of good music. 

The boys also definitely enjoy music. For they proclaim that they practice every week though they do not have a show in the lineup. One says that the rehearsals are just another excuse to catch-up. While another feels that it serves as a source of encouragement. The boys see this as a positive for the group and chime in, “We are already prepared, and we do not have to practice a lot but just fine tune”. 

Everyone singing a note makes the harmony. Believing in the beauty of those words, Zowe Madrigal admits that it has its own share of friction in the group. But between friendship, rehearsals and performances, the group says it has no time for ego play, or diva attitude. “We have frictions in the group, but we try not to take anything on a personal level. We try to solve it immediately,” the group states its rule. Also, Zowe as a group feels that no matter what excess baggage one may have in life, one should not bring it to the group. “Although we are all friends we maintain that distinction,” they said. 

Onstage and offstage, the boys led by their mentor are seen together in town mostly. They also do not believe in propagating a casual stance in everything that they do. From clothes to etiquette to living a larger than life persona.  “When your lifestyle is very casual and your music is classical, a genre that belonged to the elite, it just does not tally”, the group reasons. So we put a lot of attention to what we wear, make-up or basically even just when going out. I think it’s very important when you are in showbiz to be always well turned out, says Zowe. 

Classical music, a genre of music that has limited mass appeal and understanding has confounded many people who were only recently introduced to it. To this, Zowe said that it tries to maintain a fine balance of trying to select songs and harmony that people can identify with. We are trying to pursue a genre of music that belonged to the elite, it said. “We keep the audience in mind since this is something new, give them something to chew on,” Zowe said. However, the group states that it does not want to be commercialized and has no hesitancy to perform songs that are ‘out of the frame’ that people may not be familiar with. 

“We would not compromise and perform only popular songs, if just to garner crowd or take up a tour offer only for the money etc”. The group also gives an instance and says that it would not perform a show where the demand is only for bollywood songs. Known to belt out snappy bollywood hit songs, the group has just recently turned down an offer to perform a show where they were requested to perform only bollywood songs. “We would not do it just for the sake of money or do something that is not ‘us’”. 

What keeps these youngsters to keep performing? The choir boys feel that gifts and talents should be shared and not enjoyed alone. We also want people to appreciate good music and be inspired.  “We don’t want people to label our music. If there is anything good that they see in us, the glory should go to God alone,” they said.

The boys feel that their hometown Nagaland is a place to draw inspiration and support from. However with the musical talents that Nagaland has, it is important for the government to enable the opportunity to showcase these talents to the people outside and bring laurels, while also simply introducing good music to people. “It’s not about glorifying and celebrating ourselves. But we want people to know that such things exist and are possible for the people of Nagaland” the boys said. 

For the future, the boys reveal that they will slow down on shows, and in the meantime are planning for “good deeds in small ways”. To know more about Zowe Madrigal or updates on the group’s tour and gig dates log onto www.facebook.com/pages/Zowe-Madrigal