Music of Nagaland
Encyclopedia
Nagaland
is a vibrant hill state located in the extreme North Eastern End
of India
, bound by Myanmar
in the East; Assam
in the West; Arunachal Pradesh
and a part of Assam in the North with Manipur
in the south. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The State is inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character in terms of customs, language and dress. It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life.
Nagaland music in itself is an awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the state. Some popular tribal songs of the state are:
The way aged people once won a battle or lost it are generally included in the song. This type of song specially glorify the bravery of the aged people of Nagaland during their youthful days. This is also done to inspire and encourage the younger generation.
Neuleu is considered as a prime manifestation of the Nagaland music. The tribal groups inhabiting the land of Nagaland from many past centuries are quite deft in the Neuleu song. The aged people who have seen the glorious past ages of Nagaland are commonly entrusted with the job of composing the Neuleu song. They, in turn, make the song of Neuleu in such a way that the performance, deeds or a particular historical event gets the prominent focus. During the tribal festivals of Nagaland, the Neuleu song is sung by the old people of the state. The vocal melody of these people are so enigmatic that at times musical instruments become secondary.
is dominated by string instrument
s like the Tati
among the Chakhesang
s and Angami Nagas, and the Theku. Indigenous musical instruments extensively used by the people are bamboo mouth organs, cup violins, bamboo flutes, trumpets, drums made of cattle skin, and log drums.
dance. Strangely it is the monopoly of men, except in Zeliang tribe where women join with their men folk in dancing. Most of the dances are performed by clapping and chanting of some formulae. The beauty of the dances is raised by the colourful costumes. Dance is a very important part of life in rural Nagaland.
Folk dances of Nagaland are performed mainly in a synchronized manner in groups by women as well as men, based on the kind of dance. Dances are generally performed in religious and festive occasions. Mainly the Naga men perform war dances. This dance is martial and athletic in style. All the folk dances of Nagaland are performed along with war cries and songs by the dancers. There are several folk dances in Nagaland which are generally performed at the time of harvest. The folk dances are filled with frolic and fun since these dances are performed when the people are enjoying a special event. Each Naga tribe has its own dance, but they have a common feature. All the folk dances of Nagaland require the using of legs while keeping the body in an upright position.
War Dance is the most famous dance of the state. It involves a great deal of expertise as the performers go through dangerous war motions. Even a little bit of carelessness can prove highly dangerous. Nagas never perform individually, they always dance in a group. The dancers wear colorful and graceful dresses which add more charm to the dance. The dresses of the dancers resemble the costumes of the warriors. The dancers also hold silver, brass and iron ornaments to make the performance more interesting.
The Naga dance generally includes erect postures with unbent knees. Complex leg movements and simple hand movements are the characteristics of the dance. Some of the dances have been named according to the dance steps, resembling with the birds, insects or animals. For instance Nruirolians(cock dance) resembles the trait of a cock. No musical instrument is used in any folk dance of Nagaland.
tribe of Nagaland permits their women to take part in the folk dances with men. During a performance, the participants start entering slowly into the stage or arena with some distinctive movements and stand making a circle or other geometrical shape. After that, the dancers adjust the beats and then start dancing by stamping the foot on a continuous pace. The dances of this tribe are interspersed by chanting some set words in chorus and the clapping of hands. These shouting and chanting provides inspiration to every member of the group.
After forming a circle, the dances make attack on the opposite party or an imaginary enemy with the spears which they hold in their hands. They swing these weapons as per the rhythm of dance, in order to create a beautiful musical background. The Nagas dress themselves in ceremonial war-type costume and brass and silver ornaments and other ornaments made of iron in order to beautify their look in the dance. As a result of the regional differences, some changes of very small quantity are observed in the pattern of dance. In general, this dance involves the upright body position at upper part, while the unbent or straight knees always keep equilibrium of movements. After attaining the climax, again the tempo is brought down and it is thus accompanied by a great increase in shouts, calls and cries.
Both types have their own distinct platforms, but their audience is by and large the same. In Nagaland, the platform for choral music is created by the church during conferences and crusades (special numbers, praise and worship etc.). Exclusive gospel concerts are also initiated by local churches, theological institutions or concerned individuals. Naga Choirs travel not only to places outside the state but also to foreign countries in order to perform for various world audiences. Many Naga musicians adopt traditional and folk tunes to lend a distinctive individuality to their music. Two prominent groups adopting traditional folk tunes into their music are: The Tetseo sisters and Cultural Vibrants. Tribal tunes have also been incorporated into choral pieces and sung by many church choirs. A notable church musician, the late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou
, has extensively researched on Naga indigenous music from 1981 to 1984 and published a booklet and also produced an audio cassette in 1985 with an aim to bring the Naga tribes closer through spiritual unity. Church music plays a very important role in the state as it has proved to be the starting platform for nearly all individuals and groups. Quite a handful of Nagas are trained in church and classical music in prestigious schools abroad, i.e. the United States
, Philippines
, and Singapore
etc. The School of Music, Kohima started in 1969 is the first and the oldest and only Government recognized institute for music studies
in Nagaland and has been instrumental in producing many amateur musicians in the state. Some music schools established recently are Furtados School of Music, Dimapur, Hope Centre for Excellence, Dimapur and Symphony School of Music, Kohima.
As for the rock/pop genre, platforms in terms of concerts and rock festivals are created generally by the concerned music fraternity themselves. The state has produced several long-running modern bands, such as The Great Society, Phynyx, Grafitti, Squadron and the 4th NAP Jazz Band, the official band of the Battalion of Nagaland Armed Police
. Some notable present day bands are- Black Rose, Divine Connection (DC), Eximious, Abiogenesis, Original Fire Factor (OFF), Diatribe and Daughty Growthy.
and Higher Secondary
curriculum recently. The aim is to make music a formal subject and accessible to all.
, started the Hornbill National Rock Contest which is an integral event of the Hornbill Festival. The Hornbill National Rock Contest, as the name suggests, is a National-level contest and boasts of being the longest music festival in the country, it being a seven-day-long festival. Attractive cash prizes and music educated/music loving crowd makes the Hornbill National Rock Contest/Festival a unique experience for performers. The winning prize of 5,00,000 (5 lakh
of rupees) is considered to be one of the highest in the country.
Circumstances have changed; some have moved on while a few still embraces the old ways. Nevertheless, in either case the joie de vivre of the Nagas lives on. The annual Hornbill Festival, and therefore the Hornbill National Rock Contest/Festival, is set in this background. In time, the event hopes to go international.
for his tremendous contribution to the growth of music in Nagaland. It was instituted in 2009 and is an annual recognition given to the HSLC
subject topper in Music under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). The award is given by the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Society and approved by the NBSE. It carries a citation and cash money of 15,000 (fifteen thousand Indian Rupees
).
Nagaland
Nagaland is a state in the far north-eastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Burma to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur...
is a vibrant hill state located in the extreme North Eastern End
North-East India
Northeast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States, Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal...
of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, bound by Myanmar
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
in the East; Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
in the West; Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is a state of India, located in the far northeast. It borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south, and shares international borders with Burma in the east, Bhutan in the west, and the People's Republic of China in the north. The majority of the territory is claimed by...
and a part of Assam in the North with Manipur
Manipur
Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west; it also borders Burma to the east. It covers an area of...
in the south. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The State is inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character in terms of customs, language and dress. It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life.
Folk music
The oral tradition is kept alive through the media of folk tales and songs. Naga folk songs are both romantic and historical, with songs narrating entire stories of famous ancestors and incidents. There are also seasonal songs which describe various activities done in a particular agricultural season. The themes of the folk music and songs are many; songs eulogizing ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; and poetic love songs immortalizing ancient tragic love stories. The tribes living in the remote corners of Nagaland have their inherent tradition of music. Since there are various tribal communities in Nagaland, the music of the state also expresses the melodious diversity of the same.Nagaland music in itself is an awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the state. Some popular tribal songs of the state are:
Heliamleu
Heliamleu is a popular tribal song of Nagaland. The young people as well as the old people of the state of Nagaland involve themselves in the making of the Heliamleu song. Romantic themes are generally selected for the Heliamleu song. Known as one of the oldest music forms of Nagaland music, Heliamleu boasts of a rich and vibrant heritage. Sometimes the song of Heliamleu is also accompanied by musical instruments. In other cases the song is sung by the aged and the young with their own melodious vocal chords. Since Heliamleu song is sung by the tribes of Nagaland from a very long time, hence it has become an integral part of the cultural diversity of the state. The lines and lyrics of Heliamleu song are composed with great enthusiasm by both the younger and the older generation of Nagaland.Hereileu
Hereileu is a special form of song of Nagaland state which is crafted and sung mostly by the senior inhabitants of the place. Being a part of the Nagaland music, Hereileu song is composed on such themes as the past deeds of the aged people of the state. The older generation of Nagaland narrate their achievements through the Hereileu song. It is basically sung by the older generation to refresh their memories about those brave battles fought in the past. This is why Hereileu is also known as War Song.The way aged people once won a battle or lost it are generally included in the song. This type of song specially glorify the bravery of the aged people of Nagaland during their youthful days. This is also done to inspire and encourage the younger generation.
Neuleu
Neuleu song is a special form of Nagaland music which is formed primarily by the older generation of Nagaland state. Also called as Legendary Song, Neuleu is composed mainly to narrate a certain happening that took place in Nagaland many years back. The song of Neuleu also describes the achievements of a particular person who has created a mark for himself through his outstanding performance in certain fields.Neuleu is considered as a prime manifestation of the Nagaland music. The tribal groups inhabiting the land of Nagaland from many past centuries are quite deft in the Neuleu song. The aged people who have seen the glorious past ages of Nagaland are commonly entrusted with the job of composing the Neuleu song. They, in turn, make the song of Neuleu in such a way that the performance, deeds or a particular historical event gets the prominent focus. During the tribal festivals of Nagaland, the Neuleu song is sung by the old people of the state. The vocal melody of these people are so enigmatic that at times musical instruments become secondary.
Hekialeu
The song of Hekialeu has two variations. While one type of Hekialeu is sung only by the old people of the state, the other one is sung by both the old and young. Hekialeu song of old people in Nagaland involves the description of interesting events that took place in their youthful days. Whereas the Hekialeu song composed by both old and young includes various aspects of both the generations. Hekialeu, in a way, symbolizes the apt synchronization of the various generations of Nagaland that have a treasure house of different types of experiences.Indigenous instruments
There are several rhythmic instruments that aptly accompany the Nagaland music. The area's folk musicFolk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
is dominated by string instrument
String instrument
A string instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings. In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones...
s like the Tati
Tati (musical instrument)
Tati is a single stringed Naga traditional musical instrument invented and used by the Naga people since time immemorial. It is popularly used by the Angami Nagas and Chakesang Nagas to sing traditional folk....
among the Chakhesang
Chakhesang
Chakhesang is a Naga tribe found in Nagaland, India.The word Chakhesang comprises three tribes: cha - Chakri, Khe - Khezha, Sang - Sangtam.Chakhesangs are the former Eastern [Angami], who have separated from the Angami Naga tribe, and are now recognized as a separate tribe. It is a major tribe in...
s and Angami Nagas, and the Theku. Indigenous musical instruments extensively used by the people are bamboo mouth organs, cup violins, bamboo flutes, trumpets, drums made of cattle skin, and log drums.
Dance
Music is also accompanied with the dance. Most of the dances are performed in groups. The most artistic dance of the state is the ZeliangZeliangrong
Zeliangrong people are one of the major indigenous mongoloid communities living in the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in India. The term "Zeliangrong" refers to the Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme Naga tribes combined together....
dance. Strangely it is the monopoly of men, except in Zeliang tribe where women join with their men folk in dancing. Most of the dances are performed by clapping and chanting of some formulae. The beauty of the dances is raised by the colourful costumes. Dance is a very important part of life in rural Nagaland.
Folk dances of Nagaland are performed mainly in a synchronized manner in groups by women as well as men, based on the kind of dance. Dances are generally performed in religious and festive occasions. Mainly the Naga men perform war dances. This dance is martial and athletic in style. All the folk dances of Nagaland are performed along with war cries and songs by the dancers. There are several folk dances in Nagaland which are generally performed at the time of harvest. The folk dances are filled with frolic and fun since these dances are performed when the people are enjoying a special event. Each Naga tribe has its own dance, but they have a common feature. All the folk dances of Nagaland require the using of legs while keeping the body in an upright position.
War Dance is the most famous dance of the state. It involves a great deal of expertise as the performers go through dangerous war motions. Even a little bit of carelessness can prove highly dangerous. Nagas never perform individually, they always dance in a group. The dancers wear colorful and graceful dresses which add more charm to the dance. The dresses of the dancers resemble the costumes of the warriors. The dancers also hold silver, brass and iron ornaments to make the performance more interesting.
The Naga dance generally includes erect postures with unbent knees. Complex leg movements and simple hand movements are the characteristics of the dance. Some of the dances have been named according to the dance steps, resembling with the birds, insects or animals. For instance Nruirolians(cock dance) resembles the trait of a cock. No musical instrument is used in any folk dance of Nagaland.
Folk Dance of Zeliang Tribe
It is noticed in a majority of the cases that the folk dances of Nagaland are performed by males. However, the ZeliangZeliangrong
Zeliangrong people are one of the major indigenous mongoloid communities living in the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in India. The term "Zeliangrong" refers to the Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme Naga tribes combined together....
tribe of Nagaland permits their women to take part in the folk dances with men. During a performance, the participants start entering slowly into the stage or arena with some distinctive movements and stand making a circle or other geometrical shape. After that, the dancers adjust the beats and then start dancing by stamping the foot on a continuous pace. The dances of this tribe are interspersed by chanting some set words in chorus and the clapping of hands. These shouting and chanting provides inspiration to every member of the group.
After forming a circle, the dances make attack on the opposite party or an imaginary enemy with the spears which they hold in their hands. They swing these weapons as per the rhythm of dance, in order to create a beautiful musical background. The Nagas dress themselves in ceremonial war-type costume and brass and silver ornaments and other ornaments made of iron in order to beautify their look in the dance. As a result of the regional differences, some changes of very small quantity are observed in the pattern of dance. In general, this dance involves the upright body position at upper part, while the unbent or straight knees always keep equilibrium of movements. After attaining the climax, again the tempo is brought down and it is thus accompanied by a great increase in shouts, calls and cries.
Modern music
Two distinct genres of music exist in Nagaland:- the choral/church/Christian type commonly known as gospel musicGospel musicGospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
and - the rock/pop genre commonly known as secular musicSecular musicSecular music is non-religious music. "Secular" means being separate from religion.In the West, secular music developed in the Medieval period and was used in the Renaissance. Swaying authority from the Church that focused more on Common Law influenced all aspects of Medieval life, including music...
.
Both types have their own distinct platforms, but their audience is by and large the same. In Nagaland, the platform for choral music is created by the church during conferences and crusades (special numbers, praise and worship etc.). Exclusive gospel concerts are also initiated by local churches, theological institutions or concerned individuals. Naga Choirs travel not only to places outside the state but also to foreign countries in order to perform for various world audiences. Many Naga musicians adopt traditional and folk tunes to lend a distinctive individuality to their music. Two prominent groups adopting traditional folk tunes into their music are: The Tetseo sisters and Cultural Vibrants. Tribal tunes have also been incorporated into choral pieces and sung by many church choirs. A notable church musician, the late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou
Neiliezhü Üsou
Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou was an influential Baptist preacher, theologian, Church musician, Music teacher and composer from the North-Eastern state of India, Nagaland. He belonged to the Angami Naga tribe and hailed from Nerhema Village in Kohima district, Nagaland, India...
, has extensively researched on Naga indigenous music from 1981 to 1984 and published a booklet and also produced an audio cassette in 1985 with an aim to bring the Naga tribes closer through spiritual unity. Church music plays a very important role in the state as it has proved to be the starting platform for nearly all individuals and groups. Quite a handful of Nagas are trained in church and classical music in prestigious schools abroad, i.e. the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, and Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
etc. The School of Music, Kohima started in 1969 is the first and the oldest and only Government recognized institute for music studies
Music school
The term music school refers to an educational institution specialized in the study, training and research of music.Different terms refer to this concept such as school of music, music academy, music faculty, college of music, music department or conservatory.Music instruction can be provided...
in Nagaland and has been instrumental in producing many amateur musicians in the state. Some music schools established recently are Furtados School of Music, Dimapur, Hope Centre for Excellence, Dimapur and Symphony School of Music, Kohima.
As for the rock/pop genre, platforms in terms of concerts and rock festivals are created generally by the concerned music fraternity themselves. The state has produced several long-running modern bands, such as The Great Society, Phynyx, Grafitti, Squadron and the 4th NAP Jazz Band, the official band of the Battalion of Nagaland Armed Police
Nagaland Police
The Nagaland Police is the law enforcement agency for the state of Nagaland in India.-Organizational structure:Nagaland Police comes under direct control of Department of Home Affairs, Government of Nagaland....
. Some notable present day bands are- Black Rose, Divine Connection (DC), Eximious, Abiogenesis, Original Fire Factor (OFF), Diatribe and Daughty Growthy.
Music as a subject
Realizing the importance of music in Nagaland and the interest shown by the Naga youngsters, the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) introduced music as a subject in the High SchoolHigh School Leaving Certificate
The High School Leaving Certificate is awarded after school students successfully complete the curriculum and examinations of schools affiliated to state boards in India....
and Higher Secondary
Higher Secondary Examination
Higher Secondary Examination is a centralised examination that students in India take up after class 10 . All the State School Education Boards, CBSE, CISCE and NIOS conducts exams during the period of March-April every year...
curriculum recently. The aim is to make music a formal subject and accessible to all.
Music Task Force
The Music Task Force of Nagaland is a recent phenomenon. It was created by the Government to encourage Naga musicians to take up music as a profession rather than a hobby. Music is an integral part of the life of the Nagas and is now being developed as an industry that generates employment. Nagaland is the first state in India to have introduced music as an industry.Hornbill National Rock Contest
The Government, and most specifically with the initiative of the Chief Minister, Shri. Neiphiu RioNeiphiu Rio
Neiphiu Rio is an Indian politician who is currently the Chief Minister of the state of Nagaland. He was Chief Minister from March 6, 2003 to January 3, 2008, and has been Chief Minister again since March 12, 2008....
, started the Hornbill National Rock Contest which is an integral event of the Hornbill Festival. The Hornbill National Rock Contest, as the name suggests, is a National-level contest and boasts of being the longest music festival in the country, it being a seven-day-long festival. Attractive cash prizes and music educated/music loving crowd makes the Hornbill National Rock Contest/Festival a unique experience for performers. The winning prize of 5,00,000 (5 lakh
Lakh
A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand . It is widely used both in official and other contexts in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and is often used in Indian English.-Usage:...
of rupees) is considered to be one of the highest in the country.
Concept
The seven-day-long extravaganza is in keeping with the essence of the many Naga festivals; marked by feasts, dances, games and music, all in full measure. These celebrations invariably coincide with agricultural lean periods such as after-harvest, and therefore the feeling of gaiety and generosity, even to a fault. In the old days the rich used to host several-day-long feasts in which the villagers reveled, and guests from other villages were feted. These were times when the youth were pitted against each other in friendly competitions in performing arts and traditional sports, while the old proudly looked on.Circumstances have changed; some have moved on while a few still embraces the old ways. Nevertheless, in either case the joie de vivre of the Nagas lives on. The annual Hornbill Festival, and therefore the Hornbill National Rock Contest/Festival, is set in this background. In time, the event hopes to go international.
Music Video Awards of Nagaland
Native Trax Network, a group of musicians and people dedicated promoting the music of Nagaland have instituted the Music Video Awards of Nagaland in 2009 with the aim of finding the best original music videos recorded within Nagaland so as to showcase and promote the talents of local singers and musicians beyond the state as well. Videos of nominees are hosted on the MVAN website.Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music
This award is named after the late Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü ÜsouNeiliezhü Üsou
Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou was an influential Baptist preacher, theologian, Church musician, Music teacher and composer from the North-Eastern state of India, Nagaland. He belonged to the Angami Naga tribe and hailed from Nerhema Village in Kohima district, Nagaland, India...
for his tremendous contribution to the growth of music in Nagaland. It was instituted in 2009 and is an annual recognition given to the HSLC
High School Leaving Certificate
The High School Leaving Certificate is awarded after school students successfully complete the curriculum and examinations of schools affiliated to state boards in India....
subject topper in Music under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). The award is given by the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Society and approved by the NBSE. It carries a citation and cash money of 15,000 (fifteen thousand Indian Rupees
Indian rupee
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India....
).