KOHIMA: The 4th Asia Music Summit began with grandeur at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima on February 1.
The three-day summit, a convergence of cultural leaders, artists, thinkers, performers, collaborators, promoters, musicians, festival directors, and producers, marks the first-of-its-kind in the country.
During the event, artists from various corners of the world are set to transform Nagaland into a hotbed of music and creativity.
International delegates from 15 countries are expected to share their expertise with young visiting artists, illuminating the event with diverse musical influences.
Addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony, Nagaland’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, reflected on the intrinsic connection between the Naga people and music, stating that it has been a way of life for them since time immemorial.
“More than 20 bands, dozens of musicians & renowned artistes will be showcased during the Summit. We are particularly pleased that talented musicians from Nagaland will be performing to an exclusive audience that comprises of captains of the music industry from around the world,” he wrote on a micro-blogging website.
He highlighted that music played a central role in all their activities, serving as a unifying force and evolving into one of the most positive ambassadors for the global community.
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Highlighting the government’s commitment to promote music and the arts, Rio announced the declaration of “music as an industry” within the state.
He expressed the mission to nurture creativity from an early age, allowing it to flourish and contribute collectively to societal transformation and the creation of opportunities.
Naga musicians and artists, Rio proudly declared, have become national and global ambassadors, promoting “Brand Nagaland” and “Naga Soft Power” through their talents.
He encouraged the attendees to leverage the networking opportunities provided by the summit to create prospects for musicians across the continent.
Founder & President of MusiConnect Asia, Asia Music Summit, Kaushik Dutta, expressed his honour in co-hosting the event with Nagaland.
Dutta’s vision for the Asia Music Summit is to ensure that the music of Asia finds wider appreciation and audience-listenership globally.
The Chairman for Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru, observed the immense interest generated for the summit, proclaiming Nagaland as the “nation’s music capital”.
He expressed confidence in the summit’s impact on the future landscape of the music ecosystem in Nagaland, urging musicians to seize the opportunity to advance their careers.
The opening ceremony, a feast for the senses, featured performances by the Nagaland Collective and Colours of Nagaland, setting the stage for a harmonious and impactful 4th Asia Music Summit.
