The 25th edition of the Hornbill Music Festival is set to feature an exciting new addition: the JBL Busking Zone.
This special showcase will bring together singers from all 17 districts of Nagaland from December 2 to 9 at the JBL Arena, located in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
The lineup includes: Shelao Kheang Konyak (Mon), Lumzila Sangtam (Kiphire), Helole Jishing (Tseminyu), Ashi and Ayin, a duo folk fusion act (Shamator), Kukhruno Khamo (Phek), Longham Phom (Longleng), Moamernla Jamir (Mokokchung), Yongkongkelep Chang (Tuensang), Nchumbemo Yanthan (Wokha), Atusa Katiry (Meluri), Lengnio C (Noklak), Neikethonuo Secii (Chumoukedima), Micro Ensemble (Dimapur), Mughasheli Y Yeputhomi (Zunheboto), Keyichitube Nza (Peren), Jamir Sang (Kohima) and Esther S Jans (Niuland).
Highlighting the initiative, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland Abu Metha, took to social media platform X, describing the JBL Busking Zone as offering “fantastic opportunities of international platforms for our own Naga artists in our own backyard.”
Chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Theja Meru, also shared his enthusiasm on social media, referencing the Hawaiian concept of “Ohana,” meaning family, emphasizing that “no one gets left behind or forgotten.” Meru also extended his gratitude to HarmanPro India for their support in making the JBL Busking Zone a reality.