This sensuous lady needs no introduction! She made her foray into the music scene with Gospel Rock Music performances. Over the years she has performed with various bands of Nagaland. For a short time after her debut album ‘Akokla’ in 2005, she seemed to have vanished. But now that she’s back in the limelight, she’s all set to rock the people with a wider taste of music!
Her personality: Though in her early twenties, Akokla Imchen has achieved much fame than many female singers of today in Nagaland. Apart from her talent as a singer she’s also known for her dazzling and outgoing stage performances. Despite her natural materialistic ‘up-town girl’ traits in her, she’s a warm girl and for those yet to know her personally, she’s outspoken, extrovert and takes life as it comes. Besides her love for music she’s a homely girl, loves cooking and also works as a government teacher.
Yet to put it in a nutshell, this fashion freak can leave you completely bowled with her breathtaking sense of dressing!
Her family: Born to a Christian family and raised in a family of music lovers, she started singing when she was in class II at Don Bosco School. In the initial stage, Akokla used the platform of churches and schools to perform and participate. Her most memorable moment, as she recounts today was when she won the first prize at the age of eight for singing a gospel song when she was in her III grade. “From then on, life was one music competition after another till today and I’ve always loved singing in every way” says Akokla. The lady hails from a very strong musical family background. It is believed that her great great grandparents were the ones who brought Accordion musical instrument in Mokokchung and were also among the first to play it, which slowly got introduced to the nearby places. Her father Tzuza Imchen is also a renowned musician of the early 70s who rocked his way throughout the changing times of the music scenario. He reached his zenith of glory as ‘Flanders’, ‘Stickfingers’, ‘Stray Cat Blues’ etc. Speaking about genes, her aunt Mrs Arenla Meren of Abiogenesis is also another example of their family’s fame in music.
Musical influences: “I definitely wanted music to be more progressive. All of my influences are rock musicians. Though I love the hardcores, at an artistic level I do have some favourite artists like Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Rebecca, St James and more. Influenced by these stars I started doing shows in school functions and churches which extended to ticket shows.”
First Album: Akokla’s first debut album ‘Akokla Imchen’ was released in 2005. In her album she has composed eight contemporary gospel songs. “This record would not have been possible without my parents support and encouragements’ she says. Her number ‘Stand Up, which is about Life’s continual challenge for thriving towards building peace and freedom for all’ was helped by her fiancée Sosang in creating the music and lyrics.
Future plans: ‘Now people are realizing the value of music and also the fact that it’s a very expensive line. But it has always been my dream to organise a platform (one day!) where both International Band and the local talents share the same platform. And believe me, when the day comes, the band would dig our raw talents that we have! Coming to a more personal level, I want to impact people’s lives with my music, people of all ages from all walks of life. And if can send my message through music than my goal will be attained.”
(NP features)
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