The state awaits for the biggest Hornbill National Rock 2008 contest which will officially kick start in Kohima from December 1-7 at Kohima local ground.
The seven-day contest will be part of the annual Hornbill Festival, the annual cultural extravaganza in Nagaland showcasing rich Naga culture, organized by the state government’s Music Task Force (MTF), department of Youth Resources and Sports, with XL team as event managers.
The best band is set to walk away with cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, sponsored by Airtel. The second and third position holders will also get to win cash prizes, besides individual prizes awarded in various categories, informed G. Chishi, project director, MTF while addressing a press conference on Monday, at Unitex Inc, also the control room for the rock contest, opposite war cemetery, Kohima. The project director disclosed that diplomats from US consulate would be attending the rock contest and revealed that eight bands from outside Nagaland have already confirmed their participation.
Meanwhile, those outstation bands have been informed that date for submitting their demos have been extended till November 15.
The show will be featuring ‘Medusa’ band from Mumbai during Hornbill music festival.
Dr. Nicky Kire, 9th Kohima town MLA and adviser MTF said the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio has been supportive to the MTF with the aim to industrialize music scenario in the state. He also affirmed that the Hornbill rock festival would harbor in change, giving musicians a platform to broaden their horizons and find better opportunities outside the state.
Youth Resources and Sports, Commissioner and Secretary K. T Sukhalu said the state government has triggered the process of music and hoped that it would keep up the good work, at the same time, appealed to the youth to take up music with a mission and not indulging in anti-social activities by resorting to substance abuse. Sukhalu also assured that the department would be sponsoring musicians to further hone their talents.
During the conference the itinerary of the Hornbill Music festival was also released. On the first day (December 1), Hornbill festival 2008 would be formally launched at local ground, followed by an evening filled with entertainment, presenting the happening musicians of Nagaland comprising of Nagaland Music Safari 2008 winners of solos and bands, NSACS Naga Idol 3.08, Dimapur Idol 2008 besides other outstanding musicians. “We are planning to rope in Remo Ghosh, Indian idol 2008 season 4 contestant”, informed the organizers.
On the second day (December 2), the show would be held at secretariat plaza, featuring Korea –India festival. However, from December 3 to 7, the rock show would be held at local ground, showcasing country, western, blues concert, various artists and veteran musicians.
On December 4, launching of Airtel present Hornbill National Rock 2008 would be held and followed by audition round on December 5.
On December 6, Nagaland’s achieving bands ‘Divine Connection’ and ‘XTC’ would share the stage with ‘Parikama’.
On December 7, nine (9) short-listed bands for the finale and the grand finale would be declared.
During the meet, event director Neingulie Nakhro announced that XL team would be managing the music festival with Abu Metha, producer, M. Ababe Ezung, chief event consultant and media manager, Thejakielie Zuyie, Stage manager and Xavier Rutsa, in-charge of press and public relations.
Website pertaining to the contest has been launched and those seeking information can log on to www.hornbillmusic.com or e-mail at hornbillmusic@gmail.com.
(Correspondent)
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