After much anticipation, the nationwide guitar contest “Axe’s Power”, organized by Sky Entertainment in collaboration with international music channel VH1 with the slogan “Choose Music over Violence”, was held Friday at Agri Expo Site, Dimapur.
However, the main attraction of the day was Star Judge of the competition Jennifer Batten, regarded as one of the best female guitarists in the world.
The day of the contest ended on high notes with Batten covering some of the most popular guitar classic solo pieces like Nirvana’s “Smells like teen spirit” and Michael Jackson’s hit numbers.
The best attraction of the night was the performance of Michael Jackson’s “Heal the world” by Jennifer Batten along with children from Great Commission Kids Academy. Local musicians and music connoisseurs who were part of the audience applauded and appreciated the stage act.
The other judges of the competition were Rudy Wallang of the famed blues band from Shillong “Soulmate”, Chandresh Kudwa from Mumbai and Joey Woch from Dimapur.
Arenlong Longkumer from Nagaland, D. A. Chashe from Nagaland and Shepherd Star from Shillong were declared winners of rock, blues and western classic categories respectively.
The contest was based on three categories- Rock, Blues and western classic. Twelve finalists from across the country participated at the grand finale, here in Dimapur. They were chosen based on their technique, creativity, tone, musicianship and stage presence.
All finalists were given eight minutes on stage to perform two pieces – one original piece and another piece of their choice, in front of the Judges and audience.
Winner of best guitarist of the Rock genre, Arenlong Longkumer won an “Epiphone SG” from Gibson Guitar India along with Rs. 1 lakh in cash, while 1st runners up Rhythm Shaw won “Epiphone SG” from Gibson Guitar India along with Rs. 10, 000 cash prize and 2nd runners up Zakie Nuh won cash money of Rs. 10, 000.
Best guitarist of the blues genre was bagged by Shepherd Star who along with cash money of Rs. 1 Lakh and Epiphone 50th ann. 1962 crestwood custom Reissue from Gibson Guitar India, 1st runners up Ayushi Karnik (the lone female participant from Gujarat) also won Epiphone 50th ann.
1962 crestwood custom Reissue from Gibson Guitar India along with cash money of Rs. 10, 000 while 2nd runners up Imlimeren won a cash money of Rs. 10, 000.
In the western classic genre, D. A. Chashe, the winner was awarded with cash money of Rs. 1 lakh along with Epiphone EF- 500RCCE from Gibson Guitar India, 2nd runners up Devel K won Epiphone EF- 500RCCE from Gibson Guitar India and prize money of Rs. 10, 000 while T. Benjamin who was declared 2nd position won a cash money of Rs. 10, 000. All the winners were also awarded with trophy and certificates.
Earlier, minister, roads and bridges, Azo Nienu declared the competition open. Director, Music Task Force, Gugs Chisi was also present during the programme.
The guitar competition drew talented musicians from across the country, organizers said. Despite talents galore on stage, the crowd response and turnout was not as expected.