The Süngkotenem Beat Contest ‘Clash of the Bands’ 2025 was held at Süngkotenem Park, Mopungchuket, with seven bands participating, including one from Assam. The event was organized as part of the quadrennial Culture Carnival, a tradition established in 2007 during the MALT Platinum Jubilee.
The contest, first Initiated in 2001 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Literary Department, Mopungchuket Ait Laishir Telungjem (MALT), featured the following bands: Mingle Tones, Generation Gap, Sideline, Henotic, Metallum Crux, The Redeemer, and Unision.
T.N. Mannen, Retd. IAS and Advisor for Law and Justice and Land Revenue, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, Mannen compared the contest to the Hornbill Festival and urged the organizers to enhance its management and popularity. He highlighted Mopungchuket’s rich cultural history, emphasizing the importance of tourism and preserving local traditions. Recollecting his childhood, he lamented the diminishing state of the Süngkotenem Lake and called for efforts to protect it. He encouraged fusion music that blends traditional and western elements, adding that music transcends barriers and fosters happiness, love, and friendship.
The Chief Guest also stressed the potential of music to develop personality and talent, suggesting that the contest be held annually to create a global platform for young musicians.
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The program was hosted by Metetla Jamir, with an invocation pronounced by Tarepkaba, President of MSM, and a welcome address by Akumyanger. Dignitaries such as Temsuchuba, SDO Mokokchung, Nukshimatong, SDO Tuli, and Shreyansee Jain, IAS Probationary, were present, along with members of the Mopungchuket and Longjang village councils.
The contest concluded with The Redeemer from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam, winning the competition and taking home a cash prize of ₹80,000, while Sideline from Mokokchung was the runner-up, receiving ₹50,000.
Individual prizes of ₹5,000 each were awarded to:
Best Vocalist: Sarsonot Ronghang (The Redeemer)
Best Guitarist: Klarhjohn Bey (The Redeemer)
Best Bassist: Imtirsen (Sideline)
Best Drummer: Imsongti (Sideline)
The event drew a crowd of around 1,000 attendees, with judges Arenlong, Atsa Lang Roths, Chubawapang, and Arsashi Ozüküm evaluating the performances.
