The inaugural of the 4th edition of Nagaland World Music Festival was held on November 6 and will further conclude on November 7 at Khuzama play ground, Khuzama Village .
For the last three editions this music festival was named “ All Nagaland Folk Fusion Festival “ held every year in the month of November however this year (2025) it is changed to “ Nagaland World Music Festival “ under the theme “ Threads of Heritage “ .
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman IDAN, in his inaugural speech congratulated Kekhrie Krotho the initiative and thanked the Task Force for Music and Arts ( TaFMA) for supporting this venture.
Metha also thanked the guest artists, Kornkanok Lamomprom (Thailand International Singer & Semifinalist, The Voice Of Thailand 2024) and Khmih Creative Society (Meghalaya) for their performances.
He underscored that Nagaland’s young artists are rewriting the narrative, showcasing their talents worldwide. “Nagas are changing the story, replacing violence and instability with creativity and excellence,” said Metha adding that the performances are a testament to Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
“You are no longer a little village located at the gates of the state, the future generations will know Nagaland, Khuzama because of this international event. We are also laying the foundation stones of big dreams and ambitions to come. This event will produce world champions. This village, community, Southern Angami area will send ambassadors to the rest of the world starting from here. This is how we build foundations. And we need the support of every citizen from the village chairman to the youngest child, so that together we can work as one,” expressed Metha.
He also highlighted that the Southern Angami community, is home to one of India’s most well known and biggest festivals in the world which has become an ambassador of the Naga people. “The Hornbill festival is one of the most precious intellectual properties that Nagas have. The Hornbill Festival belongs to everybody. Every Naga tribe, and every Naga citizen is a stakeholder, a contributor, and a belonger of the Hornbill Festival,” added Metha.
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The Advisor also noted that the festival has become a platform to network, to meet, to have business roundtables, and to make investments. He informs that an economic impact report and assessment in 2024 showed how the ten days Hornbill Festival created more than 8,000 jobs and brought in more than 180 crore of new money spending in the state.
“Nagaland World music Festival is part of the creative economy, part of contributing towards Nagaland Rise,” added Metha.
The inaugural session of the Nagaland World Music Festival kicked off with a welcome address by Nunese Sale, Chief Event Manager, followed by greetings from Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA.
Special songs were also performend by Kornkanok Lamomprom, an international singer from Thailand and semifinalist of The Voice of Thailand 2024, and Khmih Creative Society from Meghalaya.
The first day of the event featured competitions for Folk Group Performance, Folk Fusion Group Performance, and Folk Fusion Solo Performance .
In the Folk Song Group category, Pfüchazünuo took home the top prize of ₹35,000, followed closely NU Choir, who secured ₹20,000 for their second-place finish.
The Folk Fusion Group competition saw Cantabile Choir claim the top spot with ₹35,000, while TKK Clare took home ₹20,000 for their second-place performance.
In the Folk Fusion Solo category, Lichong Phom emerged victorious who was awarded with a prize of ₹20,000, followed by Onosito Savio (₹15,000) and Lemtila Sangtam (₹5,000) in second and third places, respectively.
The event was held In collaboration with various sponsors, including TaFMA as partner, Vilelie Khamo as total prize money sponsor, and co-sponsors such as the Department of Art and Culture, Tribal Affairs Department, and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. Other sponsors included Auto Partner Vuto Hyundai, Co-Sponsor Asufü Football Academy, LED Partner Highland Dawn Media, Sound Partner Audio Gear, Light Partner Headlight, Media Partner Khruz Gallery and Cinematic, Press Partner Pusa Printing, and Tent Partner Orion Enterprise.
The judges for the event were Moa Supong, Arenla Supong, and Seyievinuo Chüzho
