Music played a significant role in Achumla Jingrü’s life from an early age, as she recalls, “Thanks to my mother and her siblings, who had profound love for music, I have been greatly influenced in my life today.”

Achumla’s mother was a vocalist in a girl band during her high school years, and her siblings were also into music. This familial connection instilled a deep passion for music in Achumla.

Reflecting on her early musical journey, she fondly remembered participating in Sunday school competitions during her childhood. However, her genuine passion for music blossomed after college when she returned home and became active in church youth services. It was during this time that she performed her original songs on stage, which garnered attention and encouragement from peers and family, boosting her self-esteem.

“While I faced moments of self-doubt and hesitation, the positive feedback and encouragement fuelled my desire to write more songs. Gradually, things became more real, and that’s where I am now,” she said.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Transitioning into music full-time was not an easy decision, given the challenges of building a career as a musician. Yet, she was determined. She recalled a quote she had read online: “If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from inside.”

Achumla Jingrü credits her family, church, and community for playing pivotal roles in nurturing her musical passion.

She explains, “I chose to write and sing my originals because I was drawn to folk music, folk stories, and everything related to my roots and culture.” Despite the multitude of global ideas and cultures, she confidently found her niche in the genre of folk-fusion.

Rooted in her heritage, she found solace and freedom through her music. Amidst her musical journey, her mother remained a beacon of light and hope. Her very first original song, “Holo Hele,” was born through the dedication and support of her mother.

“Some years back, I was supposed to sing a song for a service in my native village. People there prefer listening in our own dialect (Sangtam) rather than English. I wanted to do something different, so my mom and I sat down to write. That’s how my first song, ‘Holo Hele,’ came to be.”

Achumla’s smile held a deeper story as she continued, revealing that her mother was the first person to listen to and critique her songs. Her mother served as both mentor and anchor to her voice.

Undoubtedly, Achumla appreciates various music genres, but her heart belongs to folk-fusion. She had been writing in her native dialect for a long time, allowing her to connect and express herself authentically.

In her relatively short music journey, Achumla Jingrü has already received several prestigious awards:

Northeast Musicians Guild Award 2021 for Best Gospel Song “Holo Hele”

Northeast Musicians Guild Award 2022 for Best Gospel Artist for the song “Nü Khüdoi Atsa” (In English)

Northeast Musicians Guild Award 2022 for Best Folk Fusion Artist for the song “Oh Mungmung,” with co-artist Albert Jingrü.

Beyond these achievements, what brings her the most joy is the love and support she receives from people daily.

Experiencing freedom, she connects people to God and culture through her songs and writings.

Recounting the story behind her second original single “Nü Khüdoi Atsa” , she recalls a time of insecurity and discouragement. In the midst of this, a glimmer of hope and belief inspired her.

One night, unable to sleep, Achumla Jingrü picked up her pen and began to write. As the words flowed, it felt like an intimate interaction with God. Despite her past challenges, the song “Nü Khüdoi Atsa” (You are so Good) emerged, transforming her complaints into compliments to God.

Her songs, she explains, stem from the heart and express the things she often struggles to convey. As Hans Christian Andersen wisely said, “When words fail, music speaks.”

She added, “I’m sure every youth goes through that stage at least once in a lifetime. I constantly questioned why certain things happened, but we should trust God no matter what life throws at us.”

Born in Kiphire, Achumla was raised by both of her parents, who served in government positions. She is blessed with five siblings, all of whom are girls.

She attended Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire from nursery through fifth grade, Eastern Academy Higher Secondary School, Dimapur for grades 6-10, Greenwood Higher Secondary School, Dimapur for grades 11-12, and eventually graduated from Patkai Christian College in Chumoukedima.

Through her story, she encourages people to prioritize God, believing that everything will fall into place at the right time. “Trust Him,” she emphasizes.

In addition to her music career, she has a passion for designing clothes and baking. Achumla Jingrü runs a clothing line named “Jengki” meaning “Apparel/Clothes” in her local dialect (Sangtam Naga). She customizes clothes for clients and herself.

Above all, she aspires to keep creating music and look back on these days in her 70s, 80s, or beyond, knowing that her life has had purpose and her dreams have been fulfilled.