Salukum Rogo Ungma won the First Folk Fusion Competition while Tongpu Pur achieved the Runner-up during the First Folk Fusion Competition

Organised by the Tongpu Pur, Aolijen, Ungma.

The event was  organised under theme ”Sobaliba Ratep”(Tradition needs Innovation), in collaboration with the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Mokokchung at Yimtsüngda Arok Sabang (Amphitheatre), Ungma village on April 29 evening.

Eight Clubs among ten clubs from Ungma village, took part in the competition. The other participating clubs included: Young Naga Club, Season Star, Longterok Senden, Evergreen Club, United Soyim Club and Mayang Rogo.

Guest of Honour, Tsuknungtemsu Lemtur, acknowledged the Tongpu Pur and also appreciated the event planning committee for organising such a platform that brings people together. He remarked that the event organised today is not only confined to our village or the Ao community alone, but by including other communities, it has extended the platform to the broader Naga family, which is a commendable step.

Reflecting on the past, Lemtur said, “Looking back at our history, we Ao Nagas were at the pinnacle—be it in culture, education, politics, leadership, or economy—we have been there. During those times, we were strong in our cultural roots; we were wise, always seeking knowledge. Even in terms of religion, we were humble and courageous. But just like every great kingdom that rose to heights eventually saw downfall, we too have become complacent.”

He continued, “We have detached ourselves from our roots. When we cut off from our identity, our language, and the cultural heritage left by our forefathers, we also cut off our ‘growth potential’. The very fabric of the Ao people—our language, our traditions, our cultural heritage—are fading away slowly. One day, we might lose it all and not even speak of it.”

Calling for unity, he said, “Let us come together. Let us be the leaders, led by us. Let us give hope by doing it.”

He lamented, “We have lost the courage to say ‘no’. We have lost the strength to uphold the values of our forefathers. The vision kept by our forefathers—to be led by us, to be the torchbearers—where are we now? Today, our growth potential, our developmental aspects, whether in any sector or field, are not where they should be. We all know the difference, the gap, between us and others. But look back—during our forefathers’ time, they excelled in every field they touched.”

Encouraging the youth, he said, “To our youngsters—just like today, through such gatherings and cultural exchanges, let us reunite in unison and let us evoke our former glory. Let us pioneer again. And when we restore what we once had, with our influence, we can shape not just our community but also contribute towards building the world through Nagaland.”

He added, “Let’s create a Nagaland where every youth has equal rights, equal opportunity—whether you are in the remotest part of the state, be it eastern or western. Let’s aspire for this.”

Nungsangmanen Jamir, President of Tongpu Pur, shared that the idea behind the Folk Fusion Competition stemmed from a critical realization: in a world dominated by Western influences, trying to catch up may be a losing game. “We don’t need to chase the West,” he asserted. “Our strength lies in owning what is uniquely ours—and that is more than enough to make an impact.”

For Jamir, Naga culture finds its true strength not in imitation but in transformation—where heritage is not preserved in isolation but revived through creative innovation. This belief was reflected in the theme of the first edition, “Tradition Needs Innovation,” which, Jamir said, conveys the idea that cultural legacy must evolve to remain alive and relevant.

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Jamir believes that the fusion of tradition and innovation is not just an artistic experiment, but a movement to amplify Naga identity beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. “Our vision is to deepen our roots and make them visible,” he said, “so that one day, Naga culture can resonate beyond the borders of our state.” This vision found a fitting partner in the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), an institution he described as one of the few in Nagaland that not only recognizes artistic talent but actively nurtures it. Calling the collaboration a natural alignment, Jamir expressed optimism that future editions will see not just TaFMA Mokokchung, but TaFMA Nagaland as a whole joining the journey.

While this may have been the first edition of the Folk Fusion Competition, Jamir made it clear that their ambitions go far beyond Ungma. “We hope to expand and open the competition to participants across the village or district,” he shared, emphasizing that the event will continue to be anchored in Ungma, inviting talents from every corner to converge and celebrate culture through creativity. He further expressed hope that such collaborations would offer greater exposure to young artists and strengthen their connection to their roots. “TaFMA has the potential to be a transformative platform for our youth,” he said. “With the right support and opportunities, we can inspire a new generation to rediscover and redefine Naga identity through the arts.”

Looking ahead, Jamir expressed confidence that the Folk Fusion Competition will grow into a much larger event. “This is just the beginning,” he reiterated, adding that the team is already working on plans to expand its scale and reach. “We are committed to making it bigger in the coming years, and we’re actively working towards that goal.” He believes that with continued support and collaboration—especially from institutions like TaFMA—the event has the potential to become a major cultural platform, not just for Ungma, but for the entire state.

The judges for the First Folk Fusion Competition were Imna Yaden, a singer, songwriter, and composer from Dimapur; Asenla Longchar, Music Coordinator of ABAM; and Temsuyanger Jamir, a composer and choir conductor.

Longriwati Imchen, District Partner of TaFMA Mokokchung, delivered the address during the event. The welcome address was delivered by Nungsangmanen Jamir, President of Tongpu Pur. Nungshilepden Jamir, Tatar Chairman of the Village Council Ungma, gave the exhortation, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Sapangjungla Longkümer, Sobaliba Tezülur from Tongpu Pur.

Tongpu Pur Club of Aolijen Ungma, established on August 5, 2010, envisions restoring the lost glory of the community by blending tradition with modern innovation. The club states that by embracing contemporary perspectives and ideas, they aim to revive their legacy and build a dynamic community that upholds and honors their cultural heritage.

During the event, the Sangtam Students’ Union Mokokchung, and the Gorkha Students’ Union Mokokchung  presented special performances.