The Collective Tribe from Tuli emerged as the winner of the Open Beat Contest 2026, while Mokokchung-based Phoenix Shift was adjudged first runners-up at the beat contest held at the Town Hall, Mokokchung, on September 26 evening.
The Collective Tribe, winner of the contest, received a cash prize of ₹30,000, while Phoenix Shift, the first runners-up, was awarded ₹10,000. The individual award winners were presented with musical instruments in recognition of their performances in the respective categories.
The event was organised by Groove Element and
a total of 10 bands made it to the final stage, with ManForce, Soulgraven, ROCKAMENTIA, Ecstasy, The Dream Project, Phoenix Shift, The Oceanix, Blind Pig, The Collective Tribe and ZONI representing different musical identities and emerging talent, with performances presented before a five-member panel of judges. The event also featured guest performances by ARKEEN as the guest band and Talimoa Longchar as the guest artist, while Sentijungla hosted the programme.
The winning entry came from The Collective Tribe, an Alternative Rock band from Tuli formed in 2026. The five-member band brings together musicians from the Karbi and Naga communities, with the members sharing a common interest in music. According to the band profile, its musical identity is centred on friendship, cultural diversity and creating music as one collective voice.
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The Collective Tribe comprises Sarsonot Ronghang (Lead Vocalist), Temjensunep Lemtur (Lead Guitarist), Yimtinungtet Lemtur (Rhythm Guitarist), Ezakiel Tisso (Bassist) and Bendangsenba Yuden (Drummer).
Phoenix Shift, which secured the first runners-up position, is a Rock/Power Metal band from Mokokchung formed in 2025. The group consists of young musicians with a shared interest in rock, metal and live performance, drawing influences from both classic and modern rock and metal.
Its members are Liju Achumi (Lead Vocalist), Jongshiwapang (Lead Guitarist), Imdangmeren (Rhythm Guitarist and Keyboardist), Walu (Bassist) and Chuba (Drummer).
The individual awards recognised musicians from five different finalist bands.
Sarsonot Ronghang of The Collective Tribe was named Best Vocalist, while Jongshiwapang of Phoenix Shift received the Best Guitarist award.
Anok of Blind Pig was adjudged Best Bassist, Rongpangnok Ozukum of ZONI won the Best Drummer award, and Insanok of ManForce was named Best Keyboardist.
The performances were evaluated by a five-member panel comprising Nzan Kithan, Meren Imchen, Jungshi Aier, Ezra Amon and Moalong.
The final placed the participating bands across a range of rock-oriented musical expressions, including Alternative Rock and Rock/Power Metal, while individual awards recognised vocal, guitar, bass, drum and keyboard performances.
