The Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) on November 6 announced the upcoming Toyota Hornbill Music Festival 2025, promising a vibrant blend of global collaborations and local talent under the enduring partnership with Toyota as the festival’s presenting sponsor.

Addressing a press conference at Kohima, TaFMA chairman, Theja Meru said the 2025 edition will mark the 26th year of the Hornbill Music Festival and the fourth consecutive year of Toyota’s association as the official presenter. He expressed gratitude to the media for their continued support, remarking that their coverage helps take Nagaland’s music and culture to a global audience.

“This partnership means the world to us,” Meru stated. “Toyota has been one of our strongest and dearest partners, and their continued support has played a huge role in helping us grow year after year.”

He informed that this year’s festival will feature bands from Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, Israel, Nepal, Japan, and various parts of India, alongside a strong lineup of local artists from Nagaland. Meru emphasized that while the event attracts international attention, the core vision remains rooted in promoting homegrown talent.

“The Hornbill Music Festival is primarily about our local artists. The emphasis has always been on giving them the platform they deserve,” he said, noting that the festival also invites deserving independent bands from across India who, otherwise lack access to large platforms.

While requests are often received to invite major international acts from Europe or the United States, Meru clarified that the focus is on nurturing and showcasing indigenous and independent talent. “The foreign bands that do perform are often part of cultural collaborations facilitated through embassies and international friendships,” he added.

Underlining the inclusive vision of the festival, Meru announced that TaFMA will continue its initiative to involve all 17 districts of Nagaland. Through the Hornbill Busking segment, the best emerging artists from each district—selected by TaFMA’s district partners—will perform on the Hornbill stage. “This gives young boys and girls, even from the most remote corners of Nagaland, a chance to live their dream of performing on the big stage,” he said.

A new addition to this year’s celebrations will be the first-ever Nagaland Choir Games, to be held on December 8 and 9 at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima. The event, organized under the vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, will bring together choirs from all districts in what TaFMA hopes will grow into a flagship annual attraction.

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Representing Toyota, Vikheho Sema, Managing Director, Toyota (Nagaland), thanked the Government of Nagaland and TaFMA for the partnership, describing it as a “privilege” to be part of one of the state’s most iconic events.

“This will be the fourth year Toyota is presenting the Hornbill Music Festival,” Sema said. “We are delighted to announce the return of Drum Tao, the Japanese percussion troupe, who created a sensation last year and are returning by popular demand.” He also noted that Toyota would showcase a variety of flagship car models during the festival, adding to the overall experience for visitors.

Meru confirmed that Drum Tao would deliver longer and more dynamic performances this year, describing them as “earth-shaking and groundbreaking.” He added that the festival will again run from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, about 30–40 minutes from Kohima town.

Highlighting new elements, Meru revealed an upcoming international collaboration between Mongdol, a South Korean rock boy band, and Trans Effect, one of Nagaland’s most acclaimed bands. “This is going to be a very interesting collaboration,” he said, adding that more partnerships with global brands are in the works and will be announced in subsequent press briefings.

He said that Hornbill offers “two parallel experiences” — the day sessions at Kisama showcasing Naga culture, traditional games, songs, and dances, followed by the evening music festival from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, featuring performances by local, national, and international bands.

Inviting visitors and music lovers from across the region and beyond, Meru said, “We want everyone — young and old, from Nagaland, Northeast India, and the rest of the country — to come and support our bands. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.”