A folk fusion band of Tikhir tribe called Triumph Nature won in the Group Folk Fusion category at the recently held All Nagaland Open Folk Song & Folk Fusion competition.

The band was formed in 2019 and comprises of four members – Lemrimong T Tikhir (soprano and rhythm), Apong R Tikhir (tenor), Pentsumong R Tikhir (alto and drums) and Bajong KJ (peculiar voice and bass).

Triumph Nature, in a conversation with Nagaland Tribune, expressed joy in winning the prize at the state level competition. The band said it had practiced for months in preparation for the competition which was organised by Kekhrie Krotho Khuzama in collaboration with TaFMA at Khuzama Village, Kohima on 5 November.

According to a band member, the band has the vision to “showcase the rich Naga culture and heritage” through folk songs and folk fusion. The band “will continue to strive with our vision even in the days to come,” he added.

The Tikhir folk fusion song that the band sang at the competition proudly manifests the beauty of nature and the rich cultural heritage of the tribe. Translated into English language, the lyric of the song goes –

Can you hear the parrot sing on top of Saramati?

Can you hear the dove sing on top of Saramati?

Can you see the snow fall on top of Saramati?

Beautiful hills and rivers blessed on us.

All races and tribes admire our land.

They visit/witness and feel satisfied.

Our land has valuable stones and sand.

Our land and culture are rich.

Come let’s all sing with our colourful traditional attires,

wearing tiger tooth, leg guards and yodel to our forefathers’ tunes.