Kohima, June 19, 2025: The TaFMA Excellence Awards 2025, organized by the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), was held in a grand ceremony at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma. The event honoured the remarkable achievements of Naga musicians, artists, actors, and creative professionals who have earned recognition at both national and international levels.
The highlight of this year’s ceremony was the unveiling of a grand piano gifted to the state by internationally acclaimed music composer Dr. A.R. Rahman, symbolizing his continued support for the artistic growth of Nagaland. In addition, the 25th Hornbill Music Festival Coffee Table Book was officially released, documenting two and a half decades of musical celebration and cultural pride.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, attended the function as the Special Guest, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, and several other dignitaries. In his address, Dr. Rio praised the contributions of Naga artists who have excelled in their disciplines and brought honour to the state and the nation. He spoke of the creation of the Music Task Force in 2003, now known as TaFMA, and its vision to promote Nagaland’s culture and traditions through arts, music, and sports, while simultaneously providing employment opportunities for the youth.
Dr. Rio commended TaFMA for expanding its music festivals to all districts of Nagaland, thereby fostering grassroots participation in the creative movement. He called on the youth to showcase their talents nationally and globally, urging them to uphold the state’s reputation through excellence and dedication. He expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Rahman, not only for the gift of the piano but also for his affection and encouragement for the people of Nagaland.
The programme began with a welcome address by Theja Meru, Chairman of TaFMA, who thanked the Chief Minister for his visionary leadership and for consistently supporting the arts. He congratulated all the award recipients and urged them to continue pursuing excellence and bringing laurels to the state.
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), delivered a speech emphasizing the global rise of Naga musicians and the vital role of the creative economy in shaping Nagaland’s future. He underlined the importance of documenting and preserving the Naga identity through music and arts, and stated that the state government, under Dr. Rio’s leadership, is actively focused on strengthening Nagaland’s creative sector as a key pillar of economic growth. He urged continued community collaboration to empower youth and build a stronger cultural and economic foundation.
The awards ceremony was interspersed with dynamic musical performances by Inato Assumi, Palak Chauhan, Temsuinla Longchar, Trance Effect, and the Nagaland Madrigal Singers, captivating the audience with their talent and diversity.
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This year, ten individuals and groups were honoured with the TaFMA Excellence Awards 2025 for their exemplary contributions to music and the arts. Hito Kiho received the highest recognition, the Ultimate Achiever Award, for his outstanding achievements in the creative field. Other notable awardees included Fifth Note Band, Ruopfuzhano Whiso, Arenla Subong, Lenen Jamir, Tiameren Aier, Nagaland Madrigal Singers, Trance Effect, Bendang Walling, and Alobo Naga.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Hovithal Sothu, Project Director of TaFMA, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants, guests, and sponsors, including Toyota, for their invaluable support in making the TaFMA Excellence Awards 2025 a memorable and successful celebration of Nagaland’s vibrant creative community.
