Gears 5.1 band from Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima won the 3rd edition of Sonic Showdown–The Ultimate Band Battle held at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on September 29.
Our Correspondent
Kohima |September 30
The Gears 5.1 band from Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima won the 3rd edition of Sonic Showdown–The Ultimate Band Battle held at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on September 29.
The event was organised by Department of Youth Resources & Sports in association with Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), Government of Nagaland.
This band competition for high school and higher secondary school, was part of the State Level Youth Festival 2026 to provide young musicians a platform to showcase their talent and creativity.
The Gears 5.1 was awarded with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
The Edax representing Eden Academy, Mokokchung stood 1st runner-up and awarded with Rs 50,000.
Christian Higher Secondary School (CHSS), Dimapur secured 2nd runner-up and pocketed Rs 30,000.
In individual awards, Edax won the best vocalist and the best bassist.
The Gears 5.1 secured the best keyboardist and the best guitarist.
The best drummer was won Eureka band of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
Alun Hangsing, Chairman, Nagaland State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NSCPCR) graced the event as the Special Guest and gave away prize to the winners.
Addressing the gathering, Hangsing said that music had evolved from being viewed with suspicion by earlier generations to becoming a universal language connecting people across age, culture, caste, creed and race.
He said that music had taken on a new dimension in the modern era, particularly among Gen Z, and is now connecting people across generations and geographical boundaries.
Hangsing said music could positively influence emotions, attitudes, studies and outlook when used responsibly.
He encouraged the participating bands to make use of the opportunities available to them and focus on creating and performing original music.
He also acknowledged the efforts of TaFMA in promoting Nagaland's music and helping local musicians reach wider platforms, besides appreciating the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and the state government for promoting music and youth-related initiatives.
The programme was chaired by Naroenla Ozukum, Youth Resources & Sports Officer while Sentein Kichu assisted the event as host. Collective Musicians made a special appearance.
Welcome address was delivered by Aleno Sale while vote of thanks proposed by K. Libemo Jami, Assistant Director, YRS.
Meanwhile, Kilini P Zhimo won first position in the poetry competition, Pipivi Sheqi and Vineinuo Khana secured second and third positions, respectively. In the Folk Song category, Niuland claimed first position, followed by Tuensang in second and Phek in third. In Declamation, Ralu Vero (Phek) won first position, Yimjungbenla (Kohima) secured second, and Tsüno Venuh (Meluri) took third. In Painting, Akhii Richa won first position, Neiketounuo Khana secured second, and Imkonglemla N Longchar took third.
