31 Oct : The Nagaland Music Safari 2008 finale, organized by Music Task Force, Youth Resources & Sports, along with Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) as event partner, was held on 30th October 2008 at the State Academy Hall, Kohima with a host of dignitaries that included Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, Minister for Medical & Health, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Minister for Power, Doshehe, Minister for Planning,
T.R. Zeliang, Chairman, NKVIB, Dr. Nicky Kire, Commissioner Nagaland, H.K. Khulu, Commissioner & Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports, K.T. Sukhalu, Commissioner & Secretary to C.M, L. Kire and Press Secretary to C.M, Abu Metha.
A total of 11 bands representing the 11 districts of Nagaland and 22 solo artists participated in the grand finale. In the band category, Diatribe from Kohima bagged the first prize with a cash award of Rs. 30,000/- while the second and third runners up were bagged by Dementia from Dimapur and Aisle from Wokha with cash award of Rs. 20,000/- and 15,000/- respectively.
In the individual categories, the best lead guitarist was awarded to Yanger Longkumer from Diatribe Kohima, Lanutemjen of Dementia bagged the best drummer, best vocalist by Akihito of Dementia and the best bass guitarist was bagged by Abijah of Diatribe. They were all awarded Rs. 5000/- each.
In the solo category, Topeni K. Assumi of Zunheboto bagged the fist position and was awarded Rs. 15,000/- while the second and third places were bagged by Wabang Ozukum of Mokokchung and Meribeni Patton from Dimapur respectively. Both received a cash award of Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 7,000/- respectively. Vesato Khakho from Phek and Narsen from Kohima were placed in the consolation prize winners and were awarded Rs. 2,500/- each.
Earlier, MLA & Chairman, NKVIB Dr. Nicky Kire formally launched the competition and also gave away a keyboard and two acoustic guitars to three blind persons who came all the way from Mokokchung to attend the grand finale. The Music Task Force, Nagaland also handed Rs. 10,000/- each to the three blind persons. Special numbers were also presented by Senti, NMA, HIV/AIDS Community Care Centre and also by the three blind persons.
It may be mentioned that the winners of the Nagaland Music Safari 2008 will be performing during the evening programme of the State Inauguration day on 1st December 2008 and also on the first day of Hornbill Festiva