Soundscape Enterprise is all set to host the highly anticipated Mokokchung Festival (MFest) 2024, marking its return after an 8-year hiatus. Powered by Nagaland Mines & Minerals (NMM), the festival will take place from December 17 to 19, 2024, at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex in the heart of Mokokchung. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and tourism, offering something for both the youth and the older generation.

Members of Soundscape Enterprise, the organizers of MFest 2024, after addressing a press conference on Sunday, December 8. The event will be held from December 17 to 19 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

Soundscape is a collective of musicians and music enthusiasts who have grown from organizing smaller events to undertaking large-scale initiatives like MFest. Their goal for this year’s festival is to promote Mokokchung as a cultural tourism hub while creating a lasting impact on the community.

Minister for Rural Development & SIRD, Government of Nagaland, Metsübo Jamir, has been named the Honoured Chief Festival Patron for MFest 2024, and his contributions have been deeply appreciated by the organizers.

The festival will unfold over three exciting days.

On December 17 (Day 1), the opening day will feature free entry for all, with one of the key highlights being the “Sobaliba Ken Nayang Toktep,” a traditional folk song competition involving all 18 wards of Mokokchung town. This competition will provide a platform to celebrate and showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

On December 18 (Day 2), the festival will shift gears with “Rockatron,” a night dedicated to rock music. Gates will open at 3 PM, with an entry fee of Rs 500. The night will be headlined by Girish and the Chronicles, alongside performances from other popular bands, including Since 90s, The Spectrums, and Sideline.

On December 19 (Day 3), the final day will feature a mix of cultural performances and celebrations, with an entry fee of Rs 300. The Mokokchung District Art & Culture Council (MDACC) will hold a short award ceremony, and the night will conclude with the “Tenem Ola” Ao concert, showcasing renowned Ao musicians such as Samaro, Tiameren Aier, Molung Imsong, and others.

What makes this edition of MFest especially significant is the inclusion of the Ao traditional folk song competition, which allows the festival to showcase the region’s cultural roots while simultaneously promoting tourism in Mokokchung. The festival will also serve as a platform for local entrepreneurship, with over 50 stalls expected to be set up during the event. Entrepreneurs from Kohima and Dimapur have shown interest in participating, offering visitors an opportunity to explore regional crafts, products, and more.

Additionally, a phone photography contest was held as part of the festival, with results to be announced soon, further engaging the community and capturing the essence of Mokokchung through the lens of its people.
The organizers aim to ensure that the festival has wide appeal, offering something for everyone from music lovers to craft enthusiasts.

“We hope that this festival is something that positively contributes to Mokokchung,” said the organizers, emphasizing their vision of making MFest a regular and impactful event for the community. They invite not only the people of Mokokchung but the entire state of Nagaland to join in the celebration. For more updates and details, follow Soundscape Enterprise on their social media handle @soundscape_enterprise.

This three-day celebration promises to be a defining moment for Mokokchung, bringing together the people of the district and beyond to enjoy music, culture, and community.

MT

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