The Redeemer, a band from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam, emerged victorious at the Süngkotenem Beat Contest ‘Clash of the Bands’ 2025, held on January 10, 2025, at Süngkotenem Park, Mopungchuket. The band secured a cash prize of Rs 80,000, with their frontman, Sarsonot Ronghang, also winning the Best Vocalist award.
Sideline, a band from Mokokchung, took the runner-up position, earning a cash prize of Rs 50,000. Other individual awards included Klarhjohn Bey (The Redeemer) as Best Guitarist, Atir (Sideline) as Best Bassist, and Imsongti (Sideline) as Best Drummer. Each individual winner received Rs 5,000.
The Süngkotenem Beat Contest, initially launched in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Literary Department of Mopungchuket Ait Laishir Telungjem (MALT), has grown into a significant cultural event. In 2007, during the MALT Platinum Jubilee, it was resolved to organize the contest every four years as part of the Culture Carnival, making music a key feature of the festival.
This year’s edition featured seven bands: Mingle Tones, Generation Gap, Sideline, Henotic, Metallum Crux, The Redeemer, and Unison, including one group from Assam. Around 1,000 music enthusiasts gathered at the picturesque Süngkotenem Park to witness the competition.
TN Mannen, Retd. IAS and Advisor for Law and Justice and Land Revenue, graced the event as the chief guest. Mannen remarked that the beat contest to be the “next Hornbill Festival”. He urged the community to popularize the event, manage it more efficiently, and consider hosting it annually like the Hornbill and make it a “global arena”.
Appreciating Süngkotenem’s scenic beauty, Mannen lamented the gradual decline of Süngkotenem Lake, reflecting on his childhood memories of a lake surrounded by lush green forests and pristine waters. He emphasized the importance of preserving Mopungchuket’s cultural and natural heritage while promoting it as a hub for community tourism.
Speaking on the significance of music, Mannen emphasized its ability to transcend barriers and bring people together. “Music is one of the finest art forms, giving happiness and fostering love and friendship. It’s also a space where individuals can develop their personality and talent for self-sustenance, not just self-satisfaction,” he stated.
He further highlighted the need to promote a fusion of traditional and contemporary music, pointing out that folk songs, in particular, uniquely reflect the culture and ethos of a community.
He viewed that organizing such a contest will upbring young talents and encourage the young people to devote. He also said music can be one of the area where one can develop their personality and talent not just for self satisfaction but for self sustenance.
The program was hosted by Metetla Jamir, with the invocation pronounced by Tarepkaba, President of MSM, and a welcome address delivered by Akumyanger. Notable dignitaries in attendance included Temsuchuba (SDO Mokokchung), Nukshimatong (SDO Tuli), Smt. Shreyansee Jain (IAS Probationary), and members of the Mopungchuket and Longjang village councils.
The panel of judges for the contest comprised Arenlong, Atsa Lang Roths, Chubawapang, and Arsashi Ozüküm.
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