Arunachal musician releases Nyokum song blending tradition with modern sound

Arunachal Pradesh’s renowned guitarist and singer Takar Nabam has released a new track, "Nyokum Sode Hayi Ku", a song dedicated to the Nyokum festival. The track merges traditional Arunachalee folklore with modern musical elements such as pop, R&B, and funk, offering a fresh take on the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Takar, a 35-year-old artiste who has performed in the USA, Indonesia, Bhutan, and several other countries, aims to present his homeland’s traditions in a way that resonates with a global audience. Speaking to India Today NE about the song’s essence, he explained, “This Nyokum song is about gathering together during Nyokum season, celebrating our existence, and vowing to protect Mother Earth for the well-being of the entire universe.”

The song’s lyrics were penned by Taba Yall Nabam, a well-known singer and songwriter. She highlighted the significance of the festival, stating, “Nyokum is precious for us, the Nyishis. It is celebrated for the well-being of all and a good harvest. This song is dedicated to the festival, and its meaning is to urge friends to celebrate Nyokum with joy.”

Takar, who grew up listening to rock music and international artists, has been expanding the sonic landscape of Arunachal’s folk songs. Over the past five years, he has collaborated with folk fusion artists like David Angu, Marpi Bam, and Yami Puri, among others. His goal is to give Arunachal’s traditional songs a new dimension by integrating world music, jazz, and pop influences.

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“This is the first time I had the opportunity to work with my sister-in-law, Taba Yall Nabam, a talented singer who wrote this song. I hope to see our folk songs make their way into Bollywood and reach a wider audience across India,” he said.

Takar has performed at major music festivals such as NH7 Weekender, Ziro Music Festival, and Orange Festival in Dambuk. His performances have also taken him to prestigious venues like AntiSocial (Mumbai), High Spirits (Pune), and Fandom (Bengaluru). In 2019, he had the opportunity to perform in the United States.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Being away from home for the most part, I lived in Delhi, where I studied and later taught music in several schools. Now, I’m back with my family, exploring Arunachal’s folk traditions.” He emphasised that "Nyokum Sode Hayi Ku" carries a deeper message for the Tani descendants of Arunachal.

“In today’s fast-moving world, cultural practices are fading due to modernisation and misinterpretation. This song is a call to stay true to our roots.”

The song is now available on all major streaming platforms, with a lyric video featuring English translations uploaded on Takar’s YouTube page.