5 Questions With Alobo Naga

Alobo Naga is probably one among the most well known faces in Nagaland today. His professional approach, talent and love for what he does, sets him apart. He along with his band – Alobo Naga & the band – tasted international success with the hit song Painted Dreams. The song went up to No.4 at the International Top 10 chart on VH1. They were nominated for MTV Europe Music Awards 2012 nominations for Best Worldwide Act and won the Best Indian Act award.

Alobo has also been active social worker – taking part in various charity events, raising funds for the underprivileged and engaging in awareness campaigns. This quality of his is reflected in some of his songs. He was deservingly awarded the Governor’s award for excellence in music in 2016.

His second album ‘Kini’ was released in 2017. The official video of one of the tracks ‘Chasing Ghosts- Feat Moto’ was released on March 27, 2020.

In this quick interaction with Nagas Connect (NC), we had the chance to ask Alobo a few questions about his work, the ongoing coronavirus lockdown and some of his future plans.

 NC: You have just released a new version of your song Chasing ghosts from your 2017 album Kini. What’s the inspiration behind that? 
Alobo: It was an old song from my previous album. The song won best song of the year in 2018 at AAMA also but many people were not aware of this song since I never released this on YouTube. So I thought why not share the song to the world through a music video. I wrote this song after a terrible break up once upon a time

 NC: Anything new coming up at your music school Musik-A? How has been the response so far and how do you see it growing? 
Alobo: Musik-A is opening a new branch at Chumukedima this year. We are all set, waiting for the pandemic to pace down. By the grace of God, I have no complain regarding the response, and I want to see more branches opening around India in few years.

 NC: There are a lot of Naga music talents but few rise to the national level. What are we missing? 
Alobo: Consistency, discipline, dedication and smart marketing is missing . No doubt we are very talented but we are laid back and comfortable inside our own comfort zones. We need to think outside the box and be smart in order to rise beyond our state.

 NC: Currently, our country and most of the world is in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has brought a lot of suffering to humanity, many have said there is a positive side to it to. What positives do you see? 
Alobo: I am getting more time to do bible study and fasting everyday since the lockdown with my family and coming closer to God. Getting time to reflect and study my own self and working on the plans for my future. I am also getting more time to spend with my family. Lockdown is also helping the Mother Earth in many ways. And lastly polishing my talent and getting enough time to watch the movies I always wanted to.

 NC: You are a youth icon, a known face to most Nagas. What would you like to advice our youth in general? 
Alobo: Put God first in everything you do, and everything will be added unto you. Come out of your comfort zone and see the world from other angle. Life is beautiful, it’s a gift, take good care of your life and people around you.

Chasing Ghosts from album Kini:

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