Morung Express News
Kohima | October 20
Drawing inspirations from traditional instruments and understanding the need for cultural traditions to evolve with changing times, Gei-ü, a creative 3 stringed indigenous folk instrument has been created by Naga Musician Atso Chasie.
Introducing the improvised indigenous instrument on October 20 at FIFA Café, Kohima Atso Chasie informed that the instrument is a three stringed Naga fold instrument with its resonant base carved out of bison horn and covered with animal hide.
Derived from the Tenyidie term Gei-ü which means ‘to saw’, the instrument has been created with flexibility to suit the wants and needs of the user, i.e. two bow strings and one plucking string. Presenting a demo of the Gei-ü, the 31 year old musician from Khonoma village noted that the instrument is a more refined version of the traditional musical instruments used by Nagas, and it can blend in with both traditional and contemporary tunes. According to Chasie, the base of the instrument itself is an assemblage of a number of our age old instruments.
“In a way, our folk songs are pervading the test of time, though in an impassive manner. However, the instruments continue to fail at invading the curiosity of the millennials. With the luxury and flexibility of numerous western instruments readily available at our disposal, musicians including folk musicians opt for the convenient,” Chasie viewed, adding that this had led to the degradation of folk music, whereby a lot of the Naga instruments have almost reached a point of extinction. With the traditional instruments facing a challenge in tuning and blending to the needs of today, the need to polish and upgrade these instruments has arose.
Chasie is a self-taught classical guitarist by profession. Having received several awards and opportunities which took him to perform in international arenas, Chasie believes that people are still new to Nagas and representing the Naga identity is of core essence to him. Representing the Naga identity has further inspired him to innovate the Gei-ü. With the help of a fellowship he received in 2014 under the Centre for Cultural Research and Training, Chasie worked on the instrument for almost four years. It was finally created this year. Chasie presented the Gei-ü this year at the Global Youth Peace Fest 2017 where he performed along with a Japanese artist.
“Gei-ü is a small effort to keep up with the world whilst keeping our identity intact. It is an instrument improvised for all culturally conscious musicians willing to explore. It is an instrument which is not confined to a few tribes but the Nagas as a whole and that which is presentable and risk worthy in the global arena,” stated Chasie.
Present at the event was senior artist, Lepden Jamir who expressed encouragement with the creative innovation and noted that sounds and music are essential for any culture, and young Nagas have the responsibility to take the Naga sounds and music to a greater level.
The introduction was presented by Dr. Phongshak Phom who stated that Gei-ü has the potential to be recognized internationally.
