For the first time in the history of Naga Orpheus Hunt, erstwhile known as Naga Idol will reach the ‘Land of Anghs’, Mon district starting September 1.
Naga Orpheus Hunt 2012 would be organized by Dorians Society, Dimapur under the aegis of Mokokchung District Art and Culture Council (MDACC).

Briefing media persons at Café Destination Saturday, Wapong Meren, one of the founding members of Dorians Society, the first president and present art and cultural secretary, said Naga Orpheus Hunt 2012 is one of the biggest events that Dorians Society is initiating.
Keeping its motto “Without haste, without rest” intact, Meren hoped to see positive participation from enthusiast artists across the state and also from district partners for the audition.

Host for the event, Aren Lemtur confirmed that auditions would be held in Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur and Mon districts while also disclosing that judgment will be based on 50% votes and the other 50% on the judge’s verdict.

Exciting surprises are in the pipeline like special appearance and prominent personalities who will showcase their talent, revealed Lemtur.
Moanungsang, the first Naga Idol will be the mentor of the event.

Lemtur also confirmed that accommodations and transportations will be taken care of by the organizers.
Adding more, Lemtur said unlike other years, there will be only one wild card throughout the session, while song in local dialect will be included without any restriction on original compositions.

Hitting the judge’s bench for the third session, singer and song writer, Tali Angh said he was looking for a role model who can be an asset to the society.
An experienced director and producer, Vitsemeno (Ate) Kevichusa who is one among the judges for the first time in Naga Orpheus Hunt was positive that justification can be delivered to the contestants while more emphasis would be given on diction which Nagas lack.

Also, a renowned artist, Nise Meruno who is returning as judge for the third time and after a gap of 2 years, said he was looking for a person who can inspire and said their effort will move on until singer’s/contestant’s original voice is being rooted.

Adding “fake products” were involved earlier, he however hoped this time, they would get to hear “new song or re-arrangement of song” as song choice was important.
Organizers added a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the organizers and the winners that any contract made shall be valid only till 6 months and on its expiry would be treated as null and void.

Total cash prize is Rs. 7 lakhs while winners will receive contracts though the organizers did not mention particularly as response was still awaited.
The grand finale will be held during the M-fest in December.

Judges profile
Vitsimeno (Ate) Kevichusa
Vitsimeno, also popularly known as Ate, is an experienced director and producer with over 15 years of work exposure in media and television industry, live events, with specialization in conceptualization, developing, directing and editing of television shows and other events.

She is currently based in Nagaland as well as Mumbai and is the creative and content head of self owned company ‘Little Fire’ which specializes in events and entertainment productions, documentary films and television shows.

Ate was the executive producer and director of the popular stage musical ‘The Prodigals Son’ during the annual Hornbill Festival 2008. She was also a part of popular TV shows like making of Miss India 2007 called ‘Main Miss India’ for Zoom, documentary series on The Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Bombay, for Discovery Travel and Living called ‘The Taj Mumbai’, ‘Hong Kong Bollywood Movie Odyssey’ for Hong Kong Tourism Board for AXN, featuring Miss World 1997 Diana Hayden as host, ‘Style India 2K5’ for Trendz, Channel [V] India ‘Get Gorgeous’ etc., to her credit.

She is the lead vocalist for a Mumbai based band ‘Orphean Revival’ with renowned music director Ashutosh Pathak of Blue Frog and is currently working on a project to promote Naga musicians.

Tali Angh
Tali Angh is a singer and a song writer who uses the gift of music as an inspiration with passion and purpose in life. Tali believes that music is heaven’s one powerful melodic resource meant to inspire and transform lives. Currently he is working on a debut album and is the proprietor of a school in Longleng district.

Nise Meruno
A renowned artist trained in Singapore, Nise Meruno was a proud brand ambassador for international music company AKG by Harman Austria. Meruno was also recognized as one of the top 30 young achievers of the country by India Today Magazine in 2011. He has performed with world class musicians and singers all over the country and abroad and also performed for the President of India for four times.

Meruno, a fashion icon and a chorographer also graced the cover of magazines like Time Out International, Platform and Eclectic Vibes. In July last, Meruno also performed with Zowe Madrigal on ‘World music day’ (June 21) in Bangkok.