Tangkhul singer Thangmeiso Shinglai calls for peace

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Nov 5 : With no solution in sight to resolve the crisis engulfing Manipur since the last 18 months, renowned Tangkhul singer songwriter Thangmeiso Shinglai looks forward to spreading the message of love across the State through music.
Speaking to this correspondent, Thangmeiso said he yearns for peace to prevail in Manipur so that every community can co-exist peacefully once again together.
"I have been singing to make my people cheerful through music but now I have to mend the heart of those who are living in desperation through the medium," he said
Continuing that Manipur is vibrant because of  its diverse culture and ethnicity, Thangmeiso added that differences and uniqueness of every community should be respected.
Expressing his willingness to take out a musical tour across the State and spread the message of love, harmony and a united Manipur, Thangmeiso maintained that he wishes to celebrate this year's Christmas meaningfully with musicians and artists  belonging to different tribes and communities to promote the idea of oneness in the State.
Christmas is a time to share joy, love of God and peace on earth, he added.
He also said that he misses his friends who he has not met since the last 18 months.
Thangmeiso began his musical journey as a gospel singer in 1986 and ultimately made a musical debut in 1987 with an album 'Azerin'.
Saying that he does not hold any musical degree, Thangmeiso added that his friend Jaingam Kamei helped him a lot in his musical profession.
Thangmeiso has composed as many as 100 songs and most of them were recorded at KP Studio and Bindiya Recording Center in Imphal.
The Tangkhul singer and songwriter said that he embraces his profession though the local music industry has limited scope and marketing avenue as he loves performing and composing music.    
"My passion for music is not confined to only Tangkhul," he said and added that he has already produced an album in Manipuri titled 'Paotam' in 2011.
Some of his popular numbers include "Haophi", "Nupi Ngamba" and "NIT".
Continuing that he takes inspiration from the reality and the situation in Manipur while composing songs, Thangmeiso said that he also receives tremendous appreciation from music lovers from valley districts.
He went on to state that he has performed in different places of Imphal.  
According to him, his song 'Haophi' speaks about the beautiful land of Manipur, which is surrounded by hills and protected by the hillmen" (Chingna koina pansaba & "Hao" na koina panngakpa). The song was released in 2011.
His song ' Shakthirambi Leishabi', on the other hand, talks about substance abuse and its impact on society.
Manipur is a home to different ethnic tribes with so many traditional festivals happening throughout the year, he said and added that every Manipuri should take pride in the uniqueness and diversity of the State.
"Lets leave behind the mistakes of the past and reason out the misunderstanding for peace to prevail as we welcome a New Year 2025," he added.