Nagaland CM and A R Rahman unveil global-scale Naga International Studio

KOHIMA: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer A R Rahman have announced the launch of the Naga International Studio, a world-class music production and creative facility to be established in Kohima.

Conceptualised by Rahman, the studio will house state-of-the-art recording suites, a performance auditorium and supporting creative infrastructure, designed to nurture regional talent and enable global collaborations.

Welcoming Rahman to his native village of Touphema in Kohima district, Rio said the project reflected a shared commitment to creativity and innovation, and underlined the state government’s support for initiatives that empower artists from India’s north-east. He added that the studio would have lasting cultural and economic impact.

Rahman said Nagaland possessed a “rare musical soul”, deeply rooted in its culture, and described the studio as a bridge between local heritage and world-class creativity. He thanked the Nagaland government, the people of the state and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TAFMA) for backing the project.

Earlier, Rahman also unveiled the trailer of Headhunting to Beatboxing, a documentary directed by Rohit Gupta, chronicling Nagaland’s evolving musical identity.

The Naga International Studio has been designed by Bluecube Architects and Riyasdeen Riyan, with facilitation support from Tafma and the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN). The project is expected to position Nagaland as a significant creative hub in the north-east and beyond.