Details
Singer / Performer
Keniseno , Vithouseno , Roseno , Zalkechunyi
Tribe
Angami
Performer’s Tribe
Angami
Language / Dialect
Tenyidie/Jotsoma
Region / Village
Western Angami/Jotsoma village
Date & Place of Recording
20 March 2025, Jotsoma village
Recorded By
L. D. Miller Pou
Contextual Interpreter
Seyievino Seyietsu
Lyric Transliteration
Uko ha rei lhoukerama luo,
Uko jü rei sakelhouma we
Lhou la kesa ukenophe gwe,
Lietuo imu nousuo mo caü
English Translation Lyrics
We are the first living people/Though we are early living people
Though we are no more
our grandchildren will inherit our fortune and continue to live
So we do not regret nor feel sad
Contextual Interpretation
The song is about the continuity of a generation — our offspring will live on after us, safeguarding what we leave behind, and so we depart with neither regret nor grief.
Cultural Significance
To adapt the living style of the forefathers, good nature, and follow the long tradition of the old.
Myths or Stories Associated
Legends related to the song
Awareness or to bring consciousness as of taboo(s) that coincides with consequences, if not listened to. (Eg. Don’t go there, don’t touch that: as said by the forefather, which is considered a taboo, and if one ‘goes’ or ‘touches’, there are consequences)
Additional Note
a) A message or a song passed on to the present generation and to the generation to come. b) There are inconsistencies or gaps in the translation of the lyrical songs to English. Also, part of the lyrics or song is incomplete, since the performers were not able to recall the lyrics and there lies the gaps. c) Folktales can be poetic, humorous, or cautionary—understanding these elements help retain meaning.