World Music Day: Meet the Tetseo sisters who use YouTube to bring their language to life
Saw the YouTube ad with Tetseo Nagaland sisters singing songs in their mother tongue. This world music day, Times of India Tech-Gadgets Now spoke with the Tetseo sisters – Mercy, Kuvely, Azi and Lulu – who started the YouTube channel to keep the language alive. Their channel, which focuses exclusively on music in the Chokri language, has captivated audiences across India.
What prompted you to launch your channel on YouTube?
First, because there was no content about Nagaland or Chakhesang Nagas or any of the tribes for that matter. We also thought it was a good way to let the world know about our culture and our land through our music and the folk songs that we love so much. And it was the perfect way to reintroduce our own Naga people to Chakhesang culture, language, songs and all the things that are slowly disappearing – and preserving it in the process.
We are happy that our channel has been used as a resource and point of reference for many exhibitions, conferences and showcases on Nagaland and its rich culture and even as a medium/tool to empower indigenous tribes and women.
Why did you choose YouTube as a platform to keep the Chokri language alive?
We started our YouTube channel before social media became the explosive thing it is now and back then YouTube was the easiest way to share content. It was also a perfect way to share performance and music videos as a demo for event organizers; specifically because we wanted to share colorful visuals of our culture – the music, language, costumes, and glimpses of our land for all to see, in the grander scheme of things. YouTube is still one of the most powerful platforms for sharing content with maximum access for audiences and creators around the world. So it was a no-brainer and we are happy to have started early.
What were the challenges you faced during your journey on YouTube?
The challenges we faced were mostly in the process of creating content that best described and presented what we wanted to highlight. Like a lack of access to videographers, budgets, etc., so we approached it from a perspective DIY perspective and that is what we continue to do. We are so lucky to be able to work with wonderful creative people who have helped us translate our visions into content that we can share with our viewers.
What do you think is the one thing that made your channel popular?
Definitely our unique content and signature presentations. The music, colors and visuals are easily recognizable.
A message for other YouTube creators?
Keep creating to spread love, positivity and start conversations that uplift humanity and bring us all together.
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