Tapta “Reaching the brotherhood” concert marred by 'royalty' issue at Aizawl

IMPHAL, April 16: Popular Manipuri singer Tapta today called a press conference at the Manipur Press Club expressing his displeasure over his band being barred from holding a concert at Aizwal as part of his NE tour titled “reaching the brotherhood” based on the Seven years’ devastation.

Speaking at the press meet, Tapta whose real name is L Jayenta expressed his unhappiness over the conduct of the All Mizoram Manipuri Association (AMMA) regarding his proposed concert at Aizwal.

Expressing disappointment and discontenment over his inability to sing for his fans at Aizwal, the popular Manipur singer opined that the real motive of his tour was not  to gain commercial success but to create a sense of unity amongst the several Manipuris settled outside the state of Manipur.

Incidentally, the first show of Tapta's tour was held at Wapokpi, Nagaland on April 10 which was successful. The second show was held at Karaikandi, Cachar Assam on April 11.

From Karaikandi, the team went to Aizwal where the All Mizoram Manipuri Association barred them from performing, he said.

Elaborating further, he said the present tour of which Aizwal was one of the venue was being organized by the NE Brothers Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

He continued that out of nowhere, the AMMA demanded a sum of Rs 1 lakh as royalty charges for the concert at Aizawl from the singer and his band.

AMMA had also barred all stalls in Aizwal from selling tickets for the concert, he continued and added that the concert has been organized with the main objective of bringing together the Manipuris living outside the state.

AMMA seemed to look at the concert as a mere commercial venture which is really disappointing, he said.

Tapta said there were several people who had come to witness the concert at Aizwal but had to return without seeing the concert as it was cancelled.

Showing his displeasure over the failure to perform at the venue, he also added that his team had even refunded the taxi fares for some of the people who had come from far off places to see the show.

He said from Aizawl, his tour continued to Shillong where the show was successful also. The last show of the NE music tour will be held at the BOAT, Palace compound on April 19, he said.