New Delhi [India], December 4: The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, recognised as one of India’s most prominent cultural events, continues to strengthen its global appeal this year with the participation of YEKUMI, an electro-ethnic music duo from Israel. Their inclusion reflects the festival’s evolving character as a platform that not only preserves and promotes Naga heritage but also welcomes artistic voices from around the world.
Celebrated annually in Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival brings together the diverse traditions of Nagaland’s tribes through music, dance, crafts, cuisine and community-led showcases. What began as a local cultural initiative has grown into a large-scale event that attracts domestic and international visitors, cultural researchers, filmmakers and artists seeking to engage with Nagaland’s rich tribal identity. In recent years, the festival has also seen increasing participation from global performers, enhancing the cultural exchange and dialogue it promotes.
YEKUMI is formed by two multidisciplinary Israeli artists, Idan Shahar and Alon Sagi, who have developed a distinctive style built on real-time electronic music creation. Instead of relying on pre-recorded sequences, they construct each performance from scratch, responding to the energy of the audience and the atmosphere of the venue. Their sets combine electronic production with live ethnic instrumentation, using the didgeridoo, oud, bouzouki, trumpet, flute, handpan, darbuka and ney. This blend of digital and acoustic elements creates a sound that is both rooted in ancient musical traditions and aligned with contemporary global music trends.
Both musicians have worked across multiple artistic disciplines and have performed internationally in theatre, world music and contemporary music spaces. Their participation brings a cross-cultural element to the festival’s lineup, aligning with Hornbill’s broader goal of celebrating cultural identity while encouraging creative exchange.
By featuring artists like YEKUMI alongside Naga performers, the Hornbill Festival continues to position itself as an important meeting point between tradition and modern artistic expression. The festival remains deeply rooted in Nagaland’s heritage. The presence of international acts complements this focus and supports its commitment to preserving and showcasing the region’s cultural strengths.
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