The Tetseo Sisters, a folk band from Nagaland, consisting of four sisters and a brother, Mercy, Azi, Kuvelu, Lulu & Mhaseve a.k.a MKT. They have become the custodians of Naga culture and traditions, amplifying indigenous music on national and international platforms. Their association with the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has empowered them to protect their music through copyrights and royalties while also giving them a platform to share their heritage through IPRS Stage. This initiative, presented in collaboration with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 as part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations, marks the second edition of IPRS Stage. The platform focuses on promoting undiscovered talent and preserving the legacy of traditional music in a rapidly modernizing world.
After the performance RAGA2ROCK had a freewheeling chat with the Tetseo sisters:-
Your last song was about warriors. What makes you warriors today?
Tetseo Sisters: Our ancestors were known as Head hunters, but today, being a warrior means something very different. We believe in spreading peace, love, and positivity through our music. For us, being warriors means preserving our cultural heritage, sharing our traditions with the world, and ensuring that our language and stories do not fade away. Our fight is not on the battlefield but in keeping our identity alive in a rapidly modernizing world.
Growing up, were you influenced only by folk music?
Tetseo Sisters: Not at all! We grew up listening to a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and jazz. Our brother, in particular, introduced us to jazz music, which has had a big impact on our appreciation for different styles. While folk music remains our foundation, we have always embraced diverse musical influences.
What Music do you enjoy?
Tetseo Sisters: We love classic rock and alternative bands! Some of our favourites include Mr. Big, AC/DC, and Scorpions. Their music has a unique energy that inspires us.
Did you sing in church choirs?
Tetseo Sisters: Yes, we did! Church choirs played a huge role in our musical development. We started by performing in living room concerts and family gatherings, which eventually led us to sing in church choirs. That early exposure helped us develop our harmonies and vocal techniques.
Do your songs reflects the struggles of Nagaland?
Tetseo Sisters: Rather than focusing on pain, our songs highlight the strength and pride we feel for our heritage. We prefer to celebrate our way of life, our traditions, and the beauty of our culture. Through our music, we aim to keep our traditions alive and instill a sense of pride in the younger generations.
As in Western classical- Soprano, Tenor, Alto-you all can perform all parts?
Tetseo Sisters: Yes, exactly! Since we have trained together for so long, we have developed a natural ability to harmonize and adapt our vocal ranges according to the song’s needs. Whether it’s a high soprano note or a deeper alto section, we can switch roles to create the perfect blend of harmonies.
And how do you decide who sings which part?
Tetseo Sisters: It really depends on the song. Some of our traditional folk songs in Chokri Li have structured harmonies, which means that we follow a particular arrangement. However, for other compositions, we distribute vocal parts based on what best suits the melody and the emotions we want to convey. Our voices complement each other well, allowing us to experiment and switch roles as needed.
How do you divide the creative process of composing, lyrics and production?
Tetseo Sisters: We all contribute to the creative process in different ways. Each of us is involved in songwriting and lyric composition, drawing inspiration from our culture, surroundings, and personal experiences. However, when it comes to music production and arrangement, our brother plays a crucial role. He has an incredible ear for sound and helps us bring our ideas to life. While we work as a team, his expertise in production gives our music the polished sound that you hear.
So, he’s the one-man show?
Tetseo Sisters: In many ways, yes! But we wouldn’t be where we are today without the guidance of our parents, who introduced us to music at a young age. Our family has always been supportive of our journey, and our upbringing played a major role in shaping our musical abilities. While our brother handles a lot of the technical aspects, we are all equally involved in the creative decisions, making it a true family effort.
How many countries have you travelled to so far?
Tetseo Sisters: Over the years, we have had the incredible opportunity to travel to nearly 20-25 countries, showcasing our Naga folk music on various prestigious platforms. Every country we visit offers a unique experience, and we are always thrilled to see how audiences from different cultures connect with our music. It’s amazing to witness how folk music, despite its regional roots, resonates with people worldwide.
So, who’s the oldest and youngest among you?
Tetseo Sisters: That’s something we like to keep a mystery! It’s fun to let people guess.
It was great speaking with you! Your journey is inspiring, any final thoughts?
Tetseo Sisters: Thank you for having us! We are honoured to be a part of IPRS Stage and grateful for this platform to share our music and heritage. It’s a privilege to represent our culture and keep our traditions alive through music.
