About the songs we sing.

Chokri music is one of a kind. It is unique and a tad challenging.
One can only imagine the variety of Li the Chakhesangs have. Every Village has a different set of Li, each more soulful than the other. However different or similar the many flavours of Li form all over the many Chakhesang villages,  one thing everyone can agree on is that Li is special.

It is lively and can immediately grab people's attention and leaves a lasting impression.

The lyrics are so original and clever but unfortunately the essence gets lost in translation.

No other language can quite capture the beauty of Li but the melody can somehow

convey the meaning of the song and hence people can relate to it.

Some of the songs we sing can transport you to battlefields of yore where you rub shoulders with deadly head hunters, feel their raw courage and brutal angst or mourn with star crossed lovers in their darkest desolation. That’s the kind of feelings the power of Li can evoke.

A phrase commonly used in folk songs is "Nehi mozo, Hanü di yole" in love themed songs and for others "Do she mori, do küda tele"

Literal meaning is "I have no desire/love for anyone but you" "I want nobody but you" "There is no other love but the love I have for you" and "My Art is not perfect yet, but giving it a try in all humility" or "With practice, we will be perfect". Almost every Li starts with either of these phrases. 

It is a humble way of respectfully inviting others to join in the singing. How wonderful the ways of our Ancestors!

It is the Naga way of saying let's make some music but the expression used is "my voice is but a whimper but together we can create a harmony". Always giving honor to the others first.

Most of the Li are either love songs or tales of glory/war/gratitude to nature/spirits/daily life. Li is made up of verses, chants, harmonised calling usually between two groups or a leader and followers, ad lib and has coda, bridges and can be sung as a medley too.

We, Tetseo Sisters, mostly perform medleys built around a theme as the occasion demands.

The most wonderful part of Li is the unique harmonising. Li can be sung in eight different voices in unison on both sides (Leading side and following side). Most of the Lis are like a conversation thread, so there is the comment and response pattern. Or as a soulful solo or lilting duet/trio. Such are the many avatars of Li.

Adding to the wonderful harmony is the chants and war cry by the menfolk which will give any listener the chills (Albeit in a nice way) and will take you back to another time and place.
In our debut album, Chapter One, we hope to put together a sample of various types of Li and themes ranging from birth to death and songs of Love and Legends.

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