By inventing the bamboo-based Bamhum, Moa Subong changed the way Naga music sounds. As a creative thinker and founder of the band Abiogenesis, he brings together traditional culture and new ideas to create something truly unique.
“Necessity facilitates invention,” Moa Subong’s often says, a philosophy that led him to create the Bamhum, a wind musical instrument made from bamboo. He also created a new music genre called Howey and an instrument called Tikzik. These inventions not only redefined Naga folk music but also got him Padma Shri in 2023.
Born in Nagaland, a place full of folk traditions and music, Moa Subong started his musical journey with rock music, like many young people his age. He was part of high school music groups, honing his skills and discovering the possibilities of contemporary sounds. However, as he matured, a different calling began to resonate within him – a desire to connect with the authentic sounds of his homeland. He sought to create unique Naga musical expressions.
What he realised was that traditional Naga music lacked versatile non-percussion instruments. These instruments needed to play all notes and compositions. Western instruments did not capture Naga melodies. This problem inspired his invention. Moa wanted an instrument that could be played instantly. “This served as a trigger and prompted me to develop an instrument that could be played instantly and had an indigenous sound,” Moa recalled in an interview, describing the genesis of the Bamhum.
What followed was a process of rigorous experimentation. Creating the Bamhum took much time and effort. Moa has a natural talent for music and knows about different materials. He carefully made the instrument from strong bamboo. He designed it to go well with his wife Arenla’s unique singing voice.
The Bamhum, a durable, medium-sized, flute-like bamboo instrument, was finally unveiled in 2005 by the then Governor of Meghalaya, M.M. Jacob, at the International Bamboo Fest in Shillong. The instrument was instantly celebrated for its accessibility and intuitive appeal. Bamhum could be played by simply humming into it, making it easier even to novices. ““When a person tries to play it for the first time, and finds that he can, it amazes him and makes him want to own one,” says Moa.
Crafting a new sound
The invention of the Bamhum transformed more than just Moa’s musical practice — it catalysed a full reimagining of genre. Abiogenesis, the band founded by Moa and Arenla, transitioned from rock to a strikingly original form they called Howey Music. Drawing from folk tunes, tribal rhythms, and contemporary sensibilities, Howey Music became a medium through which untold Naga stories could find a voice.
“Now we play only original Howey music through which we tell the untold stories of Nagaland,” Moa proudly states, emphasizing their commitment to preserving and popularizing Naga folklores in an appealing way. The lyrics of their songs are primarily in English, and many are instrumental, allowing the music to transcend linguistic barriers while still carrying the heart of Nagaland.
Moa Subong kept inventing beyond the Bamhum. He also created the Tizkzik, a bamboo percussion instrument. It’s like a drum but is made to not overpower other instruments. The Tizkzik produces four different sounds. This instrument, also used by his band Abiogenesis, enriches their unique music.
Recognition and future plans
Moa Subong’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. On March 4, 2017, he received the 9th National Grassroots Innovation Award from the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The National Innovation Foundation of India, after an extensive countrywide search and a rigorous selection process that shortlisted 33,000 innovators, recognised Moa among 17 national-level awardees.
This recognition led to his participation in the prestigious Innovative Scholars In-Residence Programme at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, a unique initiative to acknowledge and foster grassroots innovations. His invention, the Bamhum, gained significant attention, thanks in no small part to Arenla, the frontwoman of Abiogenesis, who actively popularised its distinctive sound.
The National Innovation Foundation is also supporting Moa in setting up a Bamhum manufacturing unit to facilitate mass production, a testament to the instrument’s growing demand and potential In 2023, the Government of India honoured Moa Subong with the Padma Shri for his contributions to the arts. For a musician who started out with rock covers and ended up redefining folk fusion through invention, the award is a formal affirmation of his unique legacy.
Moa Subong still has many creative plans. He plans new music and an album, plus several music videos. A documentary about the Bamhum by Ravi Raju was already shown at the Mumbai International Film Festival. His biggest upcoming project is a feature film based on Naga folklore, with a script written by his wife, Arenla.
