“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” ~Walt Whitman. Following in this light, we try to surround ourselves and our readers with a happy dose of happy inspirational stories daily. For, to be in the company of interesting folks is always a delight – especially on days when we are feeling dull and uninspired.
Today, we have a charming and talented 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Nagaland, who is also a full-time master’s student of Olericulture at SHUATS Allahabad. Tzudikumzuk Lemtur a.k.a TK Lemtur from Mokokchung is a passionate singer and songwriter, and a fashionable one at that! We caught up with him to know more about him, and also to get a taste of his sartorial style.
T.K Lemtur from Nagaland takes us through his musical journey, his Naga roots, his fashionable indulgences and much more!
T.K Lemtur from Nagaland
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Hello TK! Tell us a little about yourself and what you’ve been up to.
I am Tzudikumzuk Lemtur, better known as TK Lemtur. I’m 24 years old from Mokokchung, Nagaland and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Olericulture (the science of vegetable growing) from SHUATS, Allahabad. I am the youngest sibling of two but I behave and look like the older brother to a sweet sister.
“I am a food enthusiast and though I like to cook, I’d choose eating over cooking any day. I am an art lover, dog lover, cat lover and Netflix aficionado. I also like to occasionally grab a good book to end a dull day. I sing as well, and I my guilty pleasure is to collect vintage clothing… or as my sister prefers to call it ‘Clutter hoarding’ :D!”
TK wearing a vintage collection inspired by 1980’s gabardine -curated by his mother, Arenla Matsung (who is a fashion designer)
TK wearing a vintage collection inspired by 1980’s gabardine curated by his mother, Arenla Matsung.
T.K Lemtur from Nagaland
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What initially sparked your interest in writing music and singing?
I would say I’m what you would call an ‘accidental singer’. I first started out as a pianist, then joined a choir and suddenly found myself singing and realized I thoroughly enjoyed it.
TK Lemtur playing a traditional Naga Bamhum – a wind instrument made with bamboo.
TK Lemtur playing a traditional Naga Bamhum – a wind instrument made with bamboo.
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What is your creative philosophy and where do you draw your inspiration from?
“When it comes to song writing, I write about whatever I feel at the moment, and draw inspiration from my own experiences. I still have a long way to go and have so much more to learn as a songwriter – and a musician in general. In my music, I try to bring whatever I have/I am in terms of the soul and the feels. It’s pretty much a modus operanti of putting myself out to the world. Music will always be my safe haven and an extension of my being.”
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Who has been your biggest support through your journey as a musician?
Definitely my Mum and Dad. They had me and my sister hooked on to piano lessons since we were kids and have always been supportive of our musical ventures.
“It was actually my mum’s dream to have her kids train as classical musicians – and of course with undeviated attention from academics (my parents were pretty strict about that too :p) My sister is now a full-time classical pianist.”
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How have your roots and upbringing influenced your taste in music?
Childhood was fun but not in the conventional way (perks of having overprotective and strict parents). Piano lessons started from when I was in the second standard followed by choir and many extracurricular activities mostly related to theatre and academics. So my fun pretty much revolved around or had to do with the spotlight. Thanks to which I grew up as a confident kid.
“I was introduced to music and art at a young age. Piano lessons, choir, theatre, and art were pretty much my favorite activities. The music I grew up with was mostly classical and church oriented. As I grew up and the more I got immersed in music, the more I learned about the power of voicing one’s true self through art forms.”
I then started working on my own style of music and I’m happy to still be on this journey of growth and self-discovery. My parents have always been our biggest cheerleaders and I guess that is a huge bonus for me and for my sister.
TK Lemtur performing Live at the Music Fair 2017 in Nagaland
TK Lemtur performing Live at the Music Fair 2017 in Nagaland
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We hear you are a full time student too – and a lover of fashion. How do you juggle all these passions? What does a regular day in your life look like?
As I am currently pursuing my Masters in Olericulture (Science of production, storage, processing, and marketing of vegetables), a regular day of mine is much like any other university student’s. Most days I am busy with classes, submissions, synopsis, field work and sessional exams. But I always make time for my daily dose of webtoons. Weekends I try to catch up with my friends and singing.
“I love collecting vintage clothing so updating my wardrobe comes effortlessly that way 🙂 It’s just another passionate indulgence of mine – just like I enjoy unwinding with some music every now and then.”
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Do you have any projects you’ve been working on or releases that we can look forward to?
Currently, I’m working on a track with this very talented rapper from Kohima – Moko Koza. It’s not a fancy studio project but we are trying to make it work with a raw ambient and soulful feel. Other than that, since I am pretty much occupied by my research work, I am taking my time to write new songs. I hope to release a mini album and some collaborations, provided I get to come back home and hit the studio.
Hanging out with his close friends enjoying their weekend.
Hanging out with his close friends enjoying their weekend.
TK Lemtur Chilling at Dimori Cove Zakhama, Nagaland
TK Lemtur Chilling at Dimori Cove Zakhama, Nagaland
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We love your unique sense of style too. Tell us more about your sartorial choices.
Thank you. I don’t follow many trends but I wear whatever I feel is ‘me’ and comfortable. Comfort is but the most important thing. I do prefer a lot of basics and solids and I also go for stripes and checked patterns. Anything in dark, grey or white is a big yasss! White sneakers and boots will always have a special place in my wardrobe.
TK Lemtur being his endearing self – wearing an oversized coat from Zara.
TK Lemtur being his endearing self – wearing an oversized coat from Zara
TK Lemtur
Rapid Fire with TK Lemtur:
- Your style icons – Mom & my uncle who are both fashion designers.
- Favorite brands – Zara, H&M, Nike and Addidas.
- What’s on your playlist? – Brahny- Bloom, Monsune – Nothing in return, One kiss – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa, Franz Liszt, Daley
- Fav grooming brand/ product: Ustraa hair wax’ (Love the citrus smell) and the ‘Farmavita Italy Hd Life Style Matte Paste/Strong Hold’ clay wax.
TK Lemtur at NLDB (Nagaland Livestock. Development Board) Kohima.
TK Lemtur at NLDB (Nagaland Livestock. Development Board) Kohima.
Follow TK Lemtur on Instagram to listen to his soulful covers and for some style inspiration
- A Naga Bride Reminisces About Her Wedding Day | A Chat With Cheryl Kevichusa from Nagaland - October 24, 2018
- A Chat With the Super Stylish and Soulful Singer-Songwriter, TK Lemtur from Mokokchung, Nagaland - October 8, 2018
- Traditional Naga Accessories Making a Fashionable Comeback - April 24, 2017