World Music Day: Meet the Tetseo sisters using YouTube to keep their language alive – Times of India

Saw the YouTube ad with Tetseo sisters from Nagaland singing songs in their native language. This World Music Day, Times of India Tech-Gadgets Now spoke to the Tetseo sisters — Mercy, Kuvely, Azi and Lulu — who started the YouTube channel to keep the language alive. Their channel, which focuses exclusively on music in the Chokri language, has captivated audience across India.
What made you start your channel on YouTube?
Firstly, because there was no content about Nagaland or Chakhesang Nagas or any of the tribes for that matter. We also felt it was a good way to tell the world about our culture and land through our music and the folksongs that we love so much. And it was the perfect way to reintroduce our own Naga people to Chakhesang culture, the language, the songs and all the things that are slowly dying out – and preserve it in the process.
We are glad that our channel has been used as a resource and reference point for many exhibitions, talks and showcases about Nagaland and her rich culture and even as a means/tool to empower indigenous tribals and women.
Why have you picked YouTube per se as a platform to keep the Chokri language alive?
We started our YouTube channel before social media was the explosive thing it is now and at that point in time, YouTube was the easiest way to share content. It was an ideal way to share videos of performances and music as a demo for event organisers as well; specifically because we wanted to share colourful visuals of our culture- the music, the language, the costumes and glimpses of our land for all to see, in the bigger scheme of things. YouTube is still one of the most powerful platform for content sharing with maximum access for both audience and creators from all over the globe. So it has been a no brainer and we are glad we started early.
What were the challenges that you faced in your journey on YouTube?
The challenges we faced have been mostly in the process of creating content that best described and showcased what we wanted to spotlight. Like a lack of access to videographers, budgets etc so we approached it from a DIY perspective and that’s what we continue to do. We are so lucky that we get to work with wonderful creative people who have been helping us translate our visions into content that we can share with our viewers.
What is the single thing that you think made your channel popular?
Definitely our unique content and our signature presentations. The music, colours and visuals that is easily recognisable.
Any message for fellow YouTube creators?
Keep creating to spread love, positivity and start conversations that uplift humanity and bring us all together.