Zomi Music Uplift Society USA
Preserving, Promoting, and Uplifting Zomi Identity
Preserving, Promoting, and Uplifting Zomi Identity
The guiding principles behind our work
What we strive to accomplish every day
The mission of Zomi Music Uplift Society USA (ZOMUS) is to preserve, promote, and uplift Zomi identity, music, and culture through education, cultural events, and artistic expression, ensuring that future generations continue to celebrate and embrace their heritage.
"ZOMUS exists to preserve, promote, and uplift Zomi music and culture, fostering unity and identity through musical expression, cultural preservation, and community engagement."
We pursue this mission through a variety of strategic initiatives:
Recording, archiving, and digitizing traditional Zomi music, songs, and instrumental techniques to ensure they are not lost to time.
Teaching younger generations about Zomi musical traditions through workshops, classes, and mentorship programs.
Creating opportunities for Zomi musicians to perform and share their talents through concerts, competitions, and cultural events.
Fostering connections among Zomi people across the United States through shared cultural experiences and collaborative projects.
Sharing Zomi musical heritage with broader American society and engaging in intercultural dialogue and exchange.
The future we are working to create
We envision a world where Zomi culture and music are celebrated and preserved for generations to come, fostering unity, pride, and cultural awareness within the Zomi community and beyond.
We envision Zomi musical traditions thriving in the United States, with both traditional forms preserved authentically and new expressions emerging that blend heritage with contemporary influences.
We envision younger generations of Zomi-Americans who are deeply connected to their cultural roots, appreciating and participating in their musical heritage while adding their own voices.
We envision a comprehensive digital archive of Zomi music that serves as a resource for both the community and researchers, documenting our rich musical heritage for posterity.
We envision Zomi music being recognized and appreciated in the broader American cultural landscape, with Zomi artists having platforms to share their talents widely.
We envision a united Zomi community where music serves as a bridge between different regions, dialects, and generations, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
We envision establishing Zomi cultural centers in major population centers that serve as hubs for musical education, performance, and community gathering.
The principles that guide our actions and decisions
We value faithful representation and preservation of Zomi musical traditions, ensuring that cultural expressions maintain their integrity even as they evolve in new contexts.
We welcome all Zomi people regardless of dialect, region of origin, or religious background, creating spaces where diverse expressions of Zomi identity are honored and celebrated.
While honoring tradition, we encourage creativity and innovation that allows Zomi music to remain relevant and vibrant for contemporary audiences and future generations.
We believe in sharing knowledge and skills across generations, ensuring that cultural wisdom is passed down through effective teaching and mentorship.
We foster partnerships within the Zomi community and with external organizations to maximize our impact and create meaningful cultural exchanges.
We operate with transparency, accountability, and ethical principles in all our activities, honoring the trust placed in us by our community and supporters.
Our roadmap for advancing our mission in the coming years
Complete the comprehensive digital archive of traditional Zomi music, including at least 500 recordings, 100 video performances, and documentation of all known traditional instruments.
Establish structured music education programs in all state chapters, reaching at least 500 Zomi youth annually with hands-on instruction in traditional instruments and vocal techniques.
Expand the Zomi Lengthe Competition into a weeklong festival of Zomi music and culture, with participation from international Zomi communities and mainstream media coverage.
Establish the first dedicated Zomi Cultural Center with performance space, teaching facilities, recording studio, and community gathering areas.
Develop partnerships with at least three major cultural institutions (museums, performing arts centers, universities) to showcase Zomi music to broader audiences.
Publish a comprehensive guide to Zomi music, including historical context, instrument descriptions, notation of key compositions, and teaching materials for educational use.
There are many ways you can help support and advance our mission of preserving and promoting Zomi musical heritage.