Zomi Music Uplift Society USA
Preserving Culture, Uplifting Through Music
Preserving Culture, Uplifting Through Music
The Zomi people are an indigenous ethnic group with origins in the mountainous regions spanning the borders of Myanmar (Burma), India, and Bangladesh. Rich in cultural traditions and with a distinctive linguistic heritage, the Zomi have maintained their unique identity through music, dance, storytelling, and community celebrations for centuries.
Music has always been central to Zomi culture—it accompanies every significant life event, celebrates our connection to the land, expresses our spirituality, and preserves our collective memory and values. From lullabies sung to infants to ceremonial music that marks life transitions, Zomi musical traditions create a tapestry of sound that connects generations and communities.
As Zomi communities have established new homes in the United States, the need to preserve and pass on these musical traditions has become increasingly important, especially for younger generations born or raised away from the ancestral homeland.
How ZOMUS USA began and evolved
The Zomi Music Uplift Society USA (ZOMUS) began as an informal gathering of community members in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2000. Led by a small group of musicians, cultural leaders, and dedicated community members, these early meetings focused on singing traditional songs and playing traditional instruments in living rooms and community spaces.
As the Zomi population in Tulsa and surrounding areas grew throughout the early 2000s, these musical gatherings became more structured. The founding members recognized a pressing need to document and teach these musical traditions to preserve them for future generations.
In 2010, ZOMUS officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formalizing its mission to preserve, document, and teach traditional Zomi music. What began as local gatherings has since grown into a nationwide network of chapters and members dedicated to cultural preservation through music.
Today, ZOMUS USA connects Zomi communities across America, creating platforms for cultural expression, education, and the continuation of musical traditions that might otherwise be lost in the diaspora experience.
The people who make up ZOMUS USA
ZOMUS USA is made up of a diverse community of people united by their love for Zomi musical traditions and cultural heritage. Our members include:
From master performers of traditional instruments to younger musicians learning their cultural heritage, our musical community spans generations and skill levels.
Dedicated teachers who pass on musical knowledge and cultural context through formal classes, workshops, and mentorship relationships.
Community members committed to documenting, archiving, and maintaining Zomi cultural expressions for future generations.
Friends and allies from various backgrounds who appreciate Zomi culture and contribute to its preservation through their support.
From our founding community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ZOMUS USA has grown to include chapters and members in 15 states across the country, with particularly active communities in Oklahoma, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, and California.
Our distinctive approach to cultural preservation through music
We address the unique challenges of preserving cultural heritage in diaspora communities, creating adaptive approaches that maintain authenticity while acknowledging the realities of life in America.
We create structured opportunities for elders to pass musical knowledge to younger generations, ensuring traditions continue even as community contexts change.
Our digital archive combines traditional knowledge with modern technology, creating accessible resources for community members regardless of geographic location.
We foster connections between Zomi communities worldwide and with other cultural groups, creating opportunities for mutual learning and appreciation.
What ZOMUS means to our members
"ZOMUS has given my children a connection to their heritage that I feared might be lost. Seeing my daughter learn the same songs my grandmother taught me is a gift beyond words."
"As an elder musician, I worried my knowledge would die with me. Through ZOMUS, I've taught dozens of young people our traditional songs and recorded them for future generations."
"Born in the U.S., I had little connection to my Zomi roots until I joined the youth music program. Now I'm proud to perform traditional songs while also creating new music inspired by our heritage."
As we look to the future, ZOMUS USA remains committed to adapting and evolving while staying true to our core mission of preserving Zomi musical heritage. We continue to expand our programs, develop new educational resources, and build connections between communities across the country.
We invite you to join us in this important work—whether as a member, volunteer, donor, or participant in our programs. Together, we can ensure that the music that has sustained Zomi communities for generations continues to uplift and inspire for generations to come.