MUMBAI: The 'Screamo Punk Festival 2009' was organised last week in Manipur in an effort to promote the talent of youth in the north eastern region. The music festival featured bands from Nagaland, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

The idea behind the festival is to promote local talents and encourage budding musicians. Most musicians coming from north-east are extremely good at the art - and many have carved a niche after being a part for various bands, or working in the film industry. HOwever, the music scene in Manipur is in poor condition because of militant insurgency says Moli R Mao, convenor of the organising committee.

The bands featured at the Punk Festival were 'Sweet Disorder' and 'Lost & Found' from Manipur, 'Against All Odds', 'Grieve On Eve' and 'A Story To Kill' from Kohima. Rappers like Popping Jizzle and A.Kayina from Delhi and Kolkata marked the act. The one-day event was held in collaboration with Hill Sound Senapati and hosted by Moli Ariina Mao and co-hosted by Advance Acoustics Sound and M.Lee Music Gallery. Youth and Hope Foundation Manipur sponsored the event.

'Screamo Punk Festival' will be extending to Imphal, Shillong and other parts of the northeast next year says Moli R Mao.