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Lengtong Pauno (1962-2021)

Lengtong Pauno was a Zomi Lengtong Pauno singer-songwriter known for his lyrical, romantic, and patriotic songs. He was probably the most important Zomi musical artist to date in terms of contribution to Zomi identity, culture, consciousness, influence and song volume. He composed songs in traditional, proverbial language as well as plain, lyrical language. He was much loved and admired by Zomi people, both musicians and non-musicians alike, and has been called "Zomi Labupi" -- literally meaning the Big Songbook of Zomi people -- for his great and cherished songs.

Lengtong Pauno was born Cin Za Hu Pau in Sakollam, Tedim in Chin State on August 23, 1962. He was the youngest of eleven siblings. His parents were Pu Zel Khaw Kai and Pi Ciang Khaw Niang. Tg. "Pauno", as he was called at home, was interested in songs and music since childhood. He wrote his first songs at the age of eight and sang them in Sunday School classes. He had a crush on a much older lady once when he was only eleven, and wrote his first love song, which he said is a little bit embarrassing thinking back it now. He never completed a formal education since life was difficult especially in those days. Neither did he ever received a proper training in music. He forged his own ways and created his own original folk-like music. So despite there are certain changes and developments in music styles and musical sensibilities among Zomi people over the years, his songs are still much loved and listened by many people today probably because of that unique style, relatableness, and lyrical depth. Even children love and sing his songs by heart.

Tg. Pauno joined a music group named "Lengtong" band in 1981. The Lengtong members include Lengtong Pauno, Lengtong Kam Khen, Go Hau, Sua Mang, and Pau Thawn. The word "Lengtong" in Zomi language can mean two things: one is Lengtong Hoih, the name of a young girl who is known for her legendary beauty in Zomi tale, and the other is Lengtong Paak, the name of a certain local flower. (According to one account, the original group before Tg. Pauno joined in was called "Lengtong Hoih" band. But when the group applied for a permission to perform a musical concert, as all social or communal activities must be first approved by the government or officials in those days, they dropped the word "Hoih" because the Burmese type set didn't have the word or equivalent word for it.) Together the Lengtong band released three Lengtong song albums (Lengtong No. 1, 2, 3). By this time, there are many people who bear the name Pauno, and so Tg. Pauno came to be known as "Lengtong Pauno", to distinguish him as the one who sang in the Lengtong albums. He would tell in later interviews that he preferred the name Pauno, because that's the name his ancestors gave him and that it has that special and cultural significance. Lengtong Pauno continued to produce more albums on his own.

His songs covered a wide range of subjects and issues, from filial piety to love stories, from childhood memories to patriotic hymns, from traditional myths to contemporary life experiences, and from breakup and longing to Christian songs. He wrote about 200 songs during his lifetime and about 60 of them have been recorded in studios. His greatest hits of all time include Zomi Ka Hihi (I Am Zomi), Ka Nu Aw Neam (My Mother's Tender Voice), Lei Theih Hilo (Money Can't Buy), Nang Na Zuang Lo Maw (Don't You Miss Me?), Itna Sum leh Paai (Love is Money), Von Nih Thumte Tunnu (Mother of My Children), Meitei Gun (Meitei River aka Manipur River), and Zogam Hong Paal Ding (The Land of Zomi Will Come to Blossom) and more. In 2006, Lengtong Pauno organized and performed Silver Jubilee Concert in EFCM Hall, Tahan to commemorate the 25th year of his singing career. Famed Zomi singers and musicians such as Kapno, Thawn Kham, Sangpi and others, along with Falcon Band, joined the celebration.

Lengtong Pauno was not only influential in songs and music. He also involved actively in social and community services, both local and abroad. For example, he used to serve as an advisor for ZRC (Zomi Refugee Committee). He also got invited to other countries such as Malaysia and the U. S. by Zomi communities living there for his performances. In recognition for his community and social services, the Chin State Government awarded Lengtong Pauno for the category of Outstanding Performances in Social Services in early 2021.

Lengtong Pauno passed away on January 8, 2021 in Kalaymyo. His body will be transported and buried in Tuithang, his ancestral and permanent residential place, in Chin State.

Lengtong Pauno was a pioneer in what can be called Zomi music industry and he was one of the earliest singers to release a song album in Zogam (Chin State). He influenced younger generations and guided many Zomi musical artists. His songs and lyrics inspired Zomi patriotism, unity, and filial piety. His lyrical love songs set a new standard for Zomi love songs and love philosophy. Pu Lengtong Pauno will be dearly missed. His songs and legacy will live on in the history and cultural memory of Zomi people.

Consulted Sources 1. Zomi Broadcasting 2. Zomi Refugee Committee Facebook page 3.Tuithang Times 4. Tedim Times 5. Phualva Melmuh Tongsan Collection YouTube channel

Disclaimer: Any factual mistake or error containing in this post, if there is any, means the results of insufficient information available to me and I will be happy to correct it or add more information accordingly.

By: Gin Suan Tung