“Naga Manu…Naga Manu…” These are the words of an iconic song that is in every “Naga manu” playlist, old and young humming to this tune and all credit goes to our very own Hip-Hop rapper, songwriter Moko Koza.
One of the most popular Hip-hop artists Nagaland has ever produced, a 27-year-old, Moko Koza has now become a household name in Nagaland and has also won recognition for his catchy lyrics and beats across the entire North-east region and beyond.
He is a true pathbreaker because of his courage and willingness to fearlessly highlight the hypocrisy, corruption, and day-to-day life struggles attached to the Naga society and promote Naga culture by using local dialects in his music.
Significantly, in April 2023 Koza also won the Radio City Freedom Award for best Hip-hop/Rap artist for his song “Naga Manu”.
Nagaland Tribune caught up with this super-talented artist and we want you to come along for the ride as we take a peek into the life of our very own superstar.
Mvüko Koza aka Moko Koza grew up in a very regular Naga family with five siblings in the state capital Kohima. He did his schooling at Ministers’ Hill Higher Secondary School and did his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Anthropology from Kohima Science College, Jotsoma.
Behind the big curtains, he is actually a shy, calm, humble, and low-key person. When he is not doing music, he likes to be himself and stay at home playing his favorite play station games. And he is a great cook too! One local dish he excels at cooking and eating is bamboo shoots with fresh pork.
Koza, in his own words, fell in love with Hip-hop at a very early age during his high school days (2003-2004) and the first artist he was introduced to was Eminem. He said, “It was more like, started as a fascination and with the western gang culture. I used to rap along with them and sing their lyrics and I didn’t know that I would take music professionally in the future. It was more like a hobby, following their lifestyle, keeping up with their music, and gradually as I entered college, I started writing my own songs for my hobby but gradually the attachment grew.”
