An Indian indie musician, Nyishi finger-style guitarist, and multilingual singer-songwriter, Taba Chake is celebrated for tracks like ‘Aao Chalein’, ‘Shaayad’, and ‘Walk With Me’ from his album Bombay Dreams.
Writing in Nyishi, Hindi, Assamese, and English, he is the first artist from Arunachal Pradesh to release Nyishi-language songs on streaming platforms. His music blends folk, indie, and contemporary influences. In 2024, he composed five songs for Shoojit Sircar’s film I Want To Talk, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Johnny Lever. Recently, he was appointed Honorary Brand Ambassador for the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and is currently touring the UK.
Speaking to Asian Voice about his UK tour and performing for an international audience, Taba said, “Performing abroad has been a dream of mine since I first picked up my instrument. Touring internationally is something I’ve always worked toward, and I’m honestly overwhelmed and excited. Knowing that shows in Manchester, London, and Winchester are already sold out, and seeing messages asking for more seats, is truly incredible.”
Speaking about hosting an intimate music workshop in London, Taba said, “I haven’t done many songwriting workshops before, but this one will be relaxed—more like a casual chat about ideas and creativity. I’m really looking forward to meeting aspiring musicians in London. If my stories or experiences can inspire someone to create their own music, there’s no better feeling than that.”
On connecting with local South Asian communities and indie artists abroad, he added, “No matter your field, it’s always valuable to connect with your community wherever you go. That support and sense of belonging are powerful; it gives you confidence and reminds you that you’re not alone. It also helps build meaningful relationships and collaborations.”
Reflecting on his Arunachali roots, Taba explained, “I come from a tribal background, where I grew up listening to priests chanting for days during major ceremonies. The rhythms and melodies stayed with me. At the same time, Bollywood music was always playing in the background on cassette tapes, thanks to my uncle. Later, I explored metal and rock before moving into songwriting, partly due to the challenges of managing metal bands. Now, when I write songs, being near mountains and rivers is incredibly inspiring, the natural beauty always finds its way into my music.”
On upcoming projects, he said, “I’m eager to collaborate more, especially with artists whose music either blends with my sound or brings something completely different. When two unique styles come together to create something you couldn’t do alone, that’s when real magic happens.”
