Colored Keys

Colored Keys
Colored Keys
Origin	Dimapur, Nagaland, India
Genres	Folk; Classical; Blues; Experimental;
Years active	2014–present
Members	Kehodi Yoho; Neikuo Khezhie; Kehepe Letro
Past members	Kenei Mepfhüo

Colored Keys is a trio folk band based in Nagaland, India. The members Kehodi Yoho, Neikuo Khezhie and Kehepe Letro were all previously associated with different renowned groups and bands. It was their inevitable love for music and similarities in taste and style of songs that brought them together in 2014 to form the band - Colored Keys. The band’s musical influences are varied and they draw inspiration from Queen, Andrea Brocelli, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Adele and Il Divo, and most importantly the folk music and tales of their homeland.

Colored Keys has created a seismic impact in the music industry, infusing their sonic palette with a delectable fusion of contemporary and folk elements. Drawing inspiration from diverse musical traditions spanning opera to rock fusion, they have skilfully crafted a melodic tapestry that reflects the spirit and voices of the people of Nagaland. Their music serves as a vivid canvas, depicting the vibrant colors of their homeland whilst weaving enchanting ballads steeped in folk influences. Notwithstanding their talent to sing varied tracks in their distinctive flavour, the band’s flair is that all the members write and compose original music, drawing in their rich and diverse musical experiences of more than a decade.

The Colored Keys are committed to the idea of arranging music from different types of genres—contemporary, rock, ballad, semi classical and Folk Fusion —in their own unique interpretation and flair, all with the intention of promoting positive and decent music. They based their band name around their vision too; to spread their music to all sections of people by not confining themselves to a particular genre, and to have variety and creativity in their pieces.

The band has performed across the globe in countries like the United Kingdom, Thailand, Bhutan, South Korea, Scotland, and Indonesia. Closer to home, they have regaled audiences at the Music Awards of Nagaland, “Coffee for a Cause”, Blue Fox Mumbai, Handshake Concert, Opening Act for ABBA New Generation from Sweden, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Sarang Fest (in major cities of South Korea), Ziro Festival of Music (Arunachal Pradesh), G20 Summit, etc., including making regular appearances at the Hornbill Festival.

The Members :

Neikuo Khezhie : He is a singer, songwriter and a composer. He was trained both in classical and contemporary music under Nise Meruno. He is a former band member of Zowe Madrigal (a neo classical male band) and Mount of Clay (a rock band). He is also a five timed recipient of the Certificate of Excellence in Teaching from RSL. With a teaching experience of over a decade, he is currently a vocal coach with Mountain Music Academy (MMA).

Role in the Band : Tenor

Instruments : Cajon, Drums

Kehodi Yoho : He grew up from a well-knitted music loving family and later joined Patkai Christian College and took formal training in chorale music under Kughaho Chishi. He is a former member of Nagaland Singing Ambassador led by Lipok Tzudir, and Zowe Madrigal (a neo classical male band). He also a music instructor and an entrepreneur.

Role in the Band : Baritone

Instruments : Keyboard, Guitar

Kehepe Letro : He is a singer and composer, who completed music course from Patkai Christian College. He also completed Music Theory Grade-5 and later completed Grade-8 vocal from Trinity Board London, trained by Nise Meruno. He is a former member of Nagaland Chamber Choir, and Zowe Madrigal (a neo classical male band). He is also a trained violinist who began his career as a violin instructor. With a teaching experience of over a decade, he is currently a vocal coach with Musik-A.

Role in the Band : Tenor

Instruments : Violin, Guitar

History

The group was formed in 2014 by Kehodi Yoho, Neikuo Khezhie, Kehepe Letro in Dimapur, Nagaland.^[1] The trio has since performed major festivals including Ziro Festival of Music in Ziro, Blue Frog in Mumbai, Sarang Festival in Seoul and the Hornbill Festival in Kisama.

Band members

Current members

Kehodi Yoho – vocals (2014–present)
Neikuo Khezhie – vocals (2014–present)
Kehepe Letro – vocals (2014–present)

Former members

Kenei Mepfhüo

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Song	Result	Ref.
2017	Music Awards of Nagaland	Best Folk Fusion	"Warrior's Call"	Won	^[2]
2017	Music Awards of Nagaland	Best Producer	Warrior's Call	Won
2021	Music Awards of Nagaland	Best Folk Fusion	"Beyond Boundaries"	Nominated	^[3]