Moko Koza
Moko Koza | |
|---|---|
Koza performing in Ukhrul, 2022 | |
| Born | Mvüko Koza 15 June 1996 |
| Education | Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School |
| Alma mater | Kohima Science College (Anthropology) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Kohima |
| Genres | |
| Label | Infinity Inc. |
Mvüko Koza (born 15 June 1996), known professionally as Moko Koza, is an Indian rapper and songwriter from Nagaland.[1] He is recognised as one of the first rappers to introduce multi-lingual and folk-fusion rap in Nagaland.[2][3]
Early life
Mvüko Koza was born on 15 June 1996 in Kohima, Nagaland to a Chakhesang Naga family with roots from Khezhakeno.[1][4] He is the second son among four brothers and has two younger sisters. He did his early education in Shalom School from 2000 to 2001 and later attended Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School in Kohima from 2002 to 2011. Koza completed his master's degree in Anthropology from Kohima Science College, Jotsoma in 2019.[5][1]
He has been involved in rap since 2005 when he first obtained the CD of Eminem's film 8 Mile (2002) during a visit to a CD store with his father.[4]
Career
Koza released his debut single "Just My Imagination" in 2013, followed by several other singles and collaborations, including "Internationally Known" and "Happy Today."[6]
In 2017, Koza released "One Day" (Khunhie Puo), a multi-lingual song where he rapped in both English and his local dialect, Tenyidie. The song went viral and received positive feedback from listeners. He later released his first Nagamese rap song, "Puisa," in 2018, which also garnered a positive response.[6] In 2019, Koza signed with Infinity Inc., a record label based in Dimapur.[7]
In September 2022, Koza released his debut album titled "Naga Manu".[8]
In 2025, Koza's music was featured in the third season of the Indian web series The Family Man, an espionage thriller created by Raj & DK and released on Amazon Prime Video.[9]
Personal life
Koza was raised in a Christian family.[1]
Discography
Studio albums
- Naga Manu (2022)[10]
Television
| Year | Film | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Paatal Lok season 2 | Web series | [11] |
| 2025 | The Family Man season 3 | Web series | [12] |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Song | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Music Awards of Nagaland | Best Hip-Hop/Rap | "Heal" | Won | [13] |
| 2019 | Music Awards of Nagaland | Best Hip-Hop/Rap | "Happy Today" | Won | [14] |
| 2023 | Radio City Freedom Award | Best Hip-Hop/Rap | "Naga Manu" | Won | [15] |
Other awards
| Year | Award | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | TaFMA Excellence Award | [16] |
| 2025 | Governor's Award for Excellence in Music | [17] |
References
- ^ a b c d Wangchuk, Rinchen Norbu (15 June 2023). "Nagaland's Biggest Rapper Moko Koza Chose Hip Hop Over MBBS To Speak for His People". The Better India. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Getting to know Mvüko when he is not Nagaland's star rapper Moko Koza". Nagaland Tribune. 15 June 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ Jungio, Ovung (25 August 2018). "This 23-Year-Old Student is using Rap Music to Talk About Society Issues, and to Promote His Culture : Meet Moko Koza from Nagaland". Roots and Leisure. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Moko Koza – A Rapper from Kohima Nagaland". Our Northeast. 13 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (25 December 2022). "Musicians are reclaiming their roots and languages, fighting for the rights of their people – and soundtracking Hollywood movies". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Moko Koza: Ushering in a new anthem". The Morung Express. 11 January 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Infinity Inc. signs rapper Moko Koza". The Morung Express. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Moko Koza releases debut album 'NAGA MANU'". The Morung Express. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Naga artiste Moko Koza fronts 'The Family Man' soundtrack". Eastern Mirror. 22 November 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Moko Koza releases debut album 'NAGA MANU'". Nagaland Post. 25 September 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Naga rapper Moko Koza speaks on racism, tribal identity and being an artist in the Northeast". ThePrint. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- ^ "Koza's music featured in new season of 'The Family Man' on Prime Video". The Morung Express. 22 November 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "An Exclusive Conversation with the Award Winning Rapper and Songwriter". Mokokchung Times. 21 April 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Here are the winners of 11th Music Awards of Nagaland". The Northeast Today. 9 November 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "Radio City Freedom Awards season 7 announced; two win for Nagaland". Eastern Mirror. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "11 individuals conferred TaFMA Excellence Award". Nagaland Post. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
- ^ "GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF ARTS, MUSIC AND LITERATURE HELD AT LOK BHAVAN". DIPR Nagaland. 2 February 2026. Retrieved 22 March 2026.