NINGOMBAM IBOBI SINGH
Akademi Award: Other Major Traditions of Music
— Nata Sankirtana (Manipur)

Shri Ningombam Ibobi Singh was born in 1920 in Imphal. He was trained in playing the Pung for Nata Sankirtana performances by several teachers including his father N. Leirenjao Singh, Naorem Dhojo, Kh. Selungba, Ch. Chaoba, Sangai Singh and L. Koireng Singh. He holds a post¬graduate diploma in Pung-playing for Nata Sankirtana from the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal.

Shri Ibobi Singh is ranked among the outstanding Pung drummers for Manipuri Nata Sankirtana. He is also a reputed teacher, who worked first at the Parimal Academy in Mumbai and subsequently at the Shree Govindaji Nartanalaya in Imphal. Over the years he has trained a considerable number of students who are now performing with leading groups. Apart from teaching, he has contributed several compositions of his own to the Manipuri repertoire. He has published several books on Manipuri music and participated in seminars and workshops at various places.

For his service to Manipuri culture, Shri Ibobi Singh has been honoured by the Manipur State Kala Akademi with its Award in 2005. He was conferred the Vadya Bhushana title by the Manipur Sahitya Parishad in 2001 and received an honour from Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, West Bengal, in 1981.

Shri Ningombam Ibobi Singh receives the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Nata Sankirtana of Manipur.