SHILLONG, July 18: Meghalaya’s youth singing sensation Kitkupar Nongsiej has reached the semi-finals of the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026, currently being held in Las Vegas, USA.
Representing Team India, Nongsiej advanced through the preliminary rounds after impressive performances before an international panel of judges. His qualification places him among the top performers in a competition often described as the ‘Olympics of Performing Arts’, featuring talent from over 60 countries.
Hailing from Kynshi village in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Nongsiej rose to prominence after winning Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, a premier singing competition organised by the Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN).
He also emerged as the champion of Sur Kynud Niam Season 2 and was later associated with the internationally acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir. His renditions of traditional Khasi folk music have previously been featured on Doordarshan.
Nongsiej earned his spot in the national team after clearing a rigorous international online audition. His success follows the path of Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, the winner of Ka Sur Kynud Season 1, who represented India and won the UK Vocal Star competition.
Before he departed for the United States, a prayer service and send-off ceremony were held at the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) in Laitumkhrah, attended by church leaders, family members and well-wishers.
