Meghalaya’s rising singing sensation Kitkupar Nongsiej has achieved another remarkable milestone on the international stage by qualifying for the Semi-Finals of the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026, currently underway in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Representing India as a member of Team India, Kitkupar successfully advanced through the preliminary rounds after delivering outstanding performances before an international panel of judges. His qualification to the semi-finals places him among the competition’s top performers, bringing immense pride not only to Meghalaya but to the entire nation.
Hailing from Kynshi village in the Eastern West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, Kitkupar has steadily established himself as one of the State’s most promising young vocalists. He first captured public attention after winning Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, Meghalaya’s premier singing competition organized by the Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN), where he received a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Earlier, he had also emerged as the champion of Sur Kynud Niam Season 2, and later became associated with the internationally acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir. His performances of traditional Khasi folk music, featured on Doordarshan Meghalaya, have further earned him widespread appreciation for promoting the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.
Kitkupar earned his place in Team India after successfully clearing a rigorous international online audition for WCOPA—widely known as the “Olympics of Performing Arts.” The championship attracts talented singers, dancers, musicians, actors and performers from more than 60 countries, making it one of the world’s most respected platforms for emerging performing artists.
His participation at WCOPA represents the fulfilment of a vision championed by the Don Bosco Media Network, which was established not merely to organize singing competitions but to discover, nurture and provide international opportunities for talented young artists from Meghalaya and North-East India. This vision had already borne fruit when Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, the winner of Ka Sur Kynud Season 1, represented India at the UK Vocal Star competition and emerged as the international champion. Kitkupar now proudly carries forward that inspiring legacy on the global stage.
Before his departure to the United States, the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Laitumkhrah, in collaboration with the Don Bosco Media Network, organised a special Prayer Service and Send-off Ceremony, where Church leaders, family members, media professionals and well-wishers gathered to invoke God’s blessings upon the young singer as he embarked on this historic journey.
The qualification to the semi-finals marks another significant achievement in Kitkupar’s musical journey and has generated widespread excitement across Meghalaya. Thousands of supporters, friends and well-wishers continue to pray for his success as he prepares to compete in the next stage of the championship.
As the competition progresses, Meghalaya and India now look forward with hope and confidence, praying that Kitkupar Nongsiej will continue to shine on the world stage and inspire countless young artists to pursue excellence with dedication, humility and faith.
