Meghalaya in July is humid. The muggy heat clings to you. But the only thing that could cut through the oppressing humidity is the music. In Shillong, the number of local musical talent will astound you. Everywhere you go, from the local cafes to the main street, you will come across performances by locals. Old Bollywood tunes, folk songs and khasi melodies will arrest you as you take in the abundance of talent.
Whether you visit one of the many local cafes with live music, go to see a band perform at an auditorium in the city, or just listen to the man selling tidbits at the corner shop playing a beautiful mouth organ, music lovers are sure to find kindred spirits everywhere in the state.
But making music on a professional level in a country like India is not an easy task. This is where the MGMP programme comes in.
The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, or the MGMP programme, is an initiative by the government of Meghalaya to nurture and celebrate the rich and diverse musical traditions of this beautiful state. "Our state has a rich reserve of musical talent. Music is Meghalaya's gift to the world, and we would like to see that gift put to its best possible use," said Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister of Meghalaya. Officially launched in April of 2022 by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, this programme aims to support and incentivise young, local musicians of Meghalaya to make their journey into professional music easier.
Collaborating with local cafes, auditoriums, and busking venues across the state, the MGMP artists are given a wider platform through this programme. "The MGMP programme has given me and many other artists like me a platform to showcase our talents, that we didn't really have before, and I am grateful for that," said Elena Sohktung, a local artist performing under the programme.
Sohktung, got selected through an audition and has since performed at both busking shows and concerts around Shillong. In July, the Canadian brother duo of Bob and Clint Moffat, known popularly as 'Music, Travel, Love' came to Shillong for a concert as part of MGMP, which gave a big push to the local artists who collaborated on stage with them.
"This is a great way to boost local talents. If the local artists are getting recognised and built up by their state, that is the best for any place in terms of musical opportunities," said Bob Moffat.
Since its inception, the MGMP programme has collaborated with local cafes and venues to hold musical events. This year, however, they are expanding their reach across India through new partnerships. "We have recently partnered with Hard Rock Cafe, and our artists are going to be performing in Delhi and across different outlets in the country. By next year, we will hopefully go global," said Lyngdoh.
Arranging a line-up of well-known artists also plays a great role in attracting bigger crowds. The uniqueness of the MGMP programme not only caters to the abundant local talent but also attracts tourists to the shows and the state. With many people in attendance from neighbouring states like Assam and West Bengal, these concerts are a great way of organically introducing Meghalaya's musicians to the rest of the country. While I was enjoying the music of MTL as they crooned old English hit songs on their guitar, it was great to see them calling up the MGMP artists on stage and giving them the exposure that is so important.
Sohktung did a duet with the brothers, beautifully singing Shania Twain's classic, Still The One, as the crowd joined in the chorus. After the end of the duet, the Moffat brothers left the stage to give her a chance to present an original composition in Khasi. "I think my goal with this programme is to get more of these events," said Sohktung. "The pay is really helping us, and it's a great opportunity to grow, so that is my goal for this programme."
Under this initiative several musical events throughout the popular destinations in Meghalaya are being held. From busking events, cafe gigs, and music specials to concerts, auditorium plays, dance-offs and flash mobs, the MGMP line-up has a mix of big and small events for all types of audiences.
"We organise these events across Shillong, Jowai, Sohra and Ri-Bhoi. The busking events attract a larger crowd, but all of them have been received well by audiences," said Elton Phankon, Project Director at Opus Productions. His event management company organised the MTL concert in Shillong on July 20th this year. Different event management companies audition the artists, and thereafter, the finalists get to perform at various music events across the state.
As I was having my last meal back at the hotel, coming down from the high of the concert, a friendly wait staff called Rapmica asked me how the concert was. I told her all about it, and she smiled, saying, "I used to sing too, sometimes." As I was leaving the 'Rock Capital of India,' I recalled how, from the Tourism Minister belting out rock melodies on his guitar to the demure wait staff at the hotel telling me she used to sing, Meghalaya truly is the hotbed of modern music in India. And it's only starting to show.