Shillong, October 4: The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) is all set to launch its second season on October 4, 2023, with a spectacular event at Khyndailad, Police Bazar in Shillong.
The MGMP is a project of the Government of Meghalaya, conceived with the vision of nurturing and promoting local musicians, songwriters, composers, event firms, and technical vendors. It also aims to forge a profound connection between music and tourism, spotlighting the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.
The upcoming launch event will be graced by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, as the Chief Guest, and the Minister of Tourism, Bah Paul Lyngdoh, as the Guest of Honour. It will feature a showcase of Meghalaya’s musical talent, with performances by local artists from various genres.
The MGMP has been a resounding success since its launch in 2022, providing opportunities to over 1,600 performers to showcase their skills and for the last ten months MGMP has organized around 3000 music events at cafes, busking areas, and special events across Shillong, Tura, Jowai, and Sohra. The total number of MGMP artists engaged in Shillong from May, 2022- May 2023 is 1735 in Shillong, 281 in Sohra, 117 in Jowai, and 216 in Tura. As far as Street performances platform (busking) is concerned, a total 650 artists performed in Shillong, 325 in Sohra, 320 in Tura. Again, 650 artists performed at café gigs in Shillong, 325 in Sohra, 325 in Jowai and 320 in Tura. There were 15 special curated music events in Shillong, 1 in Sohra and 12 in Tura.
In his remarks during the launch of the project last year, Chief Minister Sangma stated, “We believe that music has the power to unite communities, celebrate diversity, and tell the stories of our land. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project is our commitment to nurturing and celebrating our local talent, fostering an atmosphere where musicians, songwriters, composers, and all those involved in the music industry can thrive. Through this project, we aim to showcase not just the incredible musical talent of Meghalaya but also the vibrant cultural tapestry that makes our state so unique. Music and tourism are intrinsically linked, and we envision a harmonious symphony between the two, with our project serving as a bridge that connects our rich heritage to the world. As we embark on Season 2, we look forward to seeing this vision flourish and resonate with people far and wide.”
The MGMP has been a boon for emerging musicians in Meghalaya, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and reach out to a wider audience. The State Government has built spaces in Khyndailad, Laitumkhrah, Mawkdok, and Sohra for these live street musical events. Cafes in Shillong, Jowai and Tura regularly to host live performances, busking and street plays, café gigs on a regular basis. The project has also been well-received by tourists, who have enjoyed the opportunity to experience the unique musical culture of Meghalaya.
