The second season of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) was officially launched by chief minister Conrad Sangma on October 4.
In the melodious ceremony held at the upscale commercial hub Khyndailad, Police Bazar in Shillong, the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, in collaboration with the tourism department and The Meghalayan Age, unveiled the second season of MGMP, which kicked off from October 4.
The audience was treated to an unforgettable musical extravaganza featuring incredibly talented artists that left everyone spellbound.
Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh was also present as the guest of honour in the programme.
Addressing the occasion, Conrad Sangma stated: “Today, we embark on a journey to celebrate the soul of Meghalaya through music. Our state is a treasure trove of talent, and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season 2 is our way of showcasing our vibrant culture and nurturing our local musicians.”
Congratulating all the officials for successfully conducting the first session of MGMP, Sangma highlighted Meghalaya’s unique contribution in supporting independent music and musicians and having programmes like MGMP is the first of its kind in the country.
“Through this Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project, in the first season itself, over 1600 artists have performed on more than 3000 occasions. Of all the revenue that is generated through Tourism activities in the state, we were able to share some part of it to the artists leading to the promotion of the music industry and thereby, benefiting our local people. This season, we are going to make this project even bigger and have performances not merely confined to music but also folklore, drama, acts, stand-up comedy, and others,” Sangma added.
Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said: “I am delighted to address the gathering of young, talented artists here today. The inaugural year of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project was a resounding success, and as we embark on its second season, we are confident that this initiative will push Meghalaya towards remarkable achievements. Our capital, Shillong, is poised to become the nation’s music capital and will soon echo with the vibrant tunes of our local talent.”
“This project has undeniably served as an invaluable platform for budding artists in Meghalaya. In the upcoming season, our commitment extends to reaching every corner of the state, including every district headquarters, ensuring that our music resonates throughout the hills. Shillong, too, is on the cusp of blossoming into a vibrant hub for musicians, street performers, and bands. With these developments, the music scene in Meghalaya is poised to thrive and lead our state to become the top destination for tourism in India,” he added.
The atmosphere at Khyndailad was musical, with music enthusiasts of all ages swaying to the rhythm of three incredible bands – Sur Ki Nongkyndong, Colours, and Na u Bnai. Their soul-stirring melodies resonated in the hearts of the audience, leaving them craving for more.
The resounding success of the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season 1 paved the way for this grand sequel, with the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering and promoting local musicians, songwriters, composers, event firms, technical vendors, and more.
