Meghalaya is known for having strong musical roots and an abundance of musical talent; with Shillong, the state’s capital, even being previously referred to as India’s Rock Capital. Given the changing times and the birth of so many new genres of music, we feel that emerging musical artists could do with grassroots musical platforms where they can hone their art and take this musical legacy forward.

These platforms – while providing employment and sustenance to Artistes, Technical Vendors, up-and-coming Event Firms, etc. – will also offer Tourists visiting our state a variety of musical entertainment options to enjoy. Besides this, we foresee our streets, cafes & clubs come alive with these live music events.

The Street Performance Platform

Street performances are simple, yet sophisticated, complex businesses of appropriating, maintaining, and exploiting liminal spaces on city streets where entertainment can thrive.

While Street Performances are a steady source of income for artists in other parts of the world, here in Meghalaya, with all the readily available talent, have yet to embrace this very viable method of income generation using the Arts. Hence, we wish to use this platform to rise above the taboos that may be hindering this possibility and show the way forward – much like Ed Sheeran, Passenger, Tracey Chapman, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Rod Steward, Tash Sultana, Damien Rice, James Bay, George Michael, Pierce Brothers and the like have done.

To kick start this platform, spaces in Khyndailad, Laitumkhrah, Mawkdok and Sohra will be bases for this activity.

(Artists that wish to perform on this platform may call +91 89745 67787 and +91 88374 58473  between 1-6 PM only)

The Music Café Platform

What do the great Singer-Songwriters like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and the like have in common? They cut their teeth performing their music at small café gigs in the 50’s & 60’s. With intimate settings and the adventageous possibilities of audience interactions, all these greats honed their craft at these places and then blossomed into the world famous performers they are now.

In Shillong, café gigs have taken place over the years, although not consistently. It is precisely this inconsistency that requires necessary change, so that ideas such as these become sustainable in the long run; while at the same time entertaining visitors & residents in the city.
We will be working with cafés in Shillong, Jowai and Tura which will host these café gigs on a regular basis.

(Artistes that wish to perform on this platform may call +91 89745 67787 and +91 88374 58473 between 1-6 PM only)

Calendar Of Specially Curated Music Events

Tourists traveling from every nook and corner of our country make up a ready market of takers for good music and entertainment – if they are readily on offer. In view of this, a Calendar of Events has been created and includes popular special events that have taken place previously, along with some new additions. These special events will provide entertainment for a wide-ranging audience.

Touring Fund for Artistes

Meghalaya is situated far from metros where popular venues that host regular musical performances are located (such as Hard Rock Cafés). This makes touring for our Artistes either difficult or at times, impossible. For this circumstance, we have come up with a fund to subsidize Artistes travel costs to enable them to plan out tours and to support the release of their Albums, EPs, etc. This funding will enable our Artistes’ music to reach a wider audience.

(Artistes wishing to avail of this fund are to write in to: megh.grassroots.music.project@gmail.com for details)

Impact on Youth

• Youth initiatives (training, workshop, mentorship)

– MGMP makes performance accessible in all districts. Celebrate folk roots while encouraging new sounds. Guide artists with mentorship, studio access, and residencies. Connect music with tourism for shared growth. Strengthen the
music economy with jobs across the creative chain.

– On July 20, 2024, global duo Music Travel Love performed their first Shillong concert before 1,500+ fans at the Lariti Auditorium. MGMP artists Shanlang, Elena, and Kyntiew joined them live, receiving on-stage mentorship and boosting their profiles—proof that MGMP connects local talent with world-class opportunities

• Measurable outcomes (events, income generated, new artists supported)

– 13,104 shows delivered to date, at a 245% surge in shows from Season 1 (2,943 shows) to Season 2 (10,161 shows), 5x times more shows in Season 2.

– 7750+ artists have performed under MGMP across its first two seasons, 5400+ artists supported across all 9 districts in Season 2 alone. ₹10,000/month, the average earnings per performance, turning passion into viable source of income. Some top acts earned ₹2.3 lakh+ in one season.

– 175 salaried jobs created for crew and coordinators, with monthly incomes of ₹15,000-₹25,000. A total investment of ₹38.69 crore by the Government of Meghalaya

Testimonials

• Zac & Dan (Sibling duo – Ri-Bhoi)

“Performing at MGMP events has really helped us grow as artists in many ways. It has given us a lot more exposure, allowing us to reach a bigger audience and helping more people discover our music. Being on stage in front of different crowds has been a great experience because it lets us connect directly with listeners. The way the audience reacts gives us live feedback, so we understand what they enjoy and what we can improve. Each event challenges us to keep getting better, pushing us to work on our skills and try new things creatively. Overall, it’s been a fantastic opportunity for us to grow and learn, both as performers and as musicians. Our experience with the MGMP events has been quite positive. The event organization has been smooth, making it easy for us to focus on our performances rather than worrying about logis<cs. The MGMP team has been incredibly supportive, providing us with guidance and assistance whenever we needed it. They really care about the artists and ensure everything runs well, from sound checks to set times. The overall atmosphere at the events has been vibrant and encouraging. There’s a strong sense of community among the performers, and it feels great to share the stage with other talented artists. The energy from the audience and the excitement in the air create an inspiring environment that motivates us to give our best. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience that we truly appreciate.”

• Needay (Jaintia)

“Performing at MGMP events has been transformative for me. It’s not just about the exposure; it’s about the connection I’ve made with my audience. I’ve learned to choose songs that resonate with them, and seeing their joy when they sing along is fulfilling. MGMP has boosted my confidence, helped me grow as an artist, and given me a platform to share my passion.”

• Gary Plain (Jaintia)

“As a solo artist, performing at MGMP events really helps my music career. I’ve been a singer, a songwriter, and a musician since then, but I’ve never gotten the chance to showcase my talent, and since they launched the project “MGMP”, it’s been a turning point for my life. I got the chance to perform and showcase my talent and yeah, it helps me reach my dreams.”

• Habanjop Thiaw Tiewsoh, CEO, OPUS Productions

“As the CEO of Opus Productions, I’ve seen firsthand how the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project has transformed not just the music scene but also the employment landscape in our company. Through this project, we’ve been able to provide over 65 salaried roles to young people across various districts of Meghalaya, many of whom were previously unemployed. This initiative has not only helped us grow as a company, but it has also opened up so many new opportunities for collaboration and growth. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Meghalaya, the Honourable Chief Minister, and the Honourable Tourism Minister for their vision and support in making this possible.”

Cultural Impact

-MGMP has reshaped the way travellers experience Meghalaya. No longer just a land of waterfalls and forests, the state now hums with live melodies that elevate every journey. From caves to cafés, music has become an essential part of the travel itinerary—unexpected, authentic, and unforgettable.

– MGMP’s partnership with Hard Rock Café catapulted Meghalaya’s music onto the national stage. Three standout acts—Thunder’s Cave, Ahaia, and Alive—headlined across iconic venues. Thunder’s Cave opened at Hard Rock Café Bengaluru (6 Aug 2024), Ahaia wowed Hard Rock Café Pune (9 Nov 2024), and Alive closed in Hyderabad (30 Nov 2024), later earning a slot at the Lalaland Flea. The series amplified emerging voices and forged new cultural bridges.

Additional Queries

Recognition & Media: awards, recognitions & media coverage:

• Rock icon Bryan Adams’ inaugural North-East concert (Dec 10, 2024) saw MGMP band LB3 fire up a crowd of 30,000 at Shillong’s Polo Grounds. Their soul-rock set earned national headlines and validated MGMP’s artist development model.
• From 1–4 May 2025, MGMP artists Dalarity Kharnairor, Banshailang Mukhim, Cherginchi, and Chihitcho showcased Meghalaya’s sound at India’s premier sustainability forum. With the Hon’ble Prime Minister in attendance, the event drew investors and media, sparking fresh collaborations and bookings.
• In May 2025, MGMP artists from Garo Hills united with folk musicians from Shillong to form “Ku Rang Ka Ri” at the Bharat Pavilion, World Expo Forum Osaka. Their daily performances and workshops on traditional instruments captivated international audiences and opened doors for future cross-continental exchanges

Partnerships:

• – GMP’s partnership with Hard Rock Café catapulted Meghalaya’s music onto the national stage. Three standout acts—Thunder’s Cave, Ahaia, and Alive— headlined across iconic venues. Thunder’s Cave opened at Hard Rock Café Bengaluru (6 Aug 2024), Ahaia wowed Hard Rock Café Pune (9 Nov 2024), and Alive closed in Hyderabad (30 Nov 2024), later earning a slot at the Lalaland Flea. The series amplified emerging voices and forged new cultural bridges .
• On 20 July 2024, global duo Music Travel Love performed their first Shillong concert before 1,500+ fans at the Lariti Auditorium. MGMP artists Shanlang, Elena, and Kyntiew joined them live, receiving on-stage mentorship and boosting their profiles—proof that MGMP connects local talent with world-class opportunities.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Season 3 Vision: extend MGMP circuits to West Khasi Hills and debut national & international showcases
• MGMP District Exchange Programs – rotating gigs that let artists perform in neighbouring districts, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange
• MGMP YouTube Channel Launch – a dedicated digital stage for live sessions, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes stories. petition – nurturing young talent through statewide competitive platforms
• MGMP Studio Space – establishing a hub for professionally recorded, original music and live sessions
• Professional Workshops – bringing renowned music professionals to mentor and upskill MGMP artists
• Recording Access – partnerships with MGMP-approved studios offering subsidised recording packages
• Inter-School Singing Competition – nurturing young talent through statewide competitive platforms.