Meghalaya, renowned for its vibrant musical traditions spanning Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo folk roots to the energetic rock and choir scenes of Shillong, is experiencing a significant cultural shift. What was traditionally a hobby often balanced with other professions is now emerging as a sustainable career path, largely due to a dedicated government initiative.
The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CMMGMP)
Initiated on April 26, 2022, by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the program (earlier referred to as the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project or MGMP) seeks to discover and nurture local musical talent. It aims to weave music into the state’s economic fabric and tourism ecosystem. Implemented through the Department of Tourism, the initiative offers structured performance opportunities, mentorship, and professional development support.
The program has grown across multiple seasons, organizing café gigs, street busking in key locations such as Shillong, Sohra, Jowai, and Tura, as well as larger events. Collaborations with venues like Hard Rock Cafe and chances to open for national and international artists—including acts like Music Travel Love and Bryan Adams—provide valuable exposure.
Scale, Reach, and Tangible Impact
The initiative’s success is evident in its numbers:
- Support extended to thousands of artists, with reports indicating over 5,400 to 8,000+ participants across seasons.
- Facilitation of tens of thousands of performances.
- Creation of more than 100 additional jobs in areas like sound engineering, lighting, stage management, and event organization.
- Substantial funding, including allocations reaching ₹69 crore in recent phases, alongside investments in cultural infrastructure.
Artists earn direct payments for gigs, bringing financial stability. The program supports both emerging and established talents, with a strong emphasis on amateurs. Additional benefits include mentorship programs, studio access, residencies, and provision of instruments and equipment.
Voices from the Ground:
- Brothers Dan and Zac Wahlang, Statewide Fan Favourite winners: “MGMP has been a very special part of our journey… We started believing more in ourselves… and in the original songs our mother wrote for us.”
- Country artist Jovial Mawrie: “As a country artist, this project has helped me a lot… you earn money through each performance.” He urges aspiring musicians to register and participate.
- Momo Gajan Basumatary, bassist with Bending Waves and Best Performing Band winner: The regular gigs enabled the band to fund music videos and advance their professional growth.
These experiences reflect a broader transformation—music is evolving from pure passion into a respected profession that contributes meaningfully to the local economy.
Linking Music, Tourism, and Community
By integrating live performances into tourism, CMMGMP creates authentic cultural experiences for visitors. Gigs in cafés, streets, and events enrich the state’s appeal, boosting local businesses such as resorts with improved ambiance and higher guest satisfaction.
The program honors traditional folk heritage while embracing contemporary genres, reinforcing cultural identity and fostering community connections. Future plans include establishing music institutes (such as in Tura) and expanding youth engagement, signaling a long-term commitment to the sector.
A Forward-Looking Model for Cultural Economy
In a landscape where independent musicians often face financial challenges, Meghalaya’s proactive approach stands out. By professionalizing artists and building a supportive ecosystem, the government is cultivating a sustainable “concert economy.” Chief Minister Sangma has highlighted the importance of equipping the state’s youth with proper tools and platforms to pursue their artistic dreams.
As newer seasons unfold, the initiative continues to scale, with ambitions for wider reach and global spotlight on Meghalaya’s musical talents.
This government-backed effort is doing more than supporting individual artists—it is reshaping the state’s cultural identity. In the hills of Meghalaya, music is not just thriving as an art form but also as a viable livelihood, offering a harmonious blend of tradition, opportunity, and economic progress for locals and visitors alike.
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