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Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season 2 hits the high notes

A huge crowd gathered right in the hub of Shillong, just to witness the charm of the “Rock Capital of India”

Sramana Ray Published 03.11.23, 07:45 AM
Sur Na Nongkyndong, which translates to “voices from the village”. “Our band started in 2000 and at that time we had only five members as it was started by my family,” said Raison Nongrum. “We invited some talented villagers to come and join us and slowly we grew as a band. Whenever we get an invitation to fests, all the visitors recognise and appreciate us and that’s how we get even more offers. Currently, we have 20 members and it’s ever-growing,” he added.

Sur Na Nongkyndong, which translates to “voices from the village”. “Our band started in 2000 and at that time we had only five members as it was started by my family,” said Raison Nongrum. “We invited some talented villagers to come and join us and slowly we grew as a band. Whenever we get an invitation to fests, all the visitors recognise and appreciate us and that’s how we get even more offers. Currently, we have 20 members and it’s ever-growing,” he added.

Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season 2, which saw a prolific range of artistes this time, was held in October at Shillong Police Bazaar and across three locations — Tura Super Market in Garo Hills, Iawmusiang Police Station in Jowai and Jiva Resort in Sohra. A huge crowd gathered right in the hub of Shillong, just to witness the charm of the “Rock Capital of India”. Come rain or shine, their spirit was indomitable. Everyone opened their colourful umbrellas and cheered on as the musicians put up a one-of-a-kind live music session.

Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project Season 2 was officially launched by the government of Meghalaya to provide a space and platform to local artistes and fund them so that they can continue their legacy. Conducting over 3,000 events across Meghalaya, helping out around 1,600 artistes, developing infrastructure so that street music festivals can be hosted, funding their tours and enabling them all to get bigger and better opportunities as musicians, all have come under the government’s purview.

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Day 1 Artistes

Sur Na Nongkyndong

Members: Raison Nongrum, Waibha Nongrum (vocalist), Jarsing Nongrum (mandolin), Rit Shadap (mandolin), Plierin During, Glomin Manner. Violinists: Indro Longshiang, Baduk Longshiang, Rosing Nongrum, Good Kshiar. Guitarists: Teilang Nongrum, Mesen Mynsong, Bariker Mynsong, Don Manner and Rang Suting (Khasi drums)

Na U Bna

Na U Bnai aka “From the Moon”. “We are a traditional fusion band and we derived our name from a Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. We relate the story to our vocalist, who is a female lead and just 11 years old. We feel she’s lucky for us!” said the band members who’re really fond of their vocalist, an emblem of the matriarchal society

Na U Bnai aka “From the Moon”. “We are a traditional fusion band and we derived our name from a Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. We relate the story to our vocalist, who is a female lead and just 11 years old. We feel she’s lucky for us!” said the band members who’re really fond of their vocalist, an emblem of the matriarchal society

Members: Arlene M. Iawphniaw (lead singer), Wanteilihok Tiewsoh (vocalist), Daphi Nongneng (vocalist), Iateilang L. Sangriang (flute, ksing), Mebantei Kharbani (duitara, vocalist), Damang Phylla L. Tron (bom), Ronaldo Khardewsaw (bassist), Shemphang Lhuid (guitarist), Dakerlang Dopri (keys), Tipborlang Nongkhlaw (drums) and Shainam Dkhar (keys).

Colours

“We started in 2004 and it’s been like a journey with our brothers. We started from scratch and now we travel all across India doing our rock n’ roll. In our current line-up we incorporate some new song covers as well to keep up with the changing tastes of the audience,” the band Colours told t2

“We started in 2004 and it’s been like a journey with our brothers. We started from scratch and now we travel all across India doing our rock n’ roll. In our current line-up we incorporate some new song covers as well to keep up with the changing tastes of the audience,” the band Colours told t2

Members: Danny (vocalist), Hubert David Malngiang (keys), Lanz Khawangland (drums), Arwel Warjri (bass) and Barry Mawthoh (vocalist)

Day 2 Artistes

Thunder’s Cave

Members: Pdiangbok Diengdoh, Johnny Chriss (vocalist), Amos Syiemlieh (bassist), Khrawbor Myrthong (guitarist), Bankitbok Rani (guitarist) and Banjop Myrthong (Myrthong)

Lynx

Members: Shan (vocalist), Diam (guitarist and backup vocals), Michael (guitarist), Marco (bassist) and Sam (drummer)

Soulgroove

Members: Elza Rymbai (vocalist and rhythm guitarist), Zediah Hynniewta (vocalist and lead guitarist), John Rymbai (drums), Manavona Massar (keys), Kynsai Manners (keys) and Nash Lyngdoh (bass)

Day 3 Artistes

At Jowai:

1. Clady Bareh

2. Seis_Euphony

At Tura:

1. Cherri Mrong

2. Crack Gang

3. G Hills’ Finests

4. Snam x Kohobodi

At Shillong:

Rum and Monkeys

Rum and Monkeys

Rum and Monkeys

At Sohra:

1. Mawkordor Ryntathiang

Weldy John

Weldy John

2. Dio Medy Diengdoh

3. Weldy John

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