At this year’s music festival that coincides with the Northeastern city’s cherry blossom bloom, soak up classic acts like Boney M and Akon, and groove to fresh local talent
Maizie Williams (centre) at the Australia leg of the farewell tour
Every year in mid-November, Shillong and its surroundings are painted in shades of pink and white by the blooming cherry blossom trees. This year, it ought to bring back cherished memories as well. With disco pioneers Boney M arriving as part of their Farewell Tour and rap icon Akon performing for his Superfan Tour, the annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival promises to be a cross-generational nostalgia trip.
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Akon. Pics Courtesy/Instagram
Rapper Daiaphi Lamare aka Reble who grew up in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills believes the state deserves the star-studded line-up. While Boney M’s performance featuring founding member Maizie Williams will come right in time leading up to Christmas in the hill state, where the ensemble’s songs are a crowd favourite, younger listeners like Lamare grew up listening to the likes of Akon, Eminem, and Biggie. “Unlike Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, no global hip-hop artiste has emerged from Shillong yet. For that reason, you’ll still hear tunes by these OG icons playing loud when you step out on our streets,” she explains.
Reble (centre) in traditional tribal attire. Pic Courtesy/Youtube
The rapper reminds us to keep an eye on the local talent that will take stage amid the global heavyweights. Khasi Bloodz, a hip-hop duo from the Khasi tribe, and collective Dewdrops — one of the few reggae ensembles in Northeastern India — top Lamare’s list. “Our artistes have been hustling with their head down for years. They’re now at the cusp of blowing up. You wouldn’t want to miss it,” she suggests.
A moment from the 2023 edition of the music festival
For organiser Jason Manners of Rockski EMG, the festival marks another plan coming into bloom. “This year, our goal is to create an immersive atmosphere that goes beyond music with multiple experiential zones,” he tells us. The Japan Arena, for instance, will feature sumo wrestling demonstrations, anime showcases, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and art workshops. “This edition is all about creating memorable moments, giving everyone a chance to try something new, and fully soak in the immaculate vibe of Shillong,” he signs off.
A cherry blossom bloom spotted in Shillong this year
ON November 15 and 16
AT Kurkalang Stadium, Bhoirymbong, Shillong.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
ENTRY Rs 2,399 onwards
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