MGMP joins hands with Hard Rock Cafe
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 31: The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) has announced a new collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe India, offering selected local artists the opportunity to embark on a nationwide tour.
“We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe India,” said Jeremy Mawlong, from Opus Productions, the company managing MGMP this season.
“If the artists are selected by Hard Rock Cafe, MGMP will fully support their journey, from the initial selection process to the actual tour. This initiative is a huge step forward for local artists, giving them exposure beyond Shillong and an opportunity to showcase their talent to a wider audience,” he added.
The first band to kick off this initiative is Nongstoin-based metal band, Thunder Caves. They will perform at Hard Rock Cafe Chennai on August 2 and then at Hard Rock Cafe Bangalore on August 3. “This should inspire all our artists. It’s a chance to represent Meghalaya on a national stage and show the rest of India that we’re serious about music. We have music in our souls, and we have a message to deliver,” he said.
Mawlong, emphasising the importance of originality and dedication in this selection process, encouraged the artists and said, “Keep perfecting your craft, write your own songs, and the work will show. This partnership is a stepping stone. If successful, there’s even a possibility of tying up with Hard Rock Cafe Southeast Asia, which would open even more doors.”
However, the project has also found itself in a storm of controversy after a report in The Shillong Times titled ‘MGMP: Row sparks after artistes air ‘grievances’ that accused the organisers of favoritism and bias in artist selection, with some critics alleging that personal preferences have influenced who gets performance opportunities.
However, the MGMP has strongly denied these claims, asserting that the selection process is fair and designed to include as many local artists as possible while maintaining the standards required by the venues.
“With the volume of participants we have, favoritism is impractical,” Andreas War from Opus Productions, said.
Further, a significant point of contention has been the payment structure for artists.
Critics have claimed that the amounts— Rs 12,000 for café shows, Rs 10,000 for busking, and Rs 50,000 for special events— are insufficient, especially when compared to the fees some artists charge, which can exceed Rs 50,000.
The MGMP defended these figures, explaining that they are set by Meghalayan Age Limited and the relevant department, and are necessary to ensure a broad range of performers can be included within the available budget.