Shillong, June 20: As a part of the global celebration of World Music Day, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, on Saturday today attended the first Hello Meghalaya Music Awards at SRTG Ground, Polo.
Delivering his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, reflected on his own journey from a struggling musician expressing purpose in his journey that has motivated him to help young artists.
He said that music and film making have evolved in the state and outlined the innovative initiatives of the government to support and sustain these sectors emphasising the government’s focus on the youth of the state in music, film making, sports and other areas to provide opportunities to the young people to follow their dreams.
He reiterated on the government’s approach which is not limited to specific programs or schemes but aims to serve the stakeholders particularly the youth.
Congratulating everyone for their participation in the success of the Hello Meghalaya platform, which is a government run OTT he said that the platform has achieved half a million downloads and still counting providing content creators with a platform and funds for their works and expressed plans for fostering a thriving creative ecosystem for music, film making and various performing arts in Meghalaya.
“The next mega project is the establishment of a Film City and a Film institute in Shillong, a project to support local talent,” he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of original music and the need for musicians to be technically and professionally trained in reading and writing music.
“For this we need music institutes and studios where musicians can record their music and songs at reasonable rates having access to numerous studios across the state,” he said.
He also encouraged the promotion of local music cultures and its fusion with national and international music to create something unique and innovative.
Outlining the importance of music awards he explained that the award program is not an expenditure but about making real investments and creating game-changing moments.
In his message to the musicians he said, “It not always about wining but about enjoying the process and the journey,” and stressed on the importance of support and positivity for the movement urging everyone to contribute positively and support the ongoing efforts.
The awards were given in two parts viz Part 1 Best Folk Song, Best Pop Song, Best hip-Hop/Rap, Best Gospel Song, Best Collaboration, Best Music Video, Best Original Soundtrack, Best Inspirational Song, Icon of the Year and Part 2 Awards were given for Best Rock Artist, Best Independent Artist of the Year, Best MGMP, Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Emerging Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
Performances by Tarari Kids Choir, Steve Jyrwa, Ahaia, Reble, Khmih Creative Society and Bending Waves Band were the other attractions of the music awards.
