Celebrating 50 years of Lou Majaw music

a reporter

SHILLONG, May 19: Mawjam Society in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture is organizing a music contest in view of Lou Majaw’s 50 years in the field of music. The event, christened as ‘The Road Ahead’, will be held at U Soso Tham Auditorium on May 23 and 24.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, Lou Majaw said, “The main purpose of this contest is to bring out the music talents of the youth of the state whose voices and songs have so not been heard by the masses so far.”  “This is a contest to inspire and encourage people of all age groups to realize their dreams and to achieve it you have to pursue it whole heartedly with your soul and spirit,” said Majaw.    

He also informed that there will two phases of judging - the first one is through the internet where people can upload their origil composition at www.soulfoodmusic.in. The songs will be voted by the viewers and the top 10 most voted songs will get direct entry into the Live Fil Round which will be held on May 24. The last date to upload the soundtracks is Wednesday. “The top 10 fil entries are assured of Rs. 5000 and the winner of the contest will take away Rs. 50,000,” said Majaw. “It all comes down to one song, one performance and one artist… whoever desires it more will win the prize and realize their dreams.”

Meanwhile, looking back at his career in the field of music, Majaw said “it all started in the year 1965 when I left Shillong and landed in Kolkata. I was a young kid from a small place like Shillong. I saw the bright lights of Kolkata but had no money or even a place to stay. It was music and hope that kept me alive.”

“During the late 60s and 70s, there were a lot of concerts, variety shows, jam sessions any many more music related shows in Shillong. But by the late 80s, something happened to Shillong and everything went downhill in terms of music,” said Majaw, adding that it’s his duty and responsibility to keep the music flame in Shillong alive and burning.