SHILLONG: He is 76; has earned himself the title of “Meghalaya’s Bob Dylan”; played across the country decked in his trademark “shorts” with the Assamese Gamosa on his shoulders, and come November, Lou Majaw, the original hillbilly musician from the Northeast, is set to perform probably the “biggest gig” of his illustrious career. At least, the organisers of 2023 Cherry Blossom festival are calling it that.
“We paid a visit to Lou Majaw yesterday and we can’t wait for him to show you what he is going to do at this year’s Cherry Blossom. He will be sharing mainstage with Ronan Keating on the last day. Catch the living legend Lou Majaw playing possibly the biggest show of his life at the Cherry Blossom Festival 2023!” read one of the posts on the much-awaited festival’s social media handle.
Indeed, it will be a unique experience to watch Majaw share the stage with the Irish musician. Both the musicians are generations apart, but as music often transcends all boundaries, fans are excited to experience a never-seen-before extravaganza. “Will he be doing his trademark song ‘Forever Young’ with Keating?”, “Will Majaw sing Keating’s hit ‘Nothing At All’?” are some of the questions that are keeping not just the fans from Meghalaya excited but the whole of Northeast’s music fraternity pondering.
Earlier on August 25, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stoked the flames of excitement about the 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival when he mentioned Keating, who is slated to headline the third day of the festival on November 19.
Taking to a popular social networking platform, the Chief minister, who is also an ardent music lover, shared his enthusiasm about much-loved Irish singer-songwriter.
“This year’s Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is all set to resonate with the soulful tunes of Ronan Keating. He has something exceptional in store for Shillong and eagerly anticipates the presence of his fans and music enthusiasts from the region. Get ready for a burst of entertainment, melodies, and cultural richness during the #CherryBlossomFestival. Let’s rejoice together!” posted the Chief Minister.
