Shillong, Dec 6: The city on Friday hosted Spoken Fest by Kommune, ar Wards Lake. The festival supported by the Department of Tourism, was graced by Paul Lyngdoh, Tourism Minister along with Cyril VD Diengdoh, Director of Tourism.
In his address, Paul said, “It is indeed a moment of joy and ecstasy for us in the department to see that the arts and culture are getting a fresh lease of life in Meghalaya. He expressed his gratitude to the local population for their support and the collaboration of groups and enthusiasts like Kommune and the artists who are participating.
Paul said when Spoken is mentioned as a brand, the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya have a long history of oral tradition; the stories, myths and legends are part of the history of the state even before introduction to the written word. A platform such as this allows young poets, writers, storytellers to elaborate and exchange with other artists of the community, and for Meghalaya’s budding artists to be provided with such a platform is a true tangible achievement. He expressed positivity that the youth of Meghalaya when given the opportunity to interact in such platforms will be another instance of commune and connect ensuring that the state’s strengths, including arts, culture, literature and music are provided with the best platform in the world.”
Cyril Diengdoh said that Shillong is the first city to have the edition of Spoken Fest outside Mumbai. He added that the platform gives the opportunity to local authors and other local talents to rub shoulders with the best in the country. He observed that Spoken Fest gives a chance to the best artistes in the world and in a way promoting Meghalaya tourism which will reach a wider audience.
The day kicked off with performances by singer-songwriter Clayton Hogermeer, and Shillong’s very own singer cum poets, Vancouver Shullai and Marbamonlang Rani Their poems explore themes of identity, home and family. Actress and social influencer, Kareema Barry exhibited her mastery in storytelling on food, family, childhood, and her native city.
Later, the fest showcased Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), a state government-aided platform, featuring pop-soul artist Elena Sohktung. Poets Anees Ailynti Noronha, and Priya Malik & Tanmay Maheshwari also performed. Storyteller’s Laksh Maheshwari and Madhu Raghvendra, ended the first session of the day.
Later in the evening, hip-hop/R&B artist, Meba Ofilia and hip-hop duo Khasi Bloodz took centre stage and gave electrifying performance, in addition to the music, the poetry lineup featuring Merenla Imsong, Lalnunsanga Ralte, and Madhu Raghvendra. The storytellers curated for the Shillong edition included actors such as Amol Parashar, Merenla Imsong, and Trinetra Haldar.
The festival culminated with one to one conversation between Bollywood actresses Patralekha and Tillotama Shome, who engrossed themselves with topics like female friendships, family, outsiders in Mumbai creating their own space, unconventional choices as an artist.
Indie-folk band When Chai Met Toast enthralled the audience.
