Music, community, and livelihood opportunities are what define Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CMMGMP). An initiative by the Government of Meghalaya, the program started as a means to uncover the reserved talent of Meghalaya in producing melodic tunes and soulful music.

Launched on 26 April 2022 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, the initiative envisions a thriving music culture for Meghalaya that also supports artists, vendors, and event organisers. The primary focus of the program is to promote grassroots music by providing platforms for up-and-coming local artists. In doing so, CMMGMP has partnered with business outlets where artists can perform amongst a like-minded crowd. Collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe has provided a national stage for local artists, while musical concerts and events such as Music Travel Love, Bryan Adams, WAVES Summit 2025, and the World Expo Forum, Osaka, provide local artists with worldwide recognition.

While the main focus remains on celebrating folk songs, taking into consideration the vast musical genre of Meghalaya, the program has evolved to encourage new sounds. Artists are supported by providing mentorship, studio access, and residencies. The mission of CMMGMP is also to connect music with tourism for shared growth and to strengthen the music economy with job opportunities across the creative chain. Visitors to Meghalaya now experience live music woven into daily life, be it a street-side melody in Laitumkhrah, a café gig in Shillong, or a larger event in Polo Grounds.

Through CMMGMP, Meghalaya offers tourists authentic encounters with local culture, creativity, and community, turning music into a compelling travel experience and not just a backdrop but a destination in itself.