TURA: Megong Festival 2025, held on December 5 and 6, was projected as one of Meghalaya’s major cultural showcases—bringing together music, youth energy, and creative expression under a fast-growing festival brand. With multiple stages, large crowds, and strong visibility, the event was expected to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism for both audiences and performers.
However, concerns raised by G Hills’ Finests, a prominent hip-hop duo from Garo Hills, have drawn attention to gaps behind the scenes—raising questions about whether artist welfare and coordination were given the same priority as spectacle.
Booked and Confirmed, Yet Left Without Coordination
“We stay true to our art—expressing our thoughts and emotions, connecting deeply with our audience, and blending our cultural and traditional roots with modern hip-hop,” G Hills’ Finests stated, reaffirming their commitment to authenticity.
The duo confirmed that they were officially booked for Megong Festival 2025 and had submitted their technical rider well in advance.
Despite this, they said communication remained absent as the event approached. “We received no information regarding essential details such as soundcheck schedule, parking arrangements, or artist coordination,” the statement noted.
They were informed at the final moment that there would be no soundcheck, only a line check. “We accepted this professionally,” they added, even though last-minute changes can significantly impact live performances.
Logistical issues intensified once they reached the venue.
“We were not provided an artist car pass. The assigned parking was approximately 3–4 kilometres away from the venue,” they stated.
For performers carrying a DJ controller, laptops, accessories, and luggage, the distance was a serious challenge. “Walking that far would physically exhaust us,” they said, noting that such arrangements directly affect performance quality.
Not Inexperienced Performers
G Hills’ Finests emphasised they were not unfamiliar with large-scale events. They listed performances at Hornbill Festival 2023 (Day 4, Nagaland), where they headlined, as well as Cherry Blossom Festival, Hills Festival, Akampa Fest, and previous editions of Megong Fest.
“We are experienced festival performers who understand professional event protocols,” they added—implicitly questioning why those protocols appeared to break down at an event of this scale.
A Larger Question for Meghalaya’s Festival Culture
“This statement is shared to bring clarity and accountability, not to create conflict,” the duo said. “We respect festivals and platforms that support artists, but we also believe that artists deserve basic dignity, communication, and professional treatment.”
As state-supported and high-profile festivals like Megong continue to expand, their concerns highlight a deeper issue: artist management must be central, not an afterthought. Without it, festivals risk alienating the very community they aim to uplift.
At the time of filing this report, Megong Festival organizers had not issued a public response to the concerns raised.
G Hills’ Finests also used their official social media channels to inform listeners about the treatment they faced and the conditions under which they were expected to perform.
For many in the artist community, the episode illustrates that cultural celebration must extend beyond the stage—into how artists are treated long before the lights come on.
