With disco pioneers Boney M arriving as part of their Farewell Tour and rap icon Akon performing for his Superfan Tour, the annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival promises to be a cross-generational nostalgia trip (Pics Courtesy/Instagram)

Rapper Daiaphi Lamare aka Reble who grew up in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills believes the state deserves the star-studded line-up. While Boney M’s performance featuring founding member Maizie Williams will come right in time leading up to Christmas in the hill state, where the ensemble’s songs are a crowd favourite, younger listeners like Lamare grew up listening to the likes of Akon, Eminem, and Biggie

The rapper, Daiaphi Lamare reminds us to keep an eye on the local talent that will take stage amid the global heavyweights. Khasi Bloodz, a hip-hop duo from the Khasi tribe, and collective Dewdrops — one of the few reggae ensembles in Northeastern India — top Lamare’s list. “Our artistes have been hustling with their head down for years. They’re now at the cusp of blowing up. You wouldn’t want to miss it,” she suggests (Pic Courtesy/Youtube)

For organiser Jason Manners of Rockski EMG plans to create an immersive atmosphere that goes beyond music with multiple experiential zones. The Japan Arena, for instance, will feature sumo wrestling demonstrations, anime showcases, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and art workshops

ON November 15 and 16
AT: Kurkalang Stadium, Bhoirymbong, Shillong. 
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ENTRY:  Rs 2,399 onwards