It’s raining incessantly in Shillong. However, it is not unusual or unexpected around May. In fact, in a state which holds the record of the heaviest rainfall in the world, this pitter-patter is normal and life goes on. For Shillong’s living music icon, Lou Majaw, such a weather only makes him more creative.

In a few days from now, May 24^th, Majaw will be leading one of the most popular musical tribute shows -- a dream of his that he put into action in the year 1972, and which materialised into something greater in the following years. He is gearing up tobring together music enthusiasts from all walks of life to celebrate the 77th birth anniversary of Bob Dylan, the American music legend who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

Lou Majaw

What it is about Dylan that he is so much in awe of? “I adore and respect his music. The depth and soul of his words and lyrics are beyond anything in the modern musical world. No one can match his power. They are relevant and will always be,” he says. Presently, he is reading Why Dylan Matters by Richard F. Thomas, a poignant blend of memoir and literary analysis presented through a classical lens. The book serves as a revelation to Majaw, and with each page that he turns over, he is overtaken by the conviction that there really is no other like Bob Dylan.

What began as a private celebration at home, has now turned into a major event attracting visitors from all over the world. Like most years in the past, Majaw is convinced that this year’s celebration, too, will come with its own unique flavour. “Every year is special because, after all, that’s the spirit! If there is no excitement then why would Ibe doing it?” he reasons. His determination is understandable, for even when funds are low and sponsors are hard to come by, Majaw does not hesitate to dig into his personal savings to make sure that there is no room or want for anything more. He has been footing the bill for at least 50 per cent of the celebrations that he has organised so far.

The upcoming celebrations will be a medley of music, songs and poetry. It will be a day-long celebration, with shifts between various different venues, the first being St Joseph’s School, where the school students will take part in sharing self-composed poetry, songs and music. “I would encourage students to come and share their thoughts. It will be a day of free-flowing thoughts…” says Majaw, who has also partnered with the most happening cafes in town, with the hope of carrying on the artistic spirit that has been spearheaded by the young artists and school children of Shillong.

Lou Majaw

The following evening, between 3-5 pm, the celebration will move to ‘Café Shillong’, a lively joint in Laitumkhrah, a prominent address in town. Apart from the hype it receives during the celebration, the cafe is a hub for music enthusiasts as it is at this very venue that Majaw invites various musicians to come and perform every Sunday.

The next venue will be ‘Dylan Café’, a stylish coffee bar that sits opposite St. Edmunds School. Reminiscent of a lively western café, it is here that one would find good music and food come to life. The ambience is what has received the love and patronage of visitors – a chic look, with titles on its room in bold colours, and interesting graffiti on the walls. If not for the music, revellers head there for the popular Naga chilly toast with mashed potatoes, the signature apple pie, and cold coffee.

To end the tribute on a high note, Majaw takes us to the ‘Evening Club’, a venue as hyped and happening as the ones before it. Here, the performances by various artists will begin by 8:30 pm, and it may go on for as long as the artists are willing to sing. “Sometimes it goes on till 2 am,” informs Majaw.

Majaw’s reverence, admiration and love for Dylan began many years ago. He had just finished singing at a Calcutta club when someone started playing Dylan’s iconic song ‘Blowing in the Wind’. He had never heard of Dylan or his work before, however, something struck him about the song, because of which he could not help but ask for the name of the artist. Thus, Majaw was introduced to the man and his music, and evidently it was from there that Majaw’s life took a turn in more ways than one. “They gave me a music album of Dylan, and that’s how my admiration of him started. That song is powerful and it will never lose its relevance and poignancy. I play, I listen and I am always finding something new in the song each time I hear it,” he says.

The spirit embodied by Majaw’s purpose in keeping this tradition alive is best understood when he describes the celebration in his own words. He says,“It is not a rock show or a concert. It is a gathering of all those who love music and who understand the beauty of that gift”.

Once again, the hills of Shillong will reverberate with Dylan’s music on May 24th, as Majaw drums up a befitting tribute to the legend.

Lou Majaw