Boney M, Akon, Lucas Set for Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 in Shillong
Indian pop artists Jasleen Royal, Kanika Kapoor and Jessie Lyngdoh join the lineup alongside the reunion of Shillong band The Great Society on Nov. 15 and 16
(From left to right) Akon, Boney M's Maizie Williams and SuperM's Lucas have been announced as headliners of Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. Photos: Courtesy of the artist
Music festival season gets another heavy-hitter lineup, this time in the North East with the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival hosting Senegalese-American pop star Akon, beloved pop group Boney M’s Maizie Williams, Hong Kong rapper-singer Lucas, EDM producer R3HAB and more on Nov. 15 and 16.
The first wave of artists announced so far includes exclusive India shows by Akon – who last performed in India as part of the glitzy wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant earlier this year – and Boney M’s Williams on what is pegged as a farewell world tour. The two-day festival amps up the nostalgia with their theme of ‘Year of Legends,’ bringing in a tribute act for Queen, called Queen Sensation from Russia and Slovakian act Korn SK, a tribute to the American nu-metal pioneers (although a better font choice in the Cherry Blossom festival poster could have prevented fans jumping at the possibility the original band had been announced).
The festival marks the India debut of Lucas known from SM Entertainment’s SuperM group. The artist, who recently put out his three-track single album Renegade – The 1st Single via SM Entertainment in April, was previously part of K-pop boy group NCT and the group WayV.
Indian artists on the lineup include pop hitmakers Jasleen Royal and Kanika Kapoor, plus Shillong artist Jessie Lyngdoh and a reunion of rock band The Great Society (comprising Lou Majaw, Rudy Wallang and more). Reggae band Dewdrops and hip-hop artist Reble, pop artist Wanbhaa and more are also among the first phase lineup.
The festival’s organizers, Rockski Event & Media Group’s Jason Manners says in a statement, “This year, we are especially excited to reveal our partnership with TRTL Tokyo, making Japan our official country partner. Attendees can look forward to a special zone dedicated to showcasing the rich and diverse tapestry of Japanese culture, adding a unique flavor to our festival celebrations.”
He adds, “As we prepare for this remarkable festival, I invite each of you to join us in celebrating the beauty of our region, the vibrancy of our cultures, and the power of music to unite us all. Thank you, and let’s make Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 an unforgettable experience together!”
Taking place at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong, the Cherry Blossom Festival season pass is currently priced at ₹3,299, with VIP zone tickets priced from ₹8,999 onwards.
Get tickets for Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 here.
