Anurag Banerjee Discusses His Book ‘The Songs of Our People’ on Shillong’s Music Scene

Anurag Banerjee’s book, ‘The Songs of Our People’, captures the diverse and vibrant music scene of Shillong, tracing the evolution of local genres from rap and R&B to choirs and folk fusion. The first volume, released in 2024, focuses on younger musicians involved in politically charged genres, while the second volume highlights the legacy of Shillong’s music, featuring musicians from different generations. The project was sparked by Banerjee’s reflection on identity during the 2020 CAA-NRC protests, and he explored how music serves as an archive of the region’s political and cultural struggles. Through interviews and collaborative portraits, Banerjee weaves his own story into the narrative, reflecting on his relationship to Shillong as a non-tribal individual. The second volume of the book delves deeper into the legacy of music in the region and portrays the inclusive, collaborative spirit of Shillong’s music community. Banerjee discusses the personal journey behind the project, from his experiences with music and musicians in Shillong and Bombay to his emotional connection with the place. The books together highlight the importance of listening, both to the music and to the stories that shape it.