A village boy from Thahekhü to the global stage
Kanili Kiho
Dimapur | February 8
Abdon Mech’s journey to opening for John Mayer’s debut India show in Mumbai on February 11 has been years in the making.
Speaking to The Morung Express following the official announcement, the Nagaland singer-songwriter described the moment as surreal, adding, “This kid is opening for his absolute hero.”
“At the risk of sounding cliché, it means everything to me,” he said. “I was a lost kid in college when I discovered his music. I picked up the guitar and started writing music because of John. There’s no Abdon without John, simple as that.”
Having spent years developing his craft, he said the moment still feels difficult to process.
“And after all these years, this feels like the ultimate full circle moment. I can’t even begin to describe what this is for me both as a professional and a fan. Anything I say feels so little.”
The confirmation came unexpectedly. “I was sleeping when they called me and I missed their calls,” he laughed. “Only when I opened my WhatsApp did I realise what was happening. I called back immediately and that’s how I found out.”
He did not have much time to absorb the news. “To be honest, the professional Abdon quickly took over as I knew the next few hours were crucial in locking the deal. I didn’t have time to process or get overwhelmed, my muscle memory took over and it was go time.”
The weight of the moment settled in only later that night, when he was alone. He first shared the news with his younger sister before informing close friends and family.
“I immediately told my younger sister and then slowly my closest friends and family. They were very emotional and happy for me.”
The announcement followed a campaign he had initiated about two months earlier. Entering the process, he said he did not overthink the outcome.
“To be honest, I didn’t think too much. I wanted to do it both as a fan and an artist. I knew I would already lose the shot if I didn’t take it.”
He backed the campaign with his professional portfolio and years of groundwork.
“My story was never going to be enough. I had to back it up with what I brought to the table, years of silently building my craft and proving that I have the mettle to do it helped get approval from John and his team and BookMyShow as well.”
There was no formal selection process, he noted. “It wasn’t an open call, not that I know of. I just sent BookMyShow an email and pitched myself and shared details of my work. A normal hygiene check for any professional pitching.”
From there, the decision rested with Mayer’s team. “They got back to me saying they appreciate my work and my story but ultimately the approval had to come from John and his team. So all we could do was wait.”
While the milestone is personal, he sees it as significant for the wider Naga independent music space, when asked if the moment marks a breakthrough for the Naga artistes. He called it a collective win, noting, “We’re no longer just a talent pool but now a serious community tapping into the mainstream.”
He pointed to other recent breakthroughs. “Trance Effect also opened for Linkin Park at Lollapalooza this year. We’ve always had talent, it was just about putting ourselves out there.”
Reflecting on his own path, Abdon said structural gaps remain one of the biggest challenges for independent musicians from the region. The absence of a consistent support system and industry framework in Nagaland and across India makes sustaining a music career difficult, with limited access to opportunities and infrastructure.
“Only the mad ones survive here. I’m glad, I’m mad. The crazy ones show up every day and I’m one of those.”
He believes the rise in international tours in India is gradually reshaping the ecosystem. “India’s live market has massively shifted the last few years. And it has a domino effect on smaller markets like Nagaland.”
Touring beyond home has been central to his growth as an artist. “I’ve also been one of those actively playing outside and touring the country. Persistently showing up, away from home, is the only way you can branch out.”
Despite building a strong base in Nagaland, he sees this as an early step. “This is just the start and it’s this same community that will help us break elsewhere next.”
On songwriting, he dismissed the idea of a single defining moment. “I don’t remember to be honest. I’ve written thousands of songs and 99% of them are terrible.” He described the process as gradual and iterative.
“As a songwriter, you don’t really find your voice in one song. It’s a constant cycle of trials and errors. You actually find your voice in the process and not through one product.”
He confessed his writing has evolved over time. “I used to be super personal about what I write. Over a period of time, I wanted to challenge myself by writing from different hats.”
What remains constant, he said, is emotional honesty. “My absolute demand for honesty in the song, that to me is non-negotiable. Your audience can see through your performative writing. It will never connect.”
Among the songs he is most looking forward to performing is his Sümi Naga track “Noye Lhokuthu Iwu.”
“I look forward to taking a song from our dialect and making thousands in Mumbai sing it. Going to be fun.”
“Who would have thought this village boy from Thahekhü in Nagaland would be supporting one of the greatest music artists of this generation. If anybody tells you that your dreams are too big, please punch them in the face. Please chase your dreams. I’m chasing my dream.”
The 7-time Grammy-winning artist will be performing at the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai on February 11.
