On May 21, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that internationally acclaimed American rap and hip-hop artist Post Malone will perform in Guwahati on December 8, marking a significant milestone in the state’s newly approved concert economy policy. The announcement came during a press conference held at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Golaghat district.
Post Malone, renowned for chart-topping hits such as "Rockstar," "Circles," "Sunflower," and "Better Now," is set to headline Assam’s biggest international concert to date. This event underscores Assam’s growing stature as a destination for major musical performances, building upon a series of successful concerts held in recent years. Last December, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh captivated audiences in Guwahati, while indie artist Prateek Kuhad’s soulful performance had earlier established the city’s appeal. More recently, singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, known for hits like "Baarishein" and "Gul," also performed to enthusiastic local fans, further showcasing Assam’s rising profile in the music scene.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the state has identified three prime venues for major concerts — Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat — which will be offered to event organizers. He emphasized that the Post Malone concert will build upon the momentum generated by these successful shows, further strengthening Assam’s concert economy initiative.
The artist’s upcoming performance marks a strategic shift for Assam, following the state government’s formal approval of its concert economy framework on the same day. This policy is designed to institutionalize concert hosting and promote Assam as a key player in India’s entertainment sector. Sarma expressed the state’s ambition to engage in healthy competition with Meghalaya, a neighboring state known for its vibrant music scene, particularly in Shillong. The city of Shillong witnessed an impressive 65-fold increase in live event consumption last year, setting a benchmark for Assam to match or exceed.
Industry experts project that the Post Malone concert could generate substantial economic benefits for Guwahati and the broader region. They referenced the successful model of Coldplay’s recent performances in Ahmedabad, which reportedly created a windfall of Rs 641 crore, including Rs 392 crore directly injected into the local economy through related spending on accommodation, transport, food, and other services. This economic impact underlines the potential of large-scale concerts not only to entertain but also to drive significant local economic development.
Overall, the announcement of Post Malone’s concert represents a landmark moment for Assam’s entertainment and cultural landscape. It reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging the newly approved concert economy policy to bring international artists to the state, promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and position Assam as a prominent cultural hub in Northeast India. With the concert slated for December 8 in Guwahati, anticipation is building among music fans and stakeholders alike, signaling a promising future for Assam’s evolving music industry and economic growth.