Shillong, July 8: Veteran musician Lou Majaw will be conferred the 2016 Bhupen Hazarika Award for his contribution to music.

Constituted by Sarhad in 2012, a Pune-based organisation which has been honouring people from the Northeast who have made contributions at the national and international level, the award consists of a cash prize of Rs 51,000, a memento and a certificate.

Sarhad is aimed at creating a strong bond between the region and Maharashtra.

In a statement, Sarhad president Sanjay Nahar said, "This year's Bhupen Hazarika Award is being conferred to an illustrious musician par excellence - Lou Majaw."

The award ceremony will be held in Pune in October.

Earlier recipients of the award include filmmaker Jahnu Barua and actor Ratan Thiyam.

Born in Mawlai Phudmuri in Shillong on April 14, 1947, Majaw has completed more than 50 years in music.

Majaw's first encounter with the guitar was in 1955 at Sacred Heart Boys' School. Moving on to Don Bosco Technical School in Shillong in 1959 to learn tailoring, Majaw spent the next three years playing the guitar, side drums, genis, saxophone and trumpet in the school orchestra.

Later, Majaw performed for bands like Fentones, Super Sound Factory, Blood and Thunder, Sons of Adam, Eleventh Commandment and The Great Society. Currently, he plays with the band Lou Majaw and Friends.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Majaw expressed happiness on receiving such recognition.

"I am happy that even after 50 years in music, I am still able to continue my work and provide entertainment to the people and encourage the younger generation," he said.

Recalling his association with Hazarika, he said, "I knew him right from the late 1960s when he would come to Shillong to perform during Bihu. He has undoubtedly made a huge contribution to music."