The Thahekhu singer-songwriter calls it a dream come true as he prepares to share the stage with his musical hero
Kohima: As India prepares to witness John Mayer perform live for the first time, Nagaland’s own Abdon Mech is set to take the spotlight as the opening act for the global music icon at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course on February 11, 2026.
The seven-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter will headline the much-awaited show, but the evening will first belong to two rising independent voices, Abdon Mech and Bengaluru-based indie rocker Tejas.
For Mech, the moment is deeply personal. Reflecting on his journey, he shared how Mayer’s music shaped his life. “I was a lost kid in college when I discovered his music. I picked up the guitar and started writing because of John. There’s no Abdon without John, simple as that.”
The singer conveyed his excitement through a post on his social media, stating, “This kid is opening for his absolute hero. Man, who would have thought this village boy from Thahekhu in Nagaland would be supporting one of the greatest musical artists of this generation.”
The opportunity comes months after Mech made an audacious online appeal last October, asking for a chance to open for Mayer. The internet rallied behind him, tagging the organisers, and the dream soon turned into reality. Since then, the Thahekhu native has continued to build a strong organic following with his heartfelt originals and soulful performances.
While excited, Mech also confessed to being a little nervous. Mech said he is especially eager to perform his Sümi Naga number, Noye Lhokuthu Iwu, expressing hope that the Mumbai audience will sing along and make the moment memorable.
For the young artist, sharing the stage with one of his greatest influences is more than just a performance, it’s a powerful reminder that even the boldest dreams can come true, carrying Nagaland’s voice to a national and global audience.
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