Music of Bangladesh
Encyclopedia
Bangladesh
is traditionally very rich in its musical heritage. From the ancient times, music documented the lives of the people and was widely patronized by the rulers.
Bangla
music in ancient times was mostly linked to prayer. Most folk songs are related to some sort of praise of the gods and their creation. Songs were associated with particular groups of people, such as fishermen, cart-drivers, hermits and so on. Most songs were based on classical themes.
Modernisation of Bangla music occurred at different times and most of these modernisation processes happened independently of western influence. Most notable of these changes were:
The three main categories are Classical, folk and Western-influenced pop.
s (rag, in Bangla). All traditional Bangla music are based on classical music or on its variations.
Some of the most talented classical musicians of the sub-continent come from Bangladesh including Ustad Allauddin Khan, Sangeetacharya Tarapada Chakraborty, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Manas Chakraborty, Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, Ustad Abed Hossain Khan and so on.
Rabindra sangeet
is one of the best-known genres of Bangla music outside Bengal. Its origin is found in the work the poet Rabindranath Tagore
.
Nazrul Sangeet
, literally meaning "music of Nazrul", are the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam
, some 4,000 songs composed by the national poet of Bangladesh and active revolutionary during Indian independence movement.
Nazrul Sangeet incorporate revolutionary notions as well as more spiritual and philosophical themes. Islam used his music as a major way of disseminating his revolutionary notions, mainly by the use of strong words and powerful but catchy tunes. Islam also incorporated influences from Western India. He played an active role in carrying out a fusion between Western Indian ghazals and traditional Bengali classical music. (Ghazals are poems in Urdu
presented with a semi-classical tune, popular in Western India.) Nazrul geetis that do not incorporate themes of protest essentially form what is now called Bangla ghazal. The music involves variation on ragas (modes) along with complicated timing based almost entirely on vocal work and complex structure.
Due to Islam's dedicated nature and lifestyle, Nazrul geeti was not mainstream for a very long time (and possibly still is not as commercially promoted as Rabindra sangeet). Bangladeshi singer and composer Firoza Begum
played a very big role in popularising Nazrul geeti in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. Sohorab Hossain, Ferdous Ara, Shabnam Mushtari, also played a crucial role in making Nazrul geeti mainstream.
, Hason Raja
and Ramesh Shill. Abbas Uddin
was a key player in popularising folk music later on.
Folk music can clearly be distinguished and classified into several sub-genres:
Of these several groups, Baul song is best known and was further enriched by works of Lalon.
All folk songs are characterised by simple musical structure and words. Before advent of radio, stage performances of folk singers used to be possibly the only entertainment for the vast rural population of Bengal. After arrival of new communication and digital media, many of the folk songs were modernised and incorporated into modern songs (Adhunik songeet).
has been such a huge influence in Bangladeshi music that it deserves being called a genre on its own. However, although Baul geeti can be characterised by particular nature of music and presentation, in general, the genre is actually also defined by a definite cult. In order to understand Baul geeti, it is necessary to understand its creators.
Baul
is almost exclusively performed by Baul
s (hermits) who are followers of Sufism
in Bangladesh. (Note that traditionally bauls were Hindus; Sufism was started following the lifestyle of Lalon Shah.) In Bangladesh, in the early days of Bauls who claimed to be Muslims, with greater focus on love of the society and harmony with nature, baul geeti had to go through a major struggle of survival as did the Bauls themselves. Bauls were subjected to harsh teasing and isolation. However, with time, Islamists were forced by the general population to accept the Bauls and their spiritual music as part of the society.
Current day Bauls in Bangladesh are Sufis. Most live simple lives on an absolute minimum, earned mainly from performing their music. Baul songs always incorporate simple words expressing songs with deeper meanings involving Creation, society, lifestyle and human emotions. The songs are performed with very little musical support to the main carrier, the vocal. Bauls, bohemian by nature and belief, leave on grand expeditions, writing and performing music on their entire trip to earn living and disseminate notion of love and spirituality.
Ektara
(literally, the one-string), Dotara
(literally, the two-strings), ba(n)shi (flute made from bamboo shoot)) and cymbals are used in the presentation of Baul geeti. Although, in recent days, Baul geeti has lost popularity mainly due to disruption of the lifestyle of the bauls by urbanisation and westernisation, the songs have permanently altered Bangla music, especially in the form of Lalon geeti.
Baul songs were hugely promoted by Fakir Alamgir
and Feroz Shahi in Bangladesh.
Shah (also known as Lalon Fokir). Most of his songs are extensions of Baul geeti. However, his songs are always more philosophical in nature, involving greater thought about abstract themes.
Lalon geeti originated in Kushtia and has been popularised throughout the two Bengals (West Bengal and Bangladesh) by various artists. Among the proponents of Lalon geeti, Farida Parveen
is particularly worth mentioning for her extensive work in modernising tunes.
Bangla music traditionally has been classified mainly by the region of origin and the creators of the musical genre, such as Nazrul geeti (written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam), ghombhira (unique to a specific area in Bangladesh), etc. However, this prevented the ability to classify any music that failed to fit into any of the classes.
In the period just before Indian independence (Bengal, under British rule, was a part of one massive India that does not exactly correspond to the India of current day), several new minor musical groups emerged, mainly as playback songs for movies. These songs failed to fit into any particular genre, but seemed to be tied together by common theme of "music for the masses". Most of the music tended to be aimed at the mainstream audience - popular catchy tunes with simple words that were far moved from the classical ragas (modes). Hence, a miscellaneous category, Adhunik songeet, was created, since, at that time, this music was "modern".
Although over time these so-called "modern" songs have become fairly old, they continue to be called by the same name. Interestingly, this group of song has grown faster than any other, since it is a miscellaneous category that can accommodate anything that fails to fit elsewhere. The common theme continues to exist. So, although the nomenclature itself might not be as insightful, the genre itself is still well-defined.
Pop music initially started with the so-called band music
. And as the name suggests, the music was heavily influenced by Western Music. The greatest contributors to pop or pop-rock music also included the following singers:
Artists of the "Adhunik Gaan" and folk (especially new wave) genre also contributed to the pop music from time to time.
The popularity of the band music
was started enormously with the music of some famous band groups which had some mixed flavor of our melody with Western pop-rock stream.
, RockStarta , Warfaze Miles
and LRB
. Hassan (associated with Ark) and James (Faruk Mahfuz Anam) (associated with Feelings and, later, Nogor Baul) contributed in popularizing rock music. However, hard-rock did not begin until arrival of bands like Ark Rockstrata, and later Warfaze among many others in the early 90s.
Actually the bengali rock songs became popular after featuring Ark's (Tajmohol),(Janmabhumi),(Shadhinota), James (Thik ache bondhu) etc. albums. Both Hasan (Ark) and James proved their ability as a world class rocker in those albums and they never looked behind.
Bangladeshi rock scene has evolved into two distinct categories.
who were very fond of compositions of Beethoven, Yanni
and Kenny G
.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
is traditionally very rich in its musical heritage. From the ancient times, music documented the lives of the people and was widely patronized by the rulers.
Bangla
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
music in ancient times was mostly linked to prayer. Most folk songs are related to some sort of praise of the gods and their creation. Songs were associated with particular groups of people, such as fishermen, cart-drivers, hermits and so on. Most songs were based on classical themes.
Modernisation of Bangla music occurred at different times and most of these modernisation processes happened independently of western influence. Most notable of these changes were:
- Popularity of folk music of Sufi genres: introduction of philosophy and religion in music
- Works of Rabindranath TagoreRabindranath TagoreRabindranath Tagore , sobriquet Gurudev, was a Bengali polymath who reshaped his region's literature and music. Author of Gitanjali and its "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse", he became the first non-European Nobel laureate by earning the 1913 Prize in Literature...
, a Nobel Laureate poet: introduction of variations of classical music to music - Works of Kazi Nazrul IslamKazi Nazrul IslamKazi Nazrul Islam , sobriquet Bidrohi Kobi, was a Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of Bidrohi Kobi...
: introduction of complicated musical composition and use of music as a revolutionary tool - Modernisation of folk music: bringing folk music into mainstream
- Fusion work: fusionFusion (music)A fusion genre is music that combines two or more styles. For example, rock and roll originally developed as a fusion of blues, gospel and country music. The main characteristics of fusion genres are variations in tempo, rhythm, i a sometimes the use of long musical "journeys" that can be divided...
of traditional music with electronic instruments and Western work to revitalise and re-popularise Bangla music in a society increasingly overwhelmed by the West
Categories
The music of Bangladesh can be broadly categorized among the following genres:The three main categories are Classical, folk and Western-influenced pop.
Classical
Bangladeshi classical music is based on modes called ragaRaga
A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made...
s (rag, in Bangla). All traditional Bangla music are based on classical music or on its variations.
Some of the most talented classical musicians of the sub-continent come from Bangladesh including Ustad Allauddin Khan, Sangeetacharya Tarapada Chakraborty, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Manas Chakraborty, Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, Ustad Abed Hossain Khan and so on.
Rabindra sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet , also known as Tagore Songs in English, is a form of music composed by Rabindranath Tagore who added a new dimension to the musical concept of India in general and Bengal in specific....
is one of the best-known genres of Bangla music outside Bengal. Its origin is found in the work the poet Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore , sobriquet Gurudev, was a Bengali polymath who reshaped his region's literature and music. Author of Gitanjali and its "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse", he became the first non-European Nobel laureate by earning the 1913 Prize in Literature...
.
Nazrul Sangeet
Complete Works of Kazi Nazrul Islam
Nazrul Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet, literally "music of Nazrul," refer to the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a Bengali poet and national poet of Bangladesh and active revolutionary during the Indian Independence Movement. Nazrul Sangeet incorporate revolutionary notions as well as more spiritual,...
, literally meaning "music of Nazrul", are the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam , sobriquet Bidrohi Kobi, was a Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works espousing intense spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the popular title of Bidrohi Kobi...
, some 4,000 songs composed by the national poet of Bangladesh and active revolutionary during Indian independence movement.
Nazrul Sangeet incorporate revolutionary notions as well as more spiritual and philosophical themes. Islam used his music as a major way of disseminating his revolutionary notions, mainly by the use of strong words and powerful but catchy tunes. Islam also incorporated influences from Western India. He played an active role in carrying out a fusion between Western Indian ghazals and traditional Bengali classical music. (Ghazals are poems in Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
presented with a semi-classical tune, popular in Western India.) Nazrul geetis that do not incorporate themes of protest essentially form what is now called Bangla ghazal. The music involves variation on ragas (modes) along with complicated timing based almost entirely on vocal work and complex structure.
Due to Islam's dedicated nature and lifestyle, Nazrul geeti was not mainstream for a very long time (and possibly still is not as commercially promoted as Rabindra sangeet). Bangladeshi singer and composer Firoza Begum
Firoza Begum (singer)
Firoza Begum is a Bangladeshi singer who started her career in 1960s. She is one of the pioneer Nazrul Sangeet singers in Bangladesh who popularized the genre in the whole South Asia. She was the recipient of the 2000 Sheltech Award....
played a very big role in popularising Nazrul geeti in both Bangladesh and West Bengal. Sohorab Hossain, Ferdous Ara, Shabnam Mushtari, also played a crucial role in making Nazrul geeti mainstream.
Folk
Bangla folk music has a long history. Several people contributed to what has become one of the most important musical influences in lives of Bengalis on both sides of the (West Bengal-Bangladesh) border. Among these are Lalon FokirLalon
Fakir Lalon Shah , also known as Lalon Shah , was a Bangladeshi philosopher poet. His poetry, articulated in songs, are considered classics of the Bangla language...
, Hason Raja
Hason Raja
Hason Raja , also known as Dewan Hason Raja, was a Bengali poet, mystic philosopher and folksongs writer and composer...
and Ramesh Shill. Abbas Uddin
Abbas Uddin
Abbas Uddin Ahmed , popularly known by his first name, was a Bangla folk singer. He was born at Balarampur in Tufanganj subdivision in the district of Cooch Bihar...
was a key player in popularising folk music later on.
- BaulBaulBaul .Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.-Etymology:The origin of the word...
: mainly inspired by Lalon Fokir and his Sufi way of living and almost exclusively performed by hermits who have adopted such (Sufi) life style - BhandariBhandariFor other uses, see Bhandari .Bhandari caste is among the sea-faring warrior castes of ancient and medieval India. They migrated southward from Rajputana in early 1100 and subsequently spread over different parts of India...
: devotional music from the South (mainly Chittagong) - BhatialiBhatialiBhatiali or Bhatiyali is a traditional form of folk music in Bengal, Bangladesh and West Bengal. Bhatiyali is a traditional boat song, sung by boatmen while going down streams of the river, as the word Bhatiyali comes from Bhata meaning ebb or downstream It mostly is sung in the Mymensingh District...
: music of fishermen and boatman, almost always tied by a common raga (mode), sung solo - BhawaiyaBhawaiyaBhawaiya is a musical form popular in Northern Bangladesh, especially Rangpur District and in North Bengal specially in Cooch Behar district and Jalpaiguri District. This type of song is sung by the coachman. They sing this song while driving their cow drawn cart...
: song of bullock-cart drivers of the North (Rangpur) - Gajir geet: tradition song from the North (Rangpur)
- GombhiraGombhiraGambhira is a type of song . It is performed with a particularly distinctive rhythm and dance with two performers, always personifying a man and his maternal grandfather, discussing a topic to raise social awareness...
: song (originating in Chapai Nawabganj, in the North) performed with a particular distinctive rhythm and dance with two performers, always personifying a man and his grand father, discussing a topic to raise social awareness - Hason RajaHason RajaHason Raja , also known as Dewan Hason Raja, was a Bengali poet, mystic philosopher and folksongs writer and composer...
: devotional songs written by music composer Hason Raja (from Sylhet near Assam) that was recently repopularised as popular dance music - Jaari: song that involves musical battle between two groups
- Jatra Pala: songs associated exclusively with plays (performed on-stage) that usually always involve historical themes presented in a very colourful way
- KirtanKirtanKirtan or Kirtana is call-and-response chanting or "responsory" performed in India's devotional traditions. A person performing kirtan is known as a kirtankar. Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium, tablas, the two-headed...
: devotional song depicting love of Hindu god Krishno and his (best-known) wife, Radha - Pala: songs from the haorHaorA haor is a wetland ecosystem in the north eastern part of Bangladesh which physically is a bowl or saucer shaped shallow depression, also known as a backswamp...
(lake) area in Sylhet, Kishoregonj, and Netrokona usually performed on stage live by folk singers - Kobi gaan: poems sung with simple music usually presented on stage as a musical battle between poets
- LalonLalonFakir Lalon Shah , also known as Lalon Shah , was a Bangladeshi philosopher poet. His poetry, articulated in songs, are considered classics of the Bangla language...
: best known of all folk songs and the most import sub-genre of Baul songs, almost entirely attribute to spiritual writer and composer, Lalon Fokir of Kustia (Western Bangladesh, near the border with West Bengal) - Mursiya: Islamic songs of devotion of the Shi'ah groups based mainly on Western influences
- Shaari: song of boatmen sung in group to match the beat of the oar movement
- Upojatiyo: songs of the minor ethnic groups - worth noting, this is not really a classification since songs of these ethnic groups (of which there are at least 13 different groups) vary widely and have very distinct and intriguing characteristics
- Letto's song: songs from Mymensingh (North of Dhaka) that also allegedly influenced Nazrul geeti
- Wedding songs: sung all over Bangladesh but always tied by similar tunes and by, obviously, a common theme, marriage
Of these several groups, Baul song is best known and was further enriched by works of Lalon.
All folk songs are characterised by simple musical structure and words. Before advent of radio, stage performances of folk singers used to be possibly the only entertainment for the vast rural population of Bengal. After arrival of new communication and digital media, many of the folk songs were modernised and incorporated into modern songs (Adhunik songeet).
Baul
BaulBaul
Baul .Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.-Etymology:The origin of the word...
has been such a huge influence in Bangladeshi music that it deserves being called a genre on its own. However, although Baul geeti can be characterised by particular nature of music and presentation, in general, the genre is actually also defined by a definite cult. In order to understand Baul geeti, it is necessary to understand its creators.
Baul
Baul
Baul .Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.-Etymology:The origin of the word...
is almost exclusively performed by Baul
Baul
Baul .Though Bauls comprise only a small fraction of the Bengali population, their influence on the culture of Bengal is considerable. In 2005, the Baul tradition was included in the list of "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.-Etymology:The origin of the word...
s (hermits) who are followers of Sufism
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
in Bangladesh. (Note that traditionally bauls were Hindus; Sufism was started following the lifestyle of Lalon Shah.) In Bangladesh, in the early days of Bauls who claimed to be Muslims, with greater focus on love of the society and harmony with nature, baul geeti had to go through a major struggle of survival as did the Bauls themselves. Bauls were subjected to harsh teasing and isolation. However, with time, Islamists were forced by the general population to accept the Bauls and their spiritual music as part of the society.
Current day Bauls in Bangladesh are Sufis. Most live simple lives on an absolute minimum, earned mainly from performing their music. Baul songs always incorporate simple words expressing songs with deeper meanings involving Creation, society, lifestyle and human emotions. The songs are performed with very little musical support to the main carrier, the vocal. Bauls, bohemian by nature and belief, leave on grand expeditions, writing and performing music on their entire trip to earn living and disseminate notion of love and spirituality.
Ektara
Ektara
Ektara is a one-string instrument used in Bangladesh, India, Egypt, and Pakistan.thumb||EktaraIn origin the ektara was a regular string instrument of wandering bards and minstrels from India and is plucked with one finger...
(literally, the one-string), Dotara
Dotara
The dotara is a two or four or some times five stringed musical instrument resembling more to mandolin than a guitar...
(literally, the two-strings), ba(n)shi (flute made from bamboo shoot)) and cymbals are used in the presentation of Baul geeti. Although, in recent days, Baul geeti has lost popularity mainly due to disruption of the lifestyle of the bauls by urbanisation and westernisation, the songs have permanently altered Bangla music, especially in the form of Lalon geeti.
Baul songs were hugely promoted by Fakir Alamgir
Fakir Alamgir
Fokir Alamgir is a popular folk and pop singer of Bangladesh. He has got his own style of music which is the blend of traditional folk song with western instruments. He has released many albums most of which have been immensely popular. Among his famous songs are O Sakhina, Shantahar, Nelson...
and Feroz Shahi in Bangladesh.
Lalon
Lalon geeti is the work of composer and philosopher, LalonLalon
Fakir Lalon Shah , also known as Lalon Shah , was a Bangladeshi philosopher poet. His poetry, articulated in songs, are considered classics of the Bangla language...
Shah (also known as Lalon Fokir). Most of his songs are extensions of Baul geeti. However, his songs are always more philosophical in nature, involving greater thought about abstract themes.
Lalon geeti originated in Kushtia and has been popularised throughout the two Bengals (West Bengal and Bangladesh) by various artists. Among the proponents of Lalon geeti, Farida Parveen
Farida Parveen
Farida Parveen is known as the Queen of lalon songs. Lanon songs is a kind of folk songs of Bangladesh and Bengali areas.-Early life and background:...
is particularly worth mentioning for her extensive work in modernising tunes.
Adhunik
Adhunik songeet literally means "modern songs". Although, to outsiders, this may seem an extremely ambiguous way of nomenclature, it has particular motivations.Bangla music traditionally has been classified mainly by the region of origin and the creators of the musical genre, such as Nazrul geeti (written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam), ghombhira (unique to a specific area in Bangladesh), etc. However, this prevented the ability to classify any music that failed to fit into any of the classes.
In the period just before Indian independence (Bengal, under British rule, was a part of one massive India that does not exactly correspond to the India of current day), several new minor musical groups emerged, mainly as playback songs for movies. These songs failed to fit into any particular genre, but seemed to be tied together by common theme of "music for the masses". Most of the music tended to be aimed at the mainstream audience - popular catchy tunes with simple words that were far moved from the classical ragas (modes). Hence, a miscellaneous category, Adhunik songeet, was created, since, at that time, this music was "modern".
Although over time these so-called "modern" songs have become fairly old, they continue to be called by the same name. Interestingly, this group of song has grown faster than any other, since it is a miscellaneous category that can accommodate anything that fails to fit elsewhere. The common theme continues to exist. So, although the nomenclature itself might not be as insightful, the genre itself is still well-defined.
Notable Adhunik sangeet singers
- Runa LailaRuna LailaRuna Laila is a singer of the Indian subcontinent who is from Bangladesh. She started her career from Pakistan film industry and is effective in Ghazals also. She made a hit pair with famous singer Ahmed Rushdi after replacing Mala. She also has done numerous playbacks for movies in Bangladesh,...
- Shahnaz RahmatullahShahnaz RahmatullahShahnaz Rahmatullah is a Bangladeshi singer who is very popular in Bangladesh and Pakistan. She gained popularity when she sang in Pakistani films..Her brother Zafar Iqbal was one of the most popular hero in the Bangladesh Film industry.Her main area of singing entails modern songs and...
- Sabina YasminSabina YasminSabina Yasmin is a popular singer of Bangladeshi origin. She is renowned in Bangladesh for her patriotic songs as well as her playback singing in Bangladeshi cinema...
- Shakila ZafarShakila ZafarShakila Zafar is a Bangladeshi singer who has been described as "the leading exponent of the contemporary and traditional genre". Born in Karachi, Pakistan, her career began as a result of her appearance in the 1983 BTV program Jodi Kichu Mone Na Koren where she performed an astrology themed song...
- Samina ChowdhurySamina ChowdhurySamina Chowdhury is a female singer in Bangladesh. She mostly sings Modern and Classical songs and was one of the judges for popular TV show CloseUp1 on NTV....
- Alam Ara Minu (Singer)
- Abdul JabbarAbdul Jabbar (singer)Abdul Jabbar is a Bangladeshi singer with contributions to Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.He is the veteran singer of Bangladesh for his patriotic songs during the independence war of 1971 and also for his playback hits before and after 1971...
- Bashir AhmedBashir Ahmad (Singer)Bashir Ahmad is a Bangladeshi origin playback singer for Lollywood. He is famously known as East Pakistan's Ahmed Rushdi because his singing style is inspired by Ahmed Rushdi. Born in India, he migrated to Bangladesh and started his singing career...
- Andrew KishoreAndrew KishoreAndrew Kishore is a popular playback singer in Bangladesh. He is a recipient of seven National Film Awards in the best playback singer category.-Background:...
- Baby Nazneen-Singer
- Kanak Chapa-Singer
- Momtaz-Folk Singer
- Fahmida Nabi-Sinser
- Neaz Mohammed Chowhhury-Singer
- Subir Nandi-Singer
- Abida Sultana-Singer
- Rafiq ul Alam-Sinser
- Asif Akbar-Singer
- Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna-Singer
- Papia Sorwar-Singer
- Dilruba Khan-Singer
Modern music and western influence
In the post-independence period, Adhunik songeet continued to attract large proportiones of music enthusiasts. However, with time, newer generations demanded more upbeat music. Starting late 80's, music involving political theme have started to gain popularity once again, in a similar fashion to growth of Nazrul geeti had gained popularity during the revolution against the British Monarch and the War of Independence of Bangladesh.Pop music
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
. And as the name suggests, the music was heavily influenced by Western Music. The greatest contributors to pop or pop-rock music also included the following singers:
- Azam KhanAzam Khan (singer)Azam Khan was a Bangladeshi pop singer. He was the pioneer in Bengali pop music. He founded a band called Uchcharon in the early 1970s. He is honored as Guru of Pop Music in Bangladesh...
- Fakir AlamgirFakir AlamgirFokir Alamgir is a popular folk and pop singer of Bangladesh. He has got his own style of music which is the blend of traditional folk song with western instruments. He has released many albums most of which have been immensely popular. Among his famous songs are O Sakhina, Shantahar, Nelson...
Artists of the "Adhunik Gaan" and folk (especially new wave) genre also contributed to the pop music from time to time.
The popularity of the band music
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
was started enormously with the music of some famous band groups which had some mixed flavor of our melody with Western pop-rock stream.
Rock music
Bangla rock was started by Azam KhanAzam Khan (singer)
Azam Khan was a Bangladeshi pop singer. He was the pioneer in Bengali pop music. He founded a band called Uchcharon in the early 1970s. He is honored as Guru of Pop Music in Bangladesh...
, RockStarta , Warfaze Miles
Miles (band)
Miles is a popular rock band from Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is one of the oldest bands in Bangladesh, forming as early as 1978.Miles currently consists of Hamin Ahmed on lead guitar, Shafin Ahmed on Bass, Manam Ahmed on keyboard, Iqbal Asif Jewel on guitar, and Syed Ziaur Rahman Turjo on drums...
and LRB
Love Runs Blind
LRB is a Bangladeshi band, which was started in 1991 by guitarist Ayub Bachchu.- History :Bachchu was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh. He started his music career with a band called Feelings. Then Bachchu spent ten years with a band called Souls, which was one of the first Bangladeshi rock bands...
. Hassan (associated with Ark) and James (Faruk Mahfuz Anam) (associated with Feelings and, later, Nogor Baul) contributed in popularizing rock music. However, hard-rock did not begin until arrival of bands like Ark Rockstrata, and later Warfaze among many others in the early 90s.
Actually the bengali rock songs became popular after featuring Ark's (Tajmohol),(Janmabhumi),(Shadhinota), James (Thik ache bondhu) etc. albums. Both Hasan (Ark) and James proved their ability as a world class rocker in those albums and they never looked behind.
Bangladeshi rock scene has evolved into two distinct categories.
- Mainstream
- UndergroundUnderground musicUnderground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
Instruments
Common instruments are:- SitarSitarThe 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
- ViolinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
- FluteFluteThe flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
s - EsrajEsrajThe esraj is a string instrument found in two forms throughout the north, central, and east regions of India. It is a young instrument by Indian terms, being only about 200 years old. The dilruba is found in the north, where it is used in religious music and light classical songs in the urban areas...
(a traditional Bengali instrument)
Adhunik
- Abeda Sultana: contemporary
- Abdul JabbarAbdul Jabbar (singer)Abdul Jabbar is a Bangladeshi singer with contributions to Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.He is the veteran singer of Bangladesh for his patriotic songs during the independence war of 1971 and also for his playback hits before and after 1971...
: playback singer for movies in 1960s and 1970s & artist of the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro - Andrew Kishor: playback singer for movies for three decades
- Fatema-tuz-zohura: respected singer for three decades
- Zinga GoshtyZinga GoshtyZinga Gosty is the first known pop music group of Bangladesh. It was formed in 1963 by a group of young college students of Chittagong College. Led by Late Shafaat Ali - the group's erstwhile leader, Zinga soon became very popular with its modern style tunes that revolutionized the Bangla POP/Band...
- one of the earliest bands (1970s) in Dhaka (which originated from ChittagongChittagongChittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
) - Rebecca Sultana: contemporary
- Runa LailaRuna LailaRuna Laila is a singer of the Indian subcontinent who is from Bangladesh. She started her career from Pakistan film industry and is effective in Ghazals also. She made a hit pair with famous singer Ahmed Rushdi after replacing Mala. She also has done numerous playbacks for movies in Bangladesh,...
: Ghazal singer and playback singer in 1980s - Sabina YasminSabina YasminSabina Yasmin is a popular singer of Bangladeshi origin. She is renowned in Bangladesh for her patriotic songs as well as her playback singing in Bangladeshi cinema...
: playback singer for four decades - Ferdous Ara: Famous Singer of "Adhunik" songs
- Asif Iqbal Sunbeam: Revolutionary remix artist for the album chumki(first ever bangla digital remix album), also have solo career from 1990s
- MilaMilaMila , is a female name of Slavic Origin. It is a diminutive of Slavic names beginning or ending with Mila which derived from the element Мил Mil meaning "gracious, dear".- Notable people with this name :First...
: introduced new rock and pop styles in Bangladesh, modern bangla, teenage heart throb of pop music. - Tapan ChowdhuryTapan Chowdhury (Singer)Tapan Chowdhury is a Bangladeshi singer. In the beginning of his career in 1970s, he was associated with Souls. Later he started to sing as a solo singer. He is very popular in Bangladesh for his romantic modern songs.-References:...
: went solo after beginning career in Souls. - Uma Islam: playback singer in 1970s and 1980s & artist of the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro
- M. Thakur From the band Zeathers (1989), solo singer, living in New York
- Shakila ZafarShakila ZafarShakila Zafar is a Bangladeshi singer who has been described as "the leading exponent of the contemporary and traditional genre". Born in Karachi, Pakistan, her career began as a result of her appearance in the 1983 BTV program Jodi Kichu Mone Na Koren where she performed an astrology themed song...
- Asif AkbarAsif AkbarAsif Akbar is a Bangladeshi pop singer.His debut album was released 30 January 2001 and was a great hit and acquired a lot of popularity for him in Bangladesh with the hit song Oh Priya Tumi Kothay! [ ও প্রিয়া তুমি কোথায় ]...
recording artist/playback singer
Nazrul Geeti (Kazi Nazrul Islam- National Poet of Bangladesh)
- Angur Bala: deceased
- Arjumand Banu: deceased
- Dalia Nausheen
- Suzana ansarSuzana AnsarSuzana Ansar is a British Bengali singer and actress.-Background:Ansar was born in Whipps Cross University Hospital, Leyton, East London, United Kingdom to British Bengali ex pat parents, UK community activist Syeda S Karim, and chartered accountant/businessman Mohamed Ansar Uddin...
- Firoza BegumFiroza Begum (singer)Firoza Begum is a Bangladeshi singer who started her career in 1960s. She is one of the pioneer Nazrul Sangeet singers in Bangladesh who popularized the genre in the whole South Asia. She was the recipient of the 2000 Sheltech Award....
: popular in the 1960s, carried out lot of experimental composition work in an attempt to popularise Nazrul geeti - Ferdous Ara: (Leading Singer, Teacher and Researcher of Nazrul Sangeet, Teaching Nazrul Sangeet at DU, Govt. Music College, Nazrul Institute. Running an Institution of Music named "SURSHAPTAK")
- Leena Taposhi Khan (Singer & Nazrrul Reaserser, playing leading role to popularising Nazrul Song )
- Khairul Anam: contemporary
- Khaled Hossain
- Shamsi Faruque Shimki
- Laila Arjumand Banu: deceased
- Sadya Afreen MallickSadya Afreen MallickSadya Afreen Mallick is a Bangladeshi singer and journalist. She is a leading exponent of Nazrul songs . She is editor of the Arts and Entertainment section of The Daily Star.-References:...
- Shabnam Mushtari
- Shaheen mahmud Samad
- Sohorab Hossain: played key-role in popularising Nazrul geeti
- Nilufer Yasmin: deceased
- Sudhin Das
- Neelima Das
- Sumon Chowdhury
Folk
- Abbas UddinAbbas UddinAbbas Uddin Ahmed , popularly known by his first name, was a Bangla folk singer. He was born at Balarampur in Tufanganj subdivision in the district of Cooch Bihar...
: revolutionary work with folk music and its revitalisation - Abdul Alim
- Shah Abdul KarimShah Abdul KarimShah Abdul Karim , was one of the most famous legends of Bangladeshi folk music. He specialized in Bengali Baul music. Born and brought up in the village of Ujan Dhol, in Derai Upazila of Sunamganj, he lived there until his death. He was awarded the Ekushey Padok in the year 2001 for his...
: from Sylhet - Abdur Rahman Bayati: from Jessore
- Binoy Bansi Das: rhythm-specialist from Chittagong
- Bijoy Sarker: from Jessore, deceased
- Farida ParveenFarida ParveenFarida Parveen is known as the Queen of lalon songs. Lanon songs is a kind of folk songs of Bangladesh and Bengali areas.-Early life and background:...
: unrivalled in Lalon Geeti, known for three decades, carried out huge projects on modernising and popularising Lalon geeti - Ferdausi RahmanFerdausi RahmanFerdousi Rahman formerly known as Ferdousi Begum , is the only daughter of folk legend Abbas Uddin. Her music career started in her early years under her father's direction....
: immensely popular for three decades, heir to rich tradition established by her father, Abbasuddin, - Horolal Rai: deceased
- Kanai Lal Shil: dotara player, deceased
- Kangalini Sufia: singer from Chittagong
- Khoda Box Shai: from Kustia
- Kutubul Alam: gombhira singer from Rajshahi
- Neena Hamid: contemporary
- Saydur Rahman Bayati: from Manikganj
- Rothindranath Rai
- Rowshan Bayati: from Jessore
Pop/Rock Vocalists And some Bands
- James (Faruk Mahfuz Anam) Vocalist of Nogor Baul
- In Dhaka: rock band
- Hassan: Pop rock musician.
- Azam KhanAzam Khan (singer)Azam Khan was a Bangladeshi pop singer. He was the pioneer in Bengali pop music. He founded a band called Uchcharon in the early 1970s. He is honored as Guru of Pop Music in Bangladesh...
: A pioneering musician ever lived in Bangladeshi Pop culture, often referred to as the "Pop Guru" of Bangladesh. - Isha Khan Duray: Singer and producer.
- Habib WahidHabib WahidHabib Wahid , better known as Habib , is a Bangladeshi composer and musician. He is notable for his fusion of traditional Bengali folk music with contemporary techno and urban beats. His music is mainly influenced by British Bangladeshis, while he was living there as a student...
: Singer-songwriter and record producer. - TishmaTishmaTishma is one of the most successful pop music/rock music stars in Bangladesh, and she is the artist who entirely changed and modernised the path for Bangladeshi female singers.-Music career:...
: singer-songwriter and first female music producer of Bangladesh, she also changed and revolutionised the entire performance and style for female singers in Bangladesh, teenage heart throb of pop music. Introduced new rock and pop styles in Bangladesh too. - ArnobArnobShayan Chowdhury , better known as Arnob, is a Bangladeshi indie musician. Coming from a musical family - his uncle Tapan Chowdhury is also a singer - Arnob completed his school at Patha Bhavana and MFA in Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan.- Band & Albums :Arnab is a member of the band Bangla...
: Singer-songwriter and record producer. - Upol Islam: Singer-songwriter and record producer.
- Happy Akhand: survived by his brother Lucky Akhand, after his untimely death in 80s.
- Jewel: deceased
- Lucky Akhand: legendary pop singer who carried on the work of brother Happy Akhand
- SoulsSouls (band)Souls is a pop-music band from Bangladesh. It was established in Chittagong, and later moved to Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka. Former members include Tapan Chowdhury, Ayub Bachchu, Nakib Khan, Naseem Ali, and Partha Barua...
: emerged in late 70s in Chittagong, gained popularity over more than a decade, served to launch Ayub Bacchu (vocalist of L.R.B) and Tapan Chowdhuri, been less visible in the 90s - Tapan ChowdhuryTapan Chowdhury (Singer)Tapan Chowdhury is a Bangladeshi singer. In the beginning of his career in 1970s, he was associated with Souls. Later he started to sing as a solo singer. He is very popular in Bangladesh for his romantic modern songs.-References:...
: went solo after beginning career in Souls - Warfaze: emerged in mid-eighties as hard-rock band and initiated rock era of Bangladesh
- Nemesis: Hugely popular alt-rock band, currently recording their 2nd album.
- Powersurge: One of the newcoming successful Heavy metal bands.
Rabindra sangeet
- Abid: the youngest artist in tagore song
- Atiqul Islam: deceased
- Fahmeeda Khatun
- Iffat Ara Dewan: contemporary
- Kalim SharafiKalim SharafiKalim Sharafi was a Bangladeshi Rabindra Sangeet singer and cultural revolutionary. He gave his ideas in several publications regarding politics, culture, and Tagore. He is regarded as one of the best Rabindra sangeet singers in the subcontinent.-Early life:Kalim Sharafi was born in Birbhun...
- Milia Ali: contemporary
- Mita Huque
- Papia Sarwar: contemporary
- Rezwana Chowdhury BanyaRezwana Chowdhury BanyaRezwana Chowdhury Banya is a contemporary Rabindrasangeet singer widely hailed in both her native Bangladesh and Paschimbanga, India as being one of the most versatile exponents of this musical genre. She is often referred to by aficionados solely by her nickname Banya, which translates into...
- Sadi Mohammad Takiullah
- Chanchal Khan: contemporary/living abroad (www.chanchalkhan.com)
- Iqbal AhmedIqbal AhmedIqbal Ahmed, OBE , is a British entrepreneur of Bangladeshi origin. Based in Manchester, he made his fortune in shrimp. The success of his two companies, Seamark and Ibco, have turned him into one of the UK's richest men. He is also the highest British Bangladeshi to feature on the Sunday Times...
: living abroad - Sirajus Salekin: contemporary/living abroad (Sydney, Australia)
- Lily Islam: contemporary
- Sanjeeda Khatun: contemporary, better known as a specialist in Rabindra sangeet and as the founder of Dhaka's popular music school, Chhayanot
- Zahidur Rahim: deceased
- Kaderi Kibria: living abroad (USA)
Hip Hop
- LIQUIDSILVA
- Stoic Bliss
- Deshi MCs
- T.O.R. - Theology of Rap
- Uptown Lokolz
- Lal Miah
Instrumental/compositional
In 2009, Mushfiqul Alam initiated instrumental/compositional genre in Bangladesh with his successful debut album Tunes Of Heaven. This album became popular among listeners of BangladeshBangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
who were very fond of compositions of Beethoven, Yanni
Yanni
Yanni , born Yiannis Hrysomallis is a Greek self-taught pianist, keyboardist, and composer who has spent most of his life in the United States.He earned Grammy nominations for his 1992 album, Dare to Dream, and the 1993 follow-up, In My Time...
and Kenny G
Kenny G
Kenneth Bruce Gorelick , better known by his stage name Kenny G, is an American, adult contemporary and smooth jazz saxophonist. His fourth album, Duotones, brought him breakthrough success in 1986...
.