Aliya Sharafi: A woman with a musical mission

By Arts & Entertainment Desk

Aliya Sharafi, daughter of legendary singer Kalim Sharafi, is a talented musician in her own right. Currently working as an interpreter in three languages in the office of the Attorney General in the Ontario Court of Justice, she hopes to perform in Bangladesh end July/August.

Aliya recently responded by e-mail to a variety of questions sent to her by The Daily Star. We reproduce the questions and her answers:

Who are your gurus and are ghazals your forte?

I have been learning kheyals from Ustad Phool Mohammad for the better part of my life. My guru Padmabhushan Girija Devi trained me in thumri, dadra, kajri and chaiti. Now I learn ghazals from the young maestro Jaswinder Singh. Later I hope to learn ghazals from Shanti Hiranandji, the foremost disciple of Begum Akhter. I intend to specialise in ghazals.

Your guruji Jaswinder Singh's latest CD was released by Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. It must be a major honour for him…

Guruji had three other CDs prior to this. This one has been released by SAREGAMA, a major platform for music in India. It is a major honour for any singer to have a CD released by a poet of the stature of Javed Akhter and an intellectual like Shabana Azmi, daughter of Kaifi Azmi, a renowned ghazal writer.

Apparently you have bagged a Canadian government grant to study music in Mumbai. To what do you attribute this honour?

The Art Council of Canada awards this grant to established and talented artistes in Canada. It is difficult to get this grant but if you have made a sufficient contribution towards the Canadian community through your art then you are eligible for this grant. Ultimately one has to go through a lifetime of contributions to the community to get this honour. For me, therefore, it is a privilege to gain acceptance from The Art Council of Canada.

What would you say are your main achievements ?

Apart from this grant, I did playback for the first time at the age of 12 for the film Sutarang. It was called Emon moja hoi na and turned out to be a super hit. Other playbacks include Dushtu Meye Paliye Berai (a duet with Farida Yasmeen) in Kagojer Nauka, Naach re O Kath Putli Naach (duet with Abdul Alim) in Soye Nadia Jage Pani and Agun Jalaish na Amaar gaye re (with Mahbooba Rahman in Gunai Bibi.

Achievements and awards:

Getting the first position in the ghazal genre in the Education Week of the then East Pakistan in 1967. Singing for Bangladesh TV in Rag-rang as a classical artiste. Representing Bangladesh in the West as an artiste in the semi- classical genre. Being the first Bangladeshi artiste to sing at the Lincoln Centre Broadway New York, as reported by the New York weekly Shaptahik Bangalee. In this concert I sang thumris. Opening my music school Prachee Sangeet Vidyalay, which won me recognition both at home and abroad.

Where does music figure in your life in Toronto?

I have been singing in Toronto since 2000. My most memorable show there was envisaged for the Bengali community at the 50th anniversary of the Bangla Bhasha Andolon(Language Movement). I managed to gather artistes from all across Canada to perform on a common stage in a "gaantha' programme. Previously the Bangladeshi community in Toronto had never seen anything like that.

I have established my music school and been a judge for organisations such as Udichi and Fobana. I have also been a judge on the internet for Paltalk singers. Which is a new technology where we are able to conduct these occasions where singers from all over the world log in to compete and we are appointed as judges to promote these.

You are evidently a multi-tasker. Where does singing fit into your scheme of things?

Music is my passion and I intend to focus on it. My job is for daily survival.

Source: The Daily Star.

Singers to hold sway in new programme

By Cultural Correspondent

A new musical programme is set to go on air on ATN Bangla at 8:45 pm on alternative Mondays. The first episode begins tonight. The programme is directed by Rumana Afroz and hosted by singer Bappa Majumdar. 

Each episode will feature a guest singer who will discuss his or her experience in the course of their career. Close colleagues as well as fans would get to express their views on the selected artistes. Shakila Zafar is the guest of the first episode. The noted singer will talk about her 30-year innings in the world of music.

Source: The Daily Star.

Fuzon, Habib rock Dhaka audience

By Cultural Correspondent

Bangladeshi singer Habib and Pakistan’s band ‘Fuzon’ with their popular numbers enthralled the audience at a live concert held at the Dhaka Sheraton’s Winter Garden on Friday evening.

Country’s music heartthrob Habib first came on the stage with his popular numbers including ‘Hridayer Kotha’, ‘Bhule Jeona’, ‘Krisna’, and ‘Dwidha’ delighting his audience, as usual, with the fusion of melody and romantic lyrics.

The Pakistani music band Fuzon, which has by now earned quite a reputation in the subcontinent, also rocked the audience with their popular tracks including ‘Malhar’, ‘Suna Suna’, ‘Madhubati’ and ‘Terebina’.

The event management organisation Maccom informed the media that they had plans to arrange similar concerts in future to build a cultural bridge between the two countries.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Shakila Zafar celebrates 30 years of music

By Ariful islam Mithu - May 18, 2009

Celebrating thirty years in the music scene, noted singer Shalika Zafar delighted the audiences by performing in a solo musical programme.

Amra Surjomukhi, a cultural organisation, arranged the programme at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum on Saturday evening. Eminent cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam inaugurated the programme while journalist Rahat Khan was present as the chief guest.

 Noted lyricist Shahidullah Farazi, media personality Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, Shakila Zafar’s present music teacher Sanjib Dey, actor Dr Enamul Huq, dance artiste Shamim Ara Nipa, and Shafiqul Islam Salim of Amra Suryamukhi among others was present at the ceremony. Shakila Zafar started performing with a raag song along with her current Ustad, Sanjib Dey.

Later, Shakila rendered some songs of her own choice including two Nazrul songs, Bone chole bono mali and Kholo kholo duar. Later she sang some popular modern songs, like, Jaagi eka nijhum rate, and Kije tumi chau. As a response to the requests of the audiences Shakila also sang some additional songs including Bondhuder bhalobasia kandi.

She performed the first song of her career Tare bolbo amar monar katha which she had sung along with Fatema Tuz Zohra and later performed a few playback numbers like Morone tare pabe, and Patharer prithebite ache hriday.

She also presented songs on request by the audience such as Bhulite parina tare bhola jayna, Tumi mistikore ektu bolo along with some Tagore songs like Amar bela je jay sanjh belata and Aj jotsna raate.

She concluded her performance by singing the romantic number, Tumi amar pratham shakal. Shakila was accompanied by Biswajit Sarkar on tabla, Richard Kishore on bass guitar, Zahid Hossein on keyboards, Hanif on octopad, and Monir Hussein Tutul on lead guitar. ‘She is a fantastic singer and I enjoyed the show thoroughly,’ said Shahidul Alam, a service holder after the show.

Mahmuda Khatun, a senior school teacher told New Age, ‘I am overwhelmed after seeing the programme. Moreover, her gestures and smile create an impact when she sings. I have really enjoyed it.’

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Tagore’s lyrical imagery

Discussion at Bangla Academy on Rabindranath’s paintings

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

On the occasion of the 148th birth anniversary of Rabidranath Tagore, Bangla Academy organised a discussion on Tagore's paintings titled, “Rabindranath-er Chitra Bhabna: Tukro Kothar Bhashyo,” and a musical programme. 

Dr. Ahmed Rafiq read out an essay on Tagore's views as a painter. Professor Ahmed Kabir, Bangla Department, Dhaka University and Professor Kaisar Haque, Department of English, DU were presented as discussants. The welcoming speech was delivered by Dr. Syed Mohammad Shahed, director general, Bangla Academy. The programme was presided over by Professor Nazrul Islam, chairman, University Grants Commissions. Dr. Rafiq said, “Tagore's art did not follow any particular type or style. He didn't have any academic education on art. He enjoyed drawing, created rhythmic lines and had a keen sense of colours. His works carried an individual touch. Tagore's art denotes beauty, truth and delight.” 

Professor Ahmed Kabir said, “In Tagore's time, several Indian painters were greatly influenced by European art. Tagore disliked the trend and emphasised individuality. In 1930, his first solo exhibition was held in Paris and his friend, noted Argentine intellectual Victoria Ocampo assisted him.” Professor Kaiser Haque said, “Tagore's images have several aesthetic aspects. Tagore's paintings don't conflict with modern art. He wrote many articles on aestheticism and art. The articles have clearly articulated his great eagerness on art.” 

Professor Nazrul said, “Tagore was a revolutionary force in Indian art. He started painting in his childhood but his craft was at the peak between 1928 and 1940. Tagore completed at least 3,000 paintings. The National Museum should have a separate section to display Tagore's paintings (reproductions).” Dr. Syed Mohammad Shahed said, “Tagore had carved so many paths in literature, poetry, art, drama etc. Every year we explore several topics through discussions or researches. His creations are unique and unparalleled.”

After the discussion, a musical programme was held. Iffat Ara Dewan, Shama Rahman, Mita Haque, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Abdul Wadud and Chhayarani Karmakar performed Rabindra Sangeet on the occasion.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Rawshan Ara Mustafiz on tonight’s Gaanalap

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

Banglavision will air the musical programme "Gaanalap", featuring noted Nazrul singer Rawshan Ara Mustafiz. Rawshan Ara will perform some of her popular songs and share her memories and thoughts on the world of music, future plans and more.

Apart from Nazrul songs, Rawshan Ara has won recognition for her rendition of classical and adhunik songs. She has had the privilege of presenting the songs of eminent composers Abdul Ahad, Samar Das, Dhir Ali Mansur, Satya Shaha, Alam Khan and others. A recipient of several prestigious awards such as Ekushey Padak, Nazrul Institute Gold Medal and Shilpaklala Academy Award, she has traveled far and wide as a member of cultural delegations. 

"Gaanalap" is aired every Tuesday at 9:05 pm. The programme is hosted by singer Nakib Khan and produced by Nahid Ahmed Biplob.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Fahmida Nabi charms the NRBs

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

Recently singer Fahmida Nabi visited the United States. The purpose of her visit was to attend a Dhallywood award giving ceremony, which featured nearly 60 Bangladeshi artistes and cultural personalities. Arranged by the Bangladeshi expatriates in the US, the programme was held on May 2 in Columbus, Ohio. 

Fahmida also attended a programme in Jackson Heights, New York, responding to expat Bangladeshis' requests. Talking about the tour, the singer said, "Both programmes were hugely successful. NRBs are very cordial and remain passionate about Bangladeshi music." The artiste informed that at the New York show, she performed several Rabindra Sangeet and songs from her recent album "Swapno Chhowa Bhalobasha." "I was surprised that they requested me to perform songs which I don't sing often. This implies they listen to a range of songs by me," she said.

So far a solo album, "Aamar Bela Jey Jaye," featuring Tagore songs by Fahmida, had been released and she wants to record more Rabindra Sangeet but not very soon. "I promised Bangladeshis in the US that I will record another album of Tagore songs but it will take time as I ardently want to delve into the genre," said Fahmida. During her short tour, the artiste also enjoyed her new image as one of the judges on the popular talent hunt show "Close Up 1." 

Fahmida returned home on May 6 and is getting busy with her upcoming projects. At present, she is working on a new album featuring songs written by the late theatre icon Selim Al Deen. The album is expected to be released on Al Deen's birth anniversary.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

An evening of Hemanta Mukherjee classics

Performance by Soumitra Bandopadhyay

Kavita Charanji - New Delhi, May 12, 2009

It is unlikely that a musical soiree to celebrate the 148th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore would attract strong protests from a section of the audience. However, that is just what transpired at a recent concert in Delhi by singer Soumitra Bandopadhyay, who presented an evening of Rabindra Sangeet and other popular melodies of the celebrated singer, composer, lyricist, film director and producer Hemanta Mukherjee in Hindi and Bengali. For starters some members of the audience objected to the clubbing of Hindi film songs with Bengali numbers and Rabindra Sangeet. What got their goat even more was the playful yodeling of Kishore Kumar songs by Indranil Banerjee, Soumitra's son.

The angry people had to be pacified by Bijan Mukherjee, president of Impresario India, one of the organisers of the programme. As he said, “Hemanta Mukherjee sang in both Hindi and Bengali. This concert is for all communities, not just Bengalis.” Another unruffled person questioned, “We are gathered here to celebrate music, so why the objections?”

Anyway, barring the protests, the evening effectively centred on the music of the Kolkata-based Soumitra. Among his melodious and meditative Rabindra Sangeet were “Tumi ki kebali chhobi,” “Purano shei din-er kotha” and “Pagla hawar badal din-e.” The Hemanta classics included a song of longing, "Tum pukar lo..," "Naa tum ham-e jaano naa hum tumhe jaane" and the famous "Jaane ye woh kaise log thhe jinko pyaar me pyaar mila" (the latter from the Guru Dutt classic "Pyaasa").

Talking to Soumitra was an eye opener as he related many interesting anecdotes about his late guru Hemanta Mukherjee. As the singer asserted, he knew Hemanta for a span of 13 years until his death in 1989. While Soumitra excelled in Rabindra Sangeet and the Bengali musical items he can be faulted on one score -- the heavy Bengali accent in the Hindi numbers, which detracted from the soothing ambience of the summer evening. But Soumitra had the humility to ask the audience to bear with his imperfect Hindi pronunciation.

While the young Indranil rendered some fun Kishore Kumar numbers with great aplomb, his Bengali songs lacked the depth and intensity of his father Soumitra. But this is only the beginning for Indranil, who can clearly make a mark on the music world.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

‘We want to spread the melody of bhawaiya’

The music band ‘Bhawaiya’ recently celebrated its first founding anniversary. The main vocalist of the group, Shafiul Alam Raza talks to Robab Rosan about their planning and objectives

By Robab Rosan - May 12, 2009

New Age: Would you tell us something about the history and objectives of the band group Bhawaiya?

Shafiul Alam Raza: It was my long cherished dream to form a music band that will sing only bhawaiya, one kind of popular folksongs of this country. The band, formed on April 20 last year, aims to spread the melody of bhawaiya songs among the audience of younger generation. We have selected the word ‘bhawaiya’ as our band’s name.

We are mingling the modern instruments with the traditional ones so that the melody of the bhawaiya songs get a new dimension and become suitable for the modern audience both at home and abroad. But primarily, our target audience are the people of the Bengali nation. We want to make the word ‘bhawaiya’ popular among them.

NA: Who are working in your group?

SAM: Ziaul Haque is working as the music director of the band and I am working as the chief vocalist of it.

NA: Is it decided that your band will sing only bhawaiya?

SAM: Yes, we have decided that we will sing only bhawaiya. I take the pleasure of repeating the answer that the band group called ‘Bhawaiya’ is formed only to spread the melody of the folksongs bhawaiya.

NA: How do you want to spread bhawaiya?

SAM: First of all, I believe that if we can sing bhawaiya carefully and keeping the traditional style unhurt or undistorted then we will get many good listeners and hope that their number will gradually increase. We are planning to arrange regular stage programmes to present bhawaiya songs in different places of the country so that the music lovers can enjoy its melody.

NA: You have told us earlier that your band will present the traditional bhawaiya. How will you ensure that you are following the traditional style?

SAM: We have decided that we will follow the style of Abbasuddin, the great maestro of bhawaiya songs as the authentic style of the songs. We will bring some changes in using music instruments.

NA: Is there any stream of modern bhawaiya songs in the country?

SAM: There are many lyricists of bhawaiya songs who are writing bhwaiya on modern events, such as, the Language Movement and the war of country’s independence. The singers are also getting good response from the audience.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

A complete insight into Nazrul and his works

NSSP to launch a CD on National Poet

By Mainul Hassan / April 8, 2009

Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad (NSSP), in association with Prime Bank Limited, is launching a CD on our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The announcement was made yesterday at a press conference held at National Press Club. 

Sujit Mustafa, joint secretary, NSSP; M.A. Mannan, general secretary, NSSP; Nazrul artiste and vice president, NSSP, Shaheen Samad; managing director of Prime Bank Ltd, M Ehsanul Haque, and others were present at the conference.Titled “Nazrul the Poet” the CD will contain a complete biography of Nazrul, compilation of his works and more. Divided into segments -- biography, literary contribution, image gallery and more -- the CD aims at providing an enthusiast with a complete idea of Nazrul and his works.

The biography section includes a comprehensive account of Nazrul's life. The literature section contains information on Nazrul's contribution to Bengali literature and culture. Image gallery contains rare photographs of the poet. A collection of nearly 70 selected Nazrul Sangeet rendered by renowned singers, including two songs recorded by the poet himself -- “Pashan-er bhangaley ghum” and “Ghumaitey dao sranto Robirey” (an elegy for Tagore). Some rare and exclusive video footage of the poet have also been included in the CD. Among other songs are English versions of two Nazrul Sangeet -- "Bagichaye bulbuli tui" and "Chal chal chal" (both rendered by John Thorpe).At the press conference NSSP also announced the launch of its new website www.nazrulssp.org. The website will be running soon.

The CD, sponsored by Prime Bank Ltd, will be launched on April 10 at a colourful programme at National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

When Baby Naznin met Larry King

Cultural Correspondent / April 6, 2009

Singer Baby Naznin recently went to Manhattan to attend the Bollywood Music Award show. During her visit she took the opportunity to browse the Sacks 5th Avenue outlet. And while looking for the perfume 'Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia,' exclusively available in Sacks only, she unexpectedly bumped into Larry King, host of the hugely popular talk show "Larry King Live" on CNN. One of the leading TV personalities of modern times, King has conducted some 40,000 interviews with politicians, entertainers and other newsmakers. 

The diva recalls the incident:

"I was bowled over when I saw Larry King right in front of me. As he approached me with a smile, I introduced myself. I told him that I was a singer. I even sang a few lines for him."

King also admired Naznin's beauty and refined taste as he saw the perfume in her hand. The diva did not miss the opportunity to frame the rare moment. Naznin also informed King that his show was very popular in Bangladesh. Larry King expressed his earnest wish to visit Bangladesh someday.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net