A pledge to uphold Bangla music

Kiran Chandra Roy (R) along with dhol players performing at the event

Amidst razzle-dazzle Citycell-Channel i Music Awards '04 was held at the Ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on July 28. Almost all known faces from the music fraternity attended the event, among other distinguished guests.

The opening act was a very charged performance of Takdum takdum bajey Bangladesher dhol by Kiran Chandra Roy accompanied by 20 dhol players. Following that, Intekhab Mahmud, Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing) of Citycell, said in his speech, "It's unfortunate that till now there hasn't been any award that is solely based on different categories of music. We intend to hold similar award functions in a bigger and better way in future."

Faridur Reza Shagor, Managing Director of Channel i said, "People of this country have a passion for music. That's why it's shocking that till now we haven't had an award based on music. When we decided that we're going to organise this award programme, we had no idea what a mammoth task it would turn out to be. We hope this will be a boost to our music."

Artistes Abdul Latif, Khalid Hasan Milu, Nafisa and sound engineer Mobin who passed away this year, were remembered and revered by maintaining a one minute silence. The main event then kicked off with announcing the lifetime achievement award. Legendary folk singer Abdur Rahman Boyati was honoured with the award for his immense contribution to Bangla music. The veteran artiste, decrepit from illness had to be supported to the stage and while receiving the award he couldn't hold back his tears as he was expressing his gratitude. Boyati received a crest, a certificate and a check for Tk one lakh.

Artistes Mehreen and Habib then performed the theme song of the event, Esho saregama diye gai. The song received rounds of applause from the audience. Runa Laila and Alamgir then presented the awards for best folk, mystic and adhunik (modern) singer. Mustafa Zaman Abbasi, Farida Parveen and Bappa Majumdar won the laurels respectively.

Amitho premey podini from the movie Bachelor was awarded as the best film song. While waiting for someone to receive the award, Runa joked, "Since there is no mention of the singer, would any of the bachelors here please receive this award?

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A group performance by popular artistes Subir Nandi, Shakila Zafar, Manam Ahmed, Kumar Bishwajit and Maqsud captivated the audience. Specifically Bishwajit's 'scatting' while rendering Torey putul-er moto korey shajiye seemed to make the crowd go wild. The performance ended with the song Bangladesh.

Shudhin Das and Ferdousi Rahman presented the awards for best Tagore, Nazrul and classical singers. Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Shaheen Samad and Anilkumar Shaha respectively received the honours.

Following that, guitarist Tintin made an innovative instrumental presentation. The presentation was a fusion of acoustic and electric guitars with authentic indigenous instruments. Artistes from adivasi (indigenous) groups -- Tripura, Murong, Chakma and Marma -- performed with Tintin and the other guitarists.

Ferdous Waheed and Pilu Mumtaz performed their hit numbers Amon ekta ma de na, Ekdin tho choley jabo and Eijey duniya, making the audience nostalgic.

Due to repeated audience requests, Runa Laila rendered an all-time favourite Shadher lau. She was accompanied with hundreds of ektara, dugdugi and flutes that all guests received in their gift packages.

The awards for best lyricist and best music composer went to Kabir Bokul and Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul. Ektara received the award for best music video. Renaissance and James won the awards for best musical group and best pop artiste respectively. Shumona Bardhan was awarded as the most talented newcomer.

The event ended with a group performance of Aaj jey shishu by members of Renaissance, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and Yasmin Mushtari. The programme was hosted by Shimul and Mehzad Galib.