In Loving Memory: Tributes pour in for Abdul Jabbar

Abdul Jabbar, the iconic voice behind songs like “Salam Salam Hajar Salam”, “O Re Neel Doriya” and “Pitch Dhala Ei Poth ta re Bhalobeshechi” passed away yesterday morning, after a long battle with various old-age health complications. Singers and composers who have seen the artiste from up close shared their fond memories and tributes to Jabbar to The Daily Star.

Alam Khan, noted composer

I have been ill myself, and on top of that hearing about Abdul Jabbar's death has made me extremely upset. Even with my ill health, I went to see him for the last time recently. Abdul Jabbar, without a doubt, was one of the frontline pioneering singers of the country. His voice and songs gave inspiration to the Freedom Fighters of our Liberation War. There are some songs which, if not sung by Abdul Jabbar, would never have found success. One of them being the one I had composed - “O Re Neel Doriya”. This song, sung by anyone else, would never have gotten the recognition and admiration that it did - that is why there is only one Abdul Jabbar. We won't be able to listen to his sweet harmonious voice anymore- just the thought of it is painful.

Syed Abdul Hadi, eminent singer

There are too many memories to recount, and I am at a loss for words at this moment. Although he was a senior by age, we shared a close and lasting friendship. We used to meet almost every day at Shahbag Betar Kendra, and shared our experiences and creative work. We had quarrels at times, but there was never a break in the bond we always shared. Our final meeting was last year, when we performed together in a concert in Munshiganj. He was very weak, and he told me, “I think my days are numbered.” Death comes for us all, and this is life's reality.

Sujeyo Shyam, noted composer

We worked together in Shadhin Banglar Betar Kendra and were close friends. He was ill for a very long time, and sadly I could not be there for him as much as I would have liked, as I was in Kolkata for my own treatment. My other compatriots are also struggling with their health, and it makes me worry for the future of our land. We fought all our lives to keep alive the songs from Shadhin Banglar Betar Kendra, but sadly, even in our lifetimes, we have seen our own recordings disappear and remain forgotten. I implore that instead of shedding tears, we remember him through his work and ensure that they are never lost.

Sabina Yasmin, renowned singer

We are all stunned by the news, and his passing has left a void, not just in our hearts, but in our musical heritage. I have known him since I was a little girl - my older sisters Farida Yasmin and Fauzia Khan used to perform with him, and I would always accompany them. He was extremely affectionate, and I learned many things from him, particularly how to sing in duet performances. We recorded many duet songs together for films. The last time our paths crossed was a year and half ago, and it is hard for me to accept that he is no more. His musical genius was one of a kind, and unlike anything I have seen before in my life.

Rafiqul Alam, noted singer

Abdul Jabbar was a Freedom Fighter, and a warrior in every sense relating to our music. We were all in Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra to fight for cultural freedom and our heritage, but he was a revolutionary surpassing most. He was always encouraging us to fight, and to sing for our freedom. During a time when Indian and Pakistan singers dominated East Pakistan with their talents, Abdul Jabbar and Abdul Alim rose to the top with their extraordinary talents. My elder brother, who is also a singer, used to tell us a story about Abdul Jabbar back in 1966. When he was working for Rajshahi Radio, he approached the Regional Director of the station and demanded to know why there was a disparity in payments. Such a personality has taken our musical traditions to such great heights, and I pray for his eternal peace.

Kumar Bishwajit, noted singer

No one else will now lovingly call me “Bishshu' anymore. He took it in his own hands to bring glory to our patriotic songs and Bangla adhunik songs. He will live on generation after generation through his work. Jabbar bhai was so mentally strong, that even in his final days he used to dream about making more music. He was a true patriotic artiste. His absence will now have created a kind of emptiness in the industry, an emptiness that can never be filled again. All I pray for is that his soul finds peace.