A platform for indigenous rock stars

Indigenous rock 'n' roll is not part of the mainstream music in the country, as it has its own cultural traits. Additionally, the platform it provides is quite niche, and therefore does not admit many young indigenous musicians to showcase their musical talents. With the pledge to support the Garo indigenous community, musicians A'chik Band Community of Bangladesh (ABCB) arranged a concert for the second time titled “Rock-o-Phone: Season-2” on October 7 at the National Library auditorium at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

A total of 11 indigenous bands, including Re Re, Sacrament, Jumang, The Code, A'io, Arctic and others enthralled the audience with their high-voltage performance at the concert. 

Arctic is a guest heavy metal band from Chittagong Hill Tracts whose members are from different cultural communities. A'io played instrumental pieces at the concert and performed their own composition in their native Garo language. They fused traditional instruments with newer ones. 

The band Re Re was the last band who presented Garo folk music and history through their euphonious songs. Bangla and English songs were also covered by the bands, ranging from rock, heavy metal instrumental, punk and many other genres. 

Bassist of popular rock band Indalo, Bart Nandit Areng attended the programme. Appreciating the event and the opportunities it presented to the indigenous communities, he said “Such platforms did not exist when I started music. The ABCB has opened doors to the young Garo musicians to do their own music and spread their culture.” 

ABCB started its journey in January last year. The President of ABCB, Devid Kenny Rema said “This is merely a stepping stone and we intend to explore more ways to reflect indigenous music in the future.” He also added that they had many limitations and they wanted to promote cultural exchange among other cultural communities through music.