Shafin pays tribute to mother Feroza Begum

Shafin Ahmed is primarily known as the leading vocalist of one of the most prominent rock bands in the country, Miles. Recently, the vocalist has expressed his musical versatility by having worked on a Nazrul album as a loving tribute to his late mother, the legendary Feroza Begum. In a conversation with The Daily Star, Shafin described the process behind the making of the album, as well as his thoughts and memories involving his parents.

You have recently released a tribute album for your late mother. Could to tell us about your efforts behind this project?

Shafin: I have been thinking of doing a Nazrul Album for quite some time now, but things moved to a momentary halt as my mother tragically passed away two years ago. I decided to be stronger and finish the album not only for the sake of being a musician, but also as a loving tribute in her memory. This is my first Nazrul album, and one of my most unique endeavors as I have chosen songs whose tunes have been composed by my father Kamol Dasgupta, and recorded by my mother. I had some assistance from Impress Audio Vision at the end of the project to release the physical CD. The album is now available on digital platforms nationally and abroad.

What were the ideas that shaped the album? What impact do you hope it make on listeners?

Shafin: My primary undertaking was to learn the songs well and to do a lot of research in selecting the songs as well as search for the original recordings. I have mostly pursued my mother's recordings, and so the melodic expressions heard in the album are derived from there. To strengthen my research I referred to the original recordings, and so a song recorded in 1941 or 1942, had been recorded by my mother some time during the 70s, and today I have revived it again. Most of the instruments have been played by me, except for the tabla. There are reasons why I have chosen to work this way, one being that I had wanted to modernise the arrangements in order to attract this generation's listeners. Thus I felt that my ideas were best exposed if I worked alone in my own studio. I could have had other musicians involved, but that might lead to a more conventional way of how Nazrul songs have been heard so far. As for the songs and tunes, there is nothing to be said or changed as they are so rich, they ought to go on as they are for centuries.

What are you currently working on? Are there more projects in the pipeline?

Shafin: I have been busy recording and touring with my band Miles, but I will be continuing with paying musical tributes to my parents as an ongoing series. I should mention that I previously released an album titled “Koto Din Dekhini Tomay” as a tribute to my father, which featured classical adhunik songs of the 40s. I shall do more work on that as well as Nazrul songs as they are very close to my heart.

What songs do you associate with your mother?  Did she sing a song to you as a child?

Shafin: There are many songs that my mother had sung during practice as well as concerts at home and abroad, and I had been around for much of them. Her performances and renditions were absolutely outstanding as well as a sight to behold, and a treat to the ears.