Melodic soundscape in the open
DIFF concludes on high note
The fourth Dhaka International Folk Fest 2018 concluded on a high note yesterday, producing some of the best soundscapes of the grand event.
The third act of the evening, hailing all the way from Barcelona, was Las Migas, a unique, all-female, Spanish ensemble that creates a fascinating blend of Flamenco and Mediterranean styles, combining classic and contemporary rhythms and melodies that range from powerful to passionate to playful.
The four women of Las Migas come from four different cities that span not only the geography of Spain but also its cultural diversity -- Barcelona, Sevilla, Cordoba and Lerida. The two Andalusians are the guitarists: Marta Robles and Alicia Grillo. The two Catalans are Alba Carmona on vocals and Roser Loscos on violin. They all came to the group with one common passion: Flamenco. You can hear it in the rhythms of the guitarists, the dancing violin lines, and the raw power of the vocals.
The second last act, Arnob & Friends, led by popular singer-musician Shayan Chowdhury Arnob performed some fan favorites, including Amar Haar Kala Korlam Rey, Lal Paharir Deshe Ja, among many others.
Pakistani classical singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, who belongs to the Patiala Gharana, took the stage as the ultimate performer. He has so far earned acclaims for his popular scores namely, Aankhon Ke Saagar, Khamaj, Aankhiyan, Mitwa, Phir Wohi Raastey and Allah Megh De. The recipient of the President's Pride of Performance civil award, performed several of his mega hits as the showstopper of the festival.
Shafqat was introduced to Bollywood by Shankar Mahadevan. One morning while driving to his studio, he heard Shafqat's hit song Aankhon Ke Saagar on the radio. He immediately called the radio jockey who was his friend and got Shafqat's contact number. Shafqat sang Mitwa composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy for the movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. The song was listed in the top charts in India, propelling Shafqat into stardom.
The evening, however, began with Bangladeshi band Nakshikatha performing songs of mystic bards, followed by an authentic display of folk music by Baul Kabir Shah, who delivered an excellent performance getting the audience on their feet.
As the curtains came down on the Dhaka International Folk Fest 2018 last night leaving music lovers spellbound with the echoes of action-packed musical performances, the wait began again for next year's iteration of the festival.
The Dhaka International Folk Festival, presented by Meril, powered by Dhaka Bank in association with Grameenphone was organised by Sun Communications Limited.