Billboards across Dhaka-Chattogram showcase fans’ love for music
In 2022, Bangladesh's musical landscape was altered by Coke Studio Bangla. Since its inception, this unique platform has played the role of a cultural catalyst, bringing together musicians and audiences from all walks of life. The result? A symphony of diverse backgrounds and a chorus of shared passion for Bangla music. From the ethereal strains of Baul to the soul-stirring melodies of Rabindra Sangeet, the platform has become a harmonious meeting point for tradition and modernity.
One of the core principles of Coke Studio is to honour the rich heritage of local music, while breathing new life into it. In the case of Coke Studio Bangla, this mission is further elevated as it aims to introduce the younger generation to the treasures of Bangladesh's musical past. With a contemporary twist, the platform pays homage to luminaries like Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rabindranath Tagore, Palli Kobi Jasimuddin, and Bengali folk tales. These renditions of timeless musical pieces have won the hearts of millions, while engaging young listeners with the contemporary blend of tradition and modernity.
As the platform embarked on its melodic journey across Bangladesh, it inadvertently ignited a creative spark amongst its fans. In a mere twenty months, an outpouring of artistic expression erupted in various forms, transcending the boundaries of conventional fan appreciation. Paintings, sketches, digital art, animations, calligraphy, and even AI-generated images flooded social media platforms, each reflecting the passion and artistic prowess of the fan community.
What sets Coke Studio Bangla apart is not only the quality but also the sheer quantity of art inspired by its music.
To express their gratitude to the dedicated fan base, the musical venture initiated the Coke Studio Bangla Billboard Fan Art Contest. With over a thousand fan-submitted artworks already on record, the platform decided to take the celebration a step further.
Launched officially on July 30, 2023, the contest encouraged fans to publicly share their favourite artworks on social media. The popularity of these works has been rewarded a prestigious honour – being showcased on 11 billboards across Dhaka and Chattogram.
The impact of this initiative is most vividly captured through the eyes of the artists themselves. Reduanul Islam Maruf, an LLB student and an ardent fan of Arnob's work in Coke Studio Bangla, poured his love into a mesmerising Vector Art creation.
When he saw his art on the billboards at GEC Circle, Chattogram, "the pride I felt was unmatched," he remarked. His family and friends joined in his celebration, motivating him to pursue his passion for art more fervently.
Partho Dibos Chowdhury, a Sociology student with a lifelong passion for art, channelled his love for the platform and his favourite artist, Bappa Mazumder, into his artwork. Upon learning that his creation would grace the billboards of his beloved musical platform, his joy knew no bounds.
These 'superfans', alongside many others, continue to participate in the contest, with fresh submissions arriving almost daily, eagerly awaiting their turn to be featured on the nation's giant billboards.
This artistic celebration will continue throughout the year, with fresh fan artwork adorning the billboards every month.
Beyond sharing the magic of Bangladesh's music landscape with a global audience, the platform remains committed to fostering various forms of art and supporting artists. This appreciation campaign beautifully demonstrates how art begets more art, creating a vibrant cultural ecosystem where music and visual art harmoniously coexist.