Shironamhin gifts memorable Silver Jubilee

Not unlike any big concert day, the rain gods played subtle games with the hopeful crowd about to head toward International Convention Center Bashundhara ICCB for Shironamhin's 25-year celebration concert yesterday.

However, in the end, music prevailed as nature went a bit easy on earnest musical fans, who eventually got to see one of the most well-rounded musical celebrations in recent history.

Shironamhin, paired with Mumbai's powerful Symphony Orchestra, delivered a barrage of mellifluous symphonies throughout the night – performing not just a handful, but more than 20 of their most revered originals.

The night's musical proceedings started with a nifty instrumental, which soon translated into "Jadukor" – enrapturing the packed venue immediately. 'The night of surprises', as the band adoringly dubbed it, started with the track, as Bakhtiar from Bay of Bengal was on flute for the song.

More collaborations followed, as Rahul Ananda from Joler Gaan infused his genius with "Bhalobasha Megh", Artcell's Lincoln performed "Bondho Janala", and Bappa Mazumder made his presence felt with "Icche Ghuri".

Probar Ripon from Sonar Bangla Circus, Turjo from Miles were also among the many guest appearances.

They tore through the set with their classics over the years – "Barud Samudro", "Bullet Kinba Kobita", "Perfume", "Cafeteria", "Bondho Janala", "Bohemian" and "Bangladesh".

Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of Shironamhin's journey over the years is the fact that despite multiple line-up changes, they persisted and pertained.

The current lineup, led by bassist, lyricist and composer Ziaur Rahman, is testament to that fact, now consisting of Sheikh Ishtiaque, Kazi Shafin, Saymon Chowdhury and Dipu Sinha.

From being told by record labels that their music was not 'in', to releasing super-hit albums Jahajee (2004), Ichchhe Ghuri (2006), Bondho Janala (2009), Rabindranath (2010), and Shironamhin (2013), Shironamhin has truly come full-circle.