Music without borders

From left: Ali Azmat, Warfaze, James

On its fifth anniversary, djuice along with Rupkotha Events and Communications Ltd. arranged a concert at the Sultana Kamal Mahila Krira Complex, Dhanmondi on April 16.
Popular bands from Bangladesh-- Artcell, Aurthohin, Nagarbaul and Warfaze along with Indian bands Bhoomi, Lakkhichhara and Fossils and internationally renowned Pakistani singer Ali Azmat (former Junoon member) rocked the audience till midnight.
The concert started nearly two hours late, as Lakkhichha's took his own time appearing on stage to the annoyance of the crowd that was eagerly awaiting the show under a scorching sun. The progressive rock band from Kolkata performed six songs including the hugely popular Moheener Ghoraguli number "Prithibita Naki Chhoto Hotey Hotey", a song that was later composed in Hindi and sung by Bangladeshi rocker James.
James' band Nagarbaul was one of the featured bands for the evening. The well loved 'Guru' performed the Hindi number "Na Janey Koyee". Nagarbaul's performance also included some of its old hits such as "Lais Fita Lais", "Pother Baap" and "Dushtu Cheler Dol".
After Lakkhichhara's performance, in response to popular demand, Artcell appeared on stage. The rock band sang their hit numbers "Leen", "Rahur Grash", "Tomar Jonno" and "Amar Poth Chola". The popular band also covered a rock version of the Nazrul Sangeet "Durgam Giri Kantar Moru".
Aurthohin along with Kamol (of Warfaze) took the stage next. The highlight of their performance was an instrumental that featured Sumon on bass and Kamol on lead. Sumon also sang a couple of songs, including "Chaitei Paro" and a duet with Anila "Diyechhiley Ja".
Kamol later joined with the members of his band Warfaze. The iconic rock band of the country performed several numbers, including "Hey Samaj", "Joto Durei Thako" and "Maharaj".
Fossils, another progressive rock band from Kolkata, sang three songs including their familiar number "Ekla Ghor".
"We salute Bangladesh because the revolution of Bangla rock band started from here," said Fossils vocal Rupam at the programme.
A large collage of the featured bands and artistes formed the backdrop of the stage. However, Anjan Dutt, a popular Indian artiste included in the collage, could not make it to the gig as he was unwell.
Perhaps as the surrogate of Anjan Dutt, Bhoomi took the stage. Though the folk-fusion band from Kolkata was not included in the organisers' initial announcement, it was a bonus for the audience to see Bhoomi performing live. With their popular numbers "Baranday Roddur", "Kandey Shudhu Mon Keno Kandey" and "Pocha Kaka" along with Sylheti folk "Shohag Chand" Bhoomi made a short but memorable appearance on stagetheir first ever in Bangladesh.
The band was totally amazed by the response of the audience. "It's like a dream come true to perform in Bangladesh ," said Soumitra Roy of the band.
Ali Azmat was the last featured artiste of the evening. The former Junoon vocal started his performance with a Junoon classic "Nind Aati Nahi". Later, apart from several of his own numbers, Azmat sang another Junoon classic "Dosti".