2010 in Music
The Bangladeshi music industry had its full share of success, failure and surprises. Looking back at 2010, here are the stories and trends that defined the year.
Young artistes winning the audio race: Like each year, the industry witnessed the arrival of new voices; and arrive they did with a bang. The most talked about artistes of 2010 were Nancy, Habib, Arfin Rumey, Shafiq Tuhin and Porshi. "Shopno Ebong Tumi", an album by Shafiq Tuhin, was commercially the most successful album of the year, while "Closeup 1" star Salma also came into the limelight at the year's end. Balam and Hridoy Khan also continued with their strong stride in the music arena. Overall, the year belonged to the youth.
One for all, all for one: 'Pop Guru' Azam Khan -- who fought valiantly in the Liberation War -- was diagnosed with cancer in July, 2010. Expressing solidarity -- fellow artistes along with the government and TV channels -- stepped in to raise funds for his medical expenses. With everyone's help, Azam Khan was able to go to Singapore to seek medical attention.
Wedding bells: As the year ticked down, the music arena saw Balam, Mahdi, Rinku and Nolok Babu tie the knot.
Adieu to a prince: Asif Akbar stormed into the music industry with his hit album “O Priya Tumi Kothae”. Asif's popularity continued for a decade -- with consistent hit albums giving him the loving title 'The Prince of Music'. Asif, however, stunned all his fans and well wishers by announcing that he would hang up his microphones on March 16, 2010.
The popular lyricists: Songwriters who claimed the most praise this year were Kabir Bakul, Shafiq Tuhin, Zulfiqer Russel, Zahid Akbar, Anurup Aich, Rabiul Islam Jibon and Lutfor Hasan.
The popular composers: Habib had the greatest share of the limelight this year as a composer and music director. Arfin Rumey came in second. Others who also deserve mention are Prithwiraj, Sandhi, Pavel Orin, Mahmud Sunny, Avijeet Jitu and Lutfor Hasan.
Hit albums: The commercially successful albums of 2010 are "Shopno Ebong Tumi" by Shafiq Tuhin; "Balam 3" by Balam; "Hridoy Mix:2" by Hridoy Khan; "Na Bola Bhalobasha" by Arfin Rumey; "Ekla Manush" by Rajib; "Brindabon" by Salma; "Shironamhin Rabindranath" by Shironamhin; "Fokir Lalon Boley" by Rinku; "Phirey Asho Na" by Kishore; "Onno Rokom" by Mahdi; "Lojja" by Porshi; "Jonom Jonom" by Rupom; "Mon Jamuna" by Milon Mahmud and a joint album by Bappa and Fahmida, titled "Ek Muthho Gaan: 2".
Most acclaimed albums: Praises came aplenty for the albums -- "Shuprobhat Bishonnota" by Sabina Yasmin; "Abar Holo Dekha" by Sujit Mustafa; "Tumi Robey Nirobey" by Sumona Haq; "Roud Bolechhe Hobey" by Arnob; "Abar Takiye Dekho" by Shayan; "Ami Chitrangada" by Anima Roy and Champa Banik's "Shopner Anginae".
Singers turning actors: The talented singer Akhi Alamgir won a national award for her acting skills in the film "Bhat De". Although busy schedules put a pause to her acting efforts, Akhi returned in mid-2010 by acting in an Arif Khan serial. Some "Closeup 1" stars also opened their acting accounts this year.
Year in numbers: Delwar Arjuda Sharf wrote the most songs in 2010, while the busiest composer and music director was Arfin Rumey. Three hundred albums were released this year, with Laser Vision leading the chart of most releases.
Sudden ailments: Legendary Nazrul artiste Firoza Begum fell ill suddenly in June last year. Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Bipul Bhattacharya, Abdur Rahman Boyati and Mohammad Ali Siddiky were also diagnosed with ailments.
Cases: Veteran singers Abdul Jabbar and Apel Mahmud filed cases against two multinational companies for using their songs without consent.
Getting organised: The music industry in Bangladesh became more organised in 2010. BAMBA held its stance, while newer organisations like MIB, LCS Guild, Copyright Society and toward the year's end, RYMB revealed themselves.
Live programmes: Throughout the year, TV channels aired many popular live music shows, which ran deep into the night.
National Anthem in unison: On Victory Day last year, eminent singers of the country joined hands at the South Plaza of the Parliament, to sing the national anthem in unison.
Fight against piracy: Audio Piracy was at the centre of discussion throughout much of the year, with artistes consistently raising voices against piracy to save the music industry.
No album from Mila: Although popstar Mila did not release any new album in 2010, her vibrant stage performances kept her popularity alive among audiences throughout
the year.