Songs for the masses
Mahbubul Haider Mohon (centre) sings at the album launch. Photo Courtesy: Banglarchokh.com
Gano Sangeet artiste Mahbubul Haider Mohon has dedicated his life to singing for the masses, articulating their hopes, despair, demands, rights and protests through his songs. The artiste had his second solo album (VCD) launched on July 20. Organised by cultural organisation Kranti Shilpi Gosthi, the event was held at the Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Produced under the banner of Laser Vision, the album "Lokkho Praan-er Binimoye" features music videos of seven songs by Mohon.
Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chouwdhury, acting secretary, Ministry of Information, was the chief guest at the programme. General secretary of Sammilito Sanskritik Jote, Golam Kuddus; noted Gano Sangeet artiste and president of Gano Sangeet Samannoy Parishad, Fakir Alamgir and freedom fighter Shahjahan Chowdhury were present as special guests. Chairperson of Laser Vision, AKM Arifur Rahman, presided over the event.
"Mohon is one of the few artistes who are trying to carry on the trend of Gano Sangeet in this day and age, when culture is often treated as a 'commodity.' He, along with his comrades have taken on a brave role in a movement to establish a secular society," said Golam Kuddus, felicitating the artiste for his new album. Mohon is the president of Kranti Shilpi Gosthi.
Fakir Alamgir said, "Mohon stepped into the cultural arena in the '80s. His songs reflect the conscience of the masses and speak of humanity, harmony and democracy. His commitment -- both as an artiste and as an organiser -- has made him a well-known figure in the cultural field."
"Mohon is one of the most talented Gano Sangeet artistes of this time. I hope the audiences will appreciate this album and inspire us to speak out against social injustice," said Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury in his speech.
The second part of the event featured solo performance by the artiste. Mohon presented a total of 13 songs -- including all from the album -- at the programme. The song " Kandte ashini," an adaptation of the first poem dedicated to the Language Movement by the late poet Mahbub-ul Alam Chowdhury is a highlight of the album. Among other songs featured in the album are "Lokkho praan-er binimoye," "Ami dhormer kachhey," "Prithibir jekhaney joto" and "Bolte paro shurjo-takey."
Shankhachil Srutichitran made the music videos. Amzad Hasan, Jewel and SP Majumder composed the music.
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