Upholding the legacy of Bangladeshi folk

As a tribute to Abbasuddin Ahmed and Abdul Alim, two towering figures of Bangladeshi folk music, Dr. Nashid Kamal (granddaughter of Abbasuddin Ahmed) and Ajgar Alim, Jahir Alim and Nurjahan Alim (children of Abdul Alim) performed on the second night of the Dhaka International Folk Festival.   

Noted Nazrul Sangeet singer Dr. Nashid Kamal thoroughly entertained in her set of three Bhawaiya songs. Opening with “Je Jon Premer Bhab”, she swayed the audience with her melodic rhythm in two other popular songs “Prano Sokhirey” and “Komola Sundari”. Her selection of songs and instrumental accompaniment by several bauls enchanted the music lovers. Finalists of Magic Bauliana and three other artistes also performed at the start of the event.

Paban Das. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon / Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Melancholia reigns supreme

Renowned Bangladeshi artiste Bari Siddiqui was on a musical high as he performed melancholic melodies. Starting with “Ami Ekta Jinda Lash”, he went on to perform a bichchhedi gaan, and Ustad Bari Siddiqui soulfully performed two folk numbers “Pubali Batashey” and “Shunyachan Pakhi” from Humayun Ahmed's film “Shrabon Megh-e Din”. The veteran presented a tarana followed by performing the song “Rajani Hoishna Oboshan”, including a flute recital by the artiste.

Yunnan Art Troupe. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon / Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

An assortment of Bangla folk

Arnob and Friends were welcomed on stage with a huge roar, as they began their set with “Mon Torey”, and Pantho Kanai following it up with Lalon song “Jaat Gelo”. Arnob paid homage to Tagore in the performance “Majhey Majhey”, and to his Chittagonian roots with two songs from the region – his uncle Tapan Chowdhury joining him for one of them. An encore of “Amar Haar Kala” was also an instant hit. The group then stayed back, to accompany Paban Das baul and Momtaz, up next.

Arnob and Friends. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon / Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Deep into the soul

World-renowned folk maestro Paban Das Baul enthralled the Dhaka music lovers with his soul-searching melodies and candid humbleness. The living legend collaborated with Bangladeshi musicians Arnob, Saad, Pantho Kanai, Buno and Gaurob, to perform “Koto Din-e Mor Shey Bhab”, “Chanchal Mon”, “Boshundhorar Bukey” and “Amar Mon Moti'r Mon”. The artiste thoroughly swayed the 60 thousands audience with performing his hit numbers -- “Nacho Go Kali” and “Dil Ki Doya Hoyna”.

Bari Siddiqui. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon / Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The cuckoo croons late-night

Bangladeshi folk icon Momtaz Begum began her performance with “Agey Jodi Jantam” that Arnob composed for her in “Monpura”. Arnob and Friends accompanied her on stage. The artistes also presented a bit of pala songs that she recorded for the Tareque Masud's hit film “Matir Moyna”. The performance of a Tagore number “Bhenge Mor”, together with “Gaan Gaisilo Khwaja'y” and the hit “Morar Kokiley” generated rhythmic waves among the crowd.

And Nashid Kamal entertain music lovers. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon / Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Chinese grace and heritage

Displaying natural grace, feminine beauty, acrobatic magic and antique Chinese traditional heritage, artistes of Yunnan Art Troupe mesmerised the audience in several dazzling performances. Using hoola hoops, china bowls and ropes -- the acrobatics were breathtaking while the dance pieces showcased Chinese heritage, culture and history.