Kazi Shuvo

Tell us about your first popular song.
My first popular song was “Shona Bou”. This song was in my first solo album “Shadamati”. After this, “Tumi Bine Akul Poran” and “Mon Pajor” started gaining popularity among the crowd. Within the list of contemporary songs, “Mon pajor” gained best receptions. Other songs such as “Roshik Amar”, “Adore Adore” and “Rodela Aakash” were also well received by the audience. 

How did you get involved with music initially?
I started out by playing the tabla. I had a strong attraction towards this instrument. Being involved in music was all I wanted to do and nothing else really motivated me. I got involved with a band called Doorbin after coming to Dhaka. My popularity started to stem out after I joined this band and I am indebted to Shahid bhai for that.

When was the first album released?
My first album Shadamati was released back in 2010. Arefin Rumi was behind the album's compositions. He really helped a lot when it came to music. Shadamati 2 was launched after a while, followed by Shadamati 3 in 2014. 

It seems like you have a weakness towards folk songs.
This genre belongs to us, and is rooted so deep within that it is unimaginable to think that it is non-existent. “Shona Bou” and “Tumi Bine Akul Poran” are the first popular songs I listened to. Perhaps this is why the audience seems to prefer folk songs in my voice. Along with folk songs, contemporary songs also draw me to music. 

Which musicians inspire you?
I am a fan of Andrew Kishore from Bangladesh, and Udit Narayan from India. Their songs really inspire me and I am very much fond of their singing ability and the tonality of their voices. Other than these inspiring singers, Alauddin Ali's songs entice me. I enjoy songs sung by Habib Wahid and Arefin Rumi among the new generation. 

Nowadays, albums are not released as much as it used to be earlier. One or two songs make a whole album. What are your views towards this?
I prefer to live in the moment and try to do exactly what time dictates. I am onboard with the idea of these one or two songs making up an album. I myself have one or two such projects. I have been receiving good response from my fans on YouTube. I will also be doing a solo album alongside them.

The recent duet sung by Puja and yourself “Shatjonom” has received over 4 lakh views. What is your opinion on that?
This is very flattering because people have been listening to this song for only a few days. I am really grateful to my audience. I thank the audience for accepting Shatjonom whole-heartedly. I would however, feel even better if this song reached every single person, not just the audience in YouTube. 

Tell us a secret of yours.
I never learned singing anywhere, not from anyone. I am a self-taught singer who repeatedly listened to songs to educate himself. This is my secret. 

What are your upcoming projects?
I am currently working on a few projects for Pohela Boishakh. Other than that, I am working on a single.  Two mixed albums by the name of “Anonder Gaan 2” and “Tomari Kosom” respectively, have been released recently.

Interviewed by Zahid Akbar, 
Narrated by Showbiz Desk