Centre Stage - Liza
Tell us something about yourself.
I am a very simple person who lives and breathes music. I love to sing, and aside from that, I'm passionate about sports. I also love to dress up. I'm consistently releasing songs and performing in shows, both in and outside Dhaka.
When did you start singing and what was your debut project?
I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I had started learning how to sing when I was a child, even before I started institutionalised education. My career began in 2008, from a reality show, Closeup 1, where I secured the first place. However, my first official album was released in 2012, as I had to concentrate on my education.
Who inspired you to pursue this career?
The majority of the credit goes to my father because he's the one who introduced me to music. He's an avid lover of music, which is what inspired me to go down this line.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I'm actually quite content with where I am at this moment. I'm very happy with the amount of songs I'm releasing now, and want to follow the same trend into the future. I don't wish to either release a huge number of songs, or completely disappear from the music scene. In the next five years, I'd like to continue being what I am right now.
What are the struggles you had to face in your profession?
Initially, I had to struggle a little. While I already had a platform due to Closeup 1, it didn't automatically guarantee that I could set myself in the industry easily; contrary to popular belief. Honestly, my struggling period began right after the reality show. Understanding the ropes of the music industry; from recording to the production, choosing which genre I should sing in order to appeal to the audience, I had to struggle with all those. The period from leaving the reality show to releasing my first album was my struggling period.
What was the feeling when you won 'Closeup1', and can you share one good memory from there?
I was quite young back then, in grade 10. I was among 115,000 other contestants, who were older than me. Securing the first position among so many competitiors was extremely difficult as they were all very talented. It was a huge achievement for me, and quite naturally, I felt incredible when I had won. And as for a good memory, there was a round in Closeup 1, where we had to sing original songs. I had obtained satisfactory scores in the prior rounds, but I secured the highest score and a large number of votes for my original, Bhul Kore Jodi Kokhono Mone Pore Ei Amay. Even now, this is the first song I sing on stage.
Who is your favorite singer?
I listen to most of the contemporary artists. I can't really choose a single singer; I like the works of many. However, Lata Mangeshkar and Runa Laila's works inspire me.
Do you have any dream in your life that you have yet to fulfil?
I have many dreams as they are what make a person. My dream would be to reach a respectable position in this industry, where my songs will be remembered, even when I'm not alive. I want to create music which is eternal, and have people remember me for my songs alone.
Any upcoming projects that the readers should look forward to?
I've recently released a song, Ek Jamuna, composed by Habib Wahid. I'll also be releasing some songs from my own YouTube channel. Another song, Onek Kichhu will be release through Dhruba Music Station around Pohela Boishakh.
Any special message for the readers?
My earnest request to all is to keep listening to Bangla songs because there are many talented artists of the younger generation, who have been doing incredible works. Keep inspiring us.
By Amina Hossain
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