Saturday, May 04, 2024
For decades, the music of Bangladesh has been enriched by the melodies of countless talented singers, many of whom remain unknown to mainstream media and audience, but celebrated in their local communities. Over the past couple of years, we have seen many such local talents come to the spotlight through prominent musical platforms. Two prime examples from last year include Aleya Begum and Hamida Banu.
As the country is celebrating Women's Day today, their stories will serve as a powerful reminder that inclusion and empowerment can unlock a multitude of voices, enriching not only the music industry but also the cultural diversity of Bangladesh.
Aleya Begum, a folk singer popularly known as “Baul Mata” with a 50-year career, primarily known for singing bichhed, palagan, zarigan, and spiritual songs has written over 1000 songs and were featured in famous movies such as ‘Gunin’. Despite her vast experience with music, she was mostly popular among her inner circle and a big name in her region. Her soul-touching performance in last year’s Coke Studio Bangla's "Kotha Koiyo Na” propelled her to the mainstream media. All of a sudden, she was the most talked about folk singer among the music lovers. Overnight we saw this local artist become a national fan favorite. The song's success not only introduced Aleya to the new generation but also highlighted the rich heritage of Bangladeshi folk music.
Similarly, Hamida Banu, a folk artist from Sylhet, who didn’t have any prior experience of performing music professionally. She has been a part of Hason Raja's family for a long time and has a deep connection with the heritage of Hason Raja. Making her debut on "Dilaram" in Coke Studio Bangla season 2, she captivated everyone with her beautiful and moving voice, where her soulful rendition breathed new life into the song. Much like Aleya, Hamida Banu shot to fame among the newer generation, leading to many marvel at the depth of the talent we have scattered in the many corners of Bangladesh.
Just like Aleya Begum and Hamida Banu, another rural talent Jahura Baul left her mark on audiences’ heart with her powerful and enticing voice in “BonoBibi”. She is a respected member of her community and an idol for the women artists. Her influence over other rural women artists is very evident in BonoBibi, where the baul group of women under her leadership flourished and attracted audiences. Even though Johura Baul and her team shared the stage with a popular band like “Meghdol”, through her powerful performance she created her own space in audiences’ mind.
These stories align deeply with the theme of this year's Women's Day: "Inspiring Inclusion." A platform such as Coke Studio Bangla overcomes geographical and cultural barriers, providing a space for women like Aleya, Hamida and Johura to share their voices and talents with the world. This inclusivity not only empowers these women but also inspires others, demonstrating that talent and passion can shine brightly regardless of background or previous recognition.
