Staff Reporter:
Legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed will be remembered on his 125th birth anniversary today, celebrating his enduring contribution to Bengali music and the preservation of the region’s rich folk traditions.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and cultural institution Chhayanaut have arranged separate programs featuring discussions and musical performances to pay tribute to the iconic artiste, renowned for popularizing Bhawaiya and other forms of Bengali folk music.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will organize a program titled ‘Oki Gariyal Bhai’ at 6 pm on Tuesday at its National Music and Dance Centre auditorium.
Organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the program will feature discussions and musical performances in remembrance of the legendary singer.
Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury is scheduled to attend as the chief guest, while Professor Dr Nashid Kamal will deliver the keynote address.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Yasmin Begum will attend as a special guest, and Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, who is serving as the academy’s acting director general, will preside over the program.
Chhayanaut will hold a special edition of its ‘Shrotar Ashor’ from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at its auditorium, bringing together seven artistes to perform in tribute to Abbasuddin and his musical legacy.
The participating artistes are Kiran Chandra Roy, Chandana Majumdar, Biman Chandra Biswas, Sharmin Sathi Islam, Md Abul Kalam Azad, Mosa Sharifa Khatun and Priyantu Deb.
Admission to the program is open to all, and the event will also be streamed live on Chhayanaut’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Born on October 27, 1901, at Balarampur village in Tufanganj subdivision of Cooch Behar, now in West Bengal, India, Abbasuddin became one of the most influential voices in the history of Bengali music.
His distinctive voice and emotive delivery helped bring the musical traditions of Bengal’s rural communities to a wider audience.
His repertoire encompassed Bhawaiya, Palli Geeti, Bhatiyali, Jari, Sari, Murshidi, Bichchhedi, Marsiya and Pala Gaan, alongside modern, patriotic and Islamic songs.
In recognition of his contributions, he received the Pride of Performance Award in 1960, the Shilpakala Academy Award in 1979 and the Independence Day Award in 1981, all posthumously.
Abbasuddin passed away on December 30, 1959, but his recordings continue to connect generations of listeners with the musical heritage of Bengal.
