The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Pahela Baishakh is one of our main festivals. It has a rich tradition in Bengali culture. It is the only festival, which transcends the religious barrier. To celebrate the Baishakhi festival, music plays a very important role. Music and Baishakhi festival are closely related to each other. If a concert is organised the festival becomes a joyful celebration and it is highly appreciated when there is a performance of fusion music.

In Bangladesh, there is a tradition of organising concerts to celebrate the day of Pahela Baishakh. For this reason, different entertainment houses and organisations regularly organise such concerts to celebrate the day.

The Nokia Baishaki Fusion Concert was one like them. But it was more than just a concert as it was a festival of sorts bringing together music and all the traditional elements of a Pahela Baishakh fair. The stalls were featuring the traditional Bangladeshi activities like 'Putul Naach' and 'Nogordola' rides along with traditional foods like 'Panta-Bhat' (watered rice) with Hilsha fish and 'Pitha Payesh'.

To celebrate Pahela Baishakh Rupkotha Productions Ltd in association with Nokia organised this concert titled 'Nokia Baishakhi Fusion Concert' at the Gulshan Youth Club Ground in the capital on April 14. RTV and Radio Foorti were the cosponsor of the concert.

The concert was started at noon where two bands of the Independent Artists Club (IAC), an initiative by Nokia to promote upcoming music talents in the country, 'Biloy' and 'Karnival' were taking place on the stage.

The both bands with unique sounds and different approaches set the mood for fusion music. The unconventional sound of 'Biloy' was heard to place yet exciting. Following them was the original maestro of fusion himself, Ornob, with some classic Ornob tracks, which were always crowd pleasures.

Bands 'Yaatri' and 'Oronyo' performed next.

Yaatri with their folk music were next followed by 'Raaga' with the vocal styling of Elita with their soothing melodies. Raaga performed their original song 'Brishti.' The band also sang the traditional Baishakhi song 'Esho, Esho, Esho Hey Baishakh.' Then the band 'Raaga' wrapped up the performance with their popular song 'Kothaye.'

Artcel always firm favourites with all crowds sang 'Poth Chola' and 'Bhul Jonmo.' It performed their songs 'Chileykothar Shepai,' 'Dukhkho Bilash,' 'Odekha Sworgo'. The band also performed a cover of the Nazrul Sangeet 'Durgom Giri Kantar Moru.'

Next on the stage was Arnob. Arnob opened his performance with the song 'Onek Duur,' the opening song of his latest album 'Doob.'

Setting the bar high his new songs were both lyrically profound but also musically experimental.

The other songs performed by Arnob included 'Tomar Jonyo' and one of his most popular compositions 'Se Je Boshey Achhey Eka Eka.'

The concert also included a performance by Miles. Miles opened their performance with the song 'Chand Tara.' Other songs performed by Miles included 'Jatiyo Sangeet-er Ditiyo Line,' 'Neela,' 'Dhiki Dhiki' and 'Firiye Dao.'

Ending of the concert the last performer of the day was James. The rocker opened his performance with the song 'Diwana Diwana.'

James also sang 'Mira Bai,' 'Pagla Hawar Torey,' 'Goponey Priyar Kachhey' and 'Bhigi Bhigi.'

Apart from music, the audience was also entertained by 'Shap Khela' and 'Putul Naach.' Traditional food like 'Panta-Ilish,' 'Pitha-Payesh' and more were also available at stalls.

The event was well-attended one. Despite the heat that lingered all day, the crowd seems exuberant and excited as the concert and the festival came a close with the setting sun.

Photo: Sharif Khan