Like mother, like daughter

For many successful career musicians, their beginnings lie in the family, where for generations musical training remains a constant. For Dr. Nashid Kamal and her daughter Armeen Musa however, it is not just their reputations in music that precedes them. Hailing from a family of musical legends such as Abbas Uddin Ahmed and Ferdausi Rahman, the erudite family takes pride in their scholarly legacy. For Mother's Day, Nashid Kamal and Armeen Musa describe the significance of their mothers' roles in their lives.

For many successful career musicians, their beginnings lie in the family, where for generations musical training remains a constant. For Dr. Nashid Kamal and her daughter Armeen Musa however, it is not just their reputations in music that precedes them. Hailing from a family of musical legends such as Abbas Uddin Ahmed and Ferdausi Rahman, the erudite family takes pride in their scholarly legacy. For Mother's Day, Nashid Kamal and Armeen Musa describe the significance of their mothers' roles in their lives.

What are some of your fondest memories with your mother?

Nashid Kamal: Many don't know what a woman of substance my mother, Professor Husne Ara Kamal was. She was a triple Masters graduate, having done her post-graduation from Dhaka, England, and then at Columbia University in USA. She went onto teach, as well as chair the Department of Social Welfare at Dhaka University. My mother was unable to attain a doctorate degree, and thus always wished for me to accomplish the goal. My fondest memory would be the day I returned to Dhaka after finishing my PhD, and found her waiting for me at the airport with flowers.

Armeen Musa: My favourite moments are when my mother, sister and I laze around in bed together, and chat. The three of us are so busy and away so often, these moments come as a treat.

What is your favourite mother-daughter activity and how do you usually spend Mother's day with your mothers?

Nashid Kamal:  Growing up, I studied in English medium schools and my mother worried that I would be lacking in Bangla cultural knowledge. She used to sit with me to pore over the works of Nazrul, Tagore, and other literary greats. On Mother's Day we would host intimate parties with her friends. She was an admirer of independent, pioneering women. I am proud to say that my daughters have been following me closely in my mother's footsteps.  This year on Mother's Day, Armeen has invited me along with my sisters, Naeela and Nazeefa, to dinner.

Armeen Musa: My mother is usually too busy for me to take her out! But that's one of the things I love about my mother…she is so tough and a force to reckon with. When I used to live abroad, and my sister does as well, we always found a way to send Mum a card or a present.

What quirks from your mother do you feel has passed onto you?

Nashid Kamal: From a very early age my mother taught me to be my own person. This independent streak went down to my daughters, Aashna, who currently lives and works in the UK, and Armeen.

Armeen Musa: I am very impatient with people who do small talk. Another quirk I share with my mother is, no matter how late I come home and how tired I feel, I always cook myself a fresh meal. My approach to my passions is also inspired by my mother and grandmother. I had my first hit song at the age of 18 or 19 when I was studying Economics at university. When I put together my first album, I came to realise how happy music makes me. Unlike my friends who had a shift in their careers to do music, I had to do it academically instead of just winging it. I went back to school at Berkeley the age of 25. I think the desire to learn, and not just create is something that have been imbibed within me from my mother and grandfather. They held immense respect towards academic institutions, and so do I.