Arunranjani releases a collection of rare Nazrul songs

With the objective of protecting and preserving the authenticity of Nazrul Sangeet, Arunranjani took the initiative of creating a collection of rare Kazi Nazrul Islam songs. 46 young singers recorded songs for this collection of six CDS, which was unveiled at a programme held in Chhayanaut recently.

Renowned Nazrul Sangeet exponent and the Head of Arunranjani, Khairul Anam Shakil, welcomed the audience with his opening speech at the programme. “Kazi Nazrul Islam detested the deformation of his music,” said Shakil. Eminent personalities such as Sudhin Das, Sheikh Lutfar Rahman, Sohrab Hossain, Khalid Hossain, Ahsan Morshed and many others dedicated their lives to preserving Nazrul’s authentic compositions, through proper notations of his songs. We want to train and encourage young musicians of the country to do the same.”   

The chief guest of the programme, National Professor Dr Rafiqul Islam, drew insights from his 62 yearlong researches on Nazrul’s literary works. “Researchers who are interested in Nazrul’s literary works now have access to proper materials. But it is his music that has gone through the most changes. This initiative by Arunranjani is much needed,” he said, conveying his heartiest congratulations to the singers.

The Chairman of Bengal Foundation, Abul Khair Litu, was the chief guest of the programme. He said that Nazrul Sangeet needs to be made more accessible to the youth. “The young generation must listen to more of Nazrul’s music. From the recordings, I have noticed that compositions by Kamal Dasgupta are quite popular amongst the youth,” he said. “If initiatives like these are divided into five-year plans, the quality of the albums will be higher.” The Executive President of Chhayanaut Dr Sarwar Ali and eminent poet Mofidul Haque were also present at the programme.

Arunranjani, Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Shangstha, Nazrul Institute have been training singers across different districts in Nazrul Sangeet. “We have many talented singers, but unfortunately, for the lack of sponsorships, these musicians are taking up other professions,” said Shakil. “I believe that these circumstances can improve with proper support from our cultural institutions and media.”