I promise I won’t go missing again: Balam

For those growing up in the 2000's, Balam was the name of an emotion. The former Warfaze frontman was thrust into superstardom with his first self-titled album. How is he doing now? The Daily Star catches up.

In recent times, your music has seen a resurgence. Now, more people than ever have been showering your songs with love. Have you noticed this?

I have not been active on social media for many years, particularly because I am a bit of an introvert. When I finally noticed how my fans would contact me, I thought maybe I should be more active in the music scene. That is when I started being more active on social media. Getting used to the new transformations in social media and music streaming, all of this was completely new to me.

After seeing the renewed love for my music from fans, I started sharing some of my old music. I put one of my old songs on YouTube, and saw how in just five days, it got over one million views. I felt goosebumps seeing this. I felt the love my fans have for me. Maybe I have been negligent to them, but now I want to remind them about my music. I am overjoyed, overwhelmed and emotional at their response.

After being associated with Bangla rock for years, your pop career elevated you to a different level of fame. What made you you disappear from the scene for a while?

After we got married, my wife Sadia fell sick. It was a very serious life-or-death situation. Within a few months, she was diagnosed with a brain TB. Following this, there were a lot of after-effects. She was paralyzed on one side. It was a very tough time and this is why I was absent for three to four years. This is right after the time that Balam 3 was released.

As a result of this break, I was not able to concentrate on music, even after all of this settled down. I was confused about how to start again. In 2019, I even released a single called Hothaat. I launched an album Bhubon (Balam 4). However, none of these received a great commercial response, and I will be the first to admit it.

After this album I decided to take a break as an artiste. I decided to go with the flow temporarily. At the same time, I really wanted to make music which combined our own cultural touch. I was still making music and was still learning, but was not releasing music.

Now, however, I am once again hungry to make music.

From the new generation of musicians in Bangladesh, which bands or performers do you enjoy listening to?

I really enjoyed Muza's Beni Khuley with Habib. Armeen Musa is also very talented. From a vocalist standpoint, Oyshee is also incredibly gifted. She has something special in her voice. I saw that Arekta Rock Band is also doing very well. There are many that I cannot remember off the top of my head. However, this new generation of musicians needs the right platform and the proper opportunities to flourish.

When can we expect new music from you?

I have a lot of songs in the pipeline. I have worked with a new artist called Tanim, that song will be coming out soon. My commitment is that I will release something each month, even if it is just a concept. And I promise I won't go missing again.