‘Jeta Amader Nijer Moto’: Kumar Bishwajit, Bappa Mazumder, and Arnob collab for Nirjhar’s landmark project

Architect and National Film Award-winning director Enamul Karim Nirjhar has undertaken an ambitious project to enrich Bangladesh's music landscape. Under his lyrics and compositions, three of the country's most iconic musicians—Kumar Bishwajit, Bappa Mazumder, and Shayan Chowdhury Arnob—have joined forces to contribute to one of the largest collections of original Bengali music, titled "Jeta Amader Nijer Moto" (That Which Is Like Us).  

Launched on June 8 at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka, the project was inaugurated in the presence of artistes, journalists, and distinguished guests. 

Produced and published by EKNC (Ek Nirjhar Collaborations) and GaanShala, this compilation features 63 songs, of which 35 have already been released.  

The collection celebrates a diverse array of talents by blending renowned and emerging artistes. Esteemed musicians like Rezwana Choudhury Bannya marked the release with the first song, while others, including Fahmida Nabi, Samina Chowdhury, Shafi Mandal, Nobonita Chowdhury, Dilshad Nahar Kona, and Karishma Sanu Sovvota, have also contributed. 

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In an innovative touch, children's voices feature prominently in songs like "O te Ojogor Ashbe Keno Tere" and "Bagh Bole Meow", which have earned widespread praise.  

The initiative aims to go beyond music production by fostering solidarity within the industry. Nirjhar brought together 54 vocalists and 12 young music directors to collaborate on this monumental effort. Among the 63 songs, 10 feature highly popular singers, another 10 spotlight moderately known talents, while the remainder showcase promising but lesser-known artists, including children.  

Reflecting on the project's vision, Nirjhar said, "The goal was to create memories, inspiration, and new connections. We aimed to maintain a standard throughout these 63 songs as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh's independence."  

The project also emphasises the merging of personal creativity and institutional responsibility. Nirjhar's Intellectual Social Responsibility (ISR) approach, supported by City Group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, highlights the collaborative spirit behind the initiative.  

In addition to featuring celebrated artistes such as Sujit Mustafa, Labik Kamal Gourab, and Tanvir Alam Sajib, the project includes rising stars like Sunidhi Nayak, Farhin Khan Joyita, and Sagar Dewan.

"Jeta Amader Nijer Moto" follows the success of Nirjhar's earlier project, "Ek Nirjharer Gaan 001", which released 101 original songs in 2015.

The songs are gradually being released on GaanShala-EKNC's YouTube channel, offering a fresh and heartfelt contribution to Bengali music while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh.