Ministry-backed rock album to feature 20 bands celebrating Nazrul

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has taken seven priority initiatives to promote cultural development in Bangladesh. Among these is a project titled "Remembering Monsoon Revolution," which includes the release of a rock album featuring Nazrul Sangeet. 

The album is being produced under the supervision of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. According to Latiful Islam Shibli, the institute's executive director and a renowned writer and lyricist, the album will feature performances by 20 leading bands from the country and is expected to be released within the next six months.

Kazi Nazrul Islam

Speaking to Ajker Patrika about the project, Shibli said, "Under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, a rock album will be released that focuses on the songs of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The project is being managed by the Kabi Nazrul Institute, and we plan to include Nazrul's rebellious and motivational songs. The album will feature 20 tracks."

Shibli also revealed that 20 prominent bands will participate in this project, performing the songs of Kazi Nazrul. Before the recording begins, the bands will undergo grooming sessions with leading Nazrul Sangeet exponents of the country. 

"Since this initiative is supported by the state, we aim to involve 20 top-tier bands from the country," Shibli explained. "Performing Nazrul's songs requires careful preparation, and after finalizing the lineup, we will ensure that the bands are groomed. Nazrul's songs can't be done carelessly. Though the musical arrangement will follow a rock format, we will ensure that Nazrul's lyrics and melodies are preserved without distortion. Prominent Nazrul singers will be in charge of the grooming sessions."

Kazi Nazrul Islam

The Kabi Nazrul Institute has already started working on the project, and both the songs and the bands will be finalised soon. "While we are still in the preliminary stages, we have already started working on the album. We plan to release it with a grand concert within the next six months," Shibli said. 

He added, "Having so many bands perform Nazrul's songs on one stage is unprecedented. The concert will be broadcast on various platforms, and the songs will later be available on the Nazrul Institute's YouTube channel, as well as on audio platforms like Spotify."

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