Performing with Fuad Almuqtadir is a dream come true: Sanjoy

Sanjoy, a Bangladeshi-born American producer and pop musician, has been making waves in the global music scene for some time now. He has collaborated with several acclaimed artistes, such as Guru Randhawa, Kapil Sharma, Divine, Sid Sriram, Jonita Gandhi, Trevor Holmes, and more, while his music has consistently graced international charts.

Now, Sanjoy is all set to perform in Bangladesh for the first time, joining forces with noted music director Fuad Almuqtadir in a special show, "Dameer and Fuad Present Sanjoy", at Dhaka's Aloki.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, he shared about his musical journey, experiences of international collaborations and more.

How thrilled are you about the upcoming show, 'Dameer & Fuad Present Sanjoy'?

After being away for so long, I couldn't be happier about performing in my own country. This show promises an extraordinary blend of music and visuals that will undoubtedly surprise the audience beyond their expectations.

How do you feel about performing in your home country for the first time?

As an American-based musician, performing in my home country for the first time evokes a whirlwind of emotions. The excitement of returning to my roots after all these years is truly overwhelming.

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'Dameer & Fuad Present Sanjoy': A celebration of Bangladeshi music’s global impact

Your recent USA tour with Fuad received a lot of attention. Could you share your personal highlights and experiences from that tour?

Performing with an artiste like Fuad was an absolute dream come true. Not many might be aware, but one of my most cherished memories traces back to when I played percussions on stage with him at the age of 11. Since then, I've held him in the highest regard.

One unforgettable highlight was the electrifying finale, where I brought Fuad on stage for a performance – and with my remix of "Nitol Paye" – the crowd's reaction was unforgettable.

Additionally, surprising the audience by inviting Habib bhai to join us was a pure delight, as his timeless tracks had a profound influence on shaping my entire career.

Do you have any plans to collaborate with other Bangladeshi musicians in future?

Absolutely! Exciting projects are in the works with talents like Fuad bhai, Muza, Xefer, Nish, and Mumzy, amongst others.

Having worked with both Indian and Western artistes, what differences did you experience in their musical styles and creative approaches?

Indian musicians infuse their work with tradition, using intricate rhythms and emotive melodies to tell personal and cultural stories. In contrast, Western artistes approach music with a global mindset, exploring genre fusions and pushing creative boundaries.

What role did Bangladeshi heritage play in shaping your musical direction?

My Bangladeshi heritage has been a driving force in shaping my musical journey. The rich sounds, rhythms, and melodies from my roots have deeply influenced how I approach music. Drawing inspiration from the diverse musical traditions of Bangladesh, I've been able to infuse my work with a unique blend of cultural elements.

Who are your personal favourites to collaborate with, and why?

While it's tough to pick favourites, a few hold a special place in my heart. Fuad bhai's influence on my musical upbringing makes every collaboration a unique learning experience. Muza brings an infectious energy to our projects, and our creative synergy is incredible.

Partnering with Guru Randhawa has been an exhilarating experience in my career. His distinctive voice and unparalleled charisma always brought an electrifying energy to our projects.