The emergence of Azam Khan, a true icon

Today marks the 12th death anniversary of the legendary Azam Khan, the pioneer of rock music in Bangladesh. With a discography of more than 20 albums, he was a constant advocate for peace and freedom, throughout his life. Azam Khan changed the course of our cultural history through his unconventional approach to music, his iconic style, and powerful and impactful lyrics.

Without Azam Khan, the Bangladesh music scenario would have been completely different. Inspired by the legend's pioneering activism, rock bands emerged in Bangladesh, contributing to the world's changing music industry.

Azam Khan was a valiant freedom fighter, who also participated in the Mass uprising of 1969 and other political activities, leading to the Liberation War. In 1971, after completing his training in Meghalaya, India, he joined the war in Sector 2, under Major Khaled Mosharraf.

After the war, Bangladesh dived deep into the world of poverty, chaos and ultimate despair. Struggling to survive in a war-torn country, people were disappointed, disheartened and as a result, the young generation was being involved in various criminal activities. To inspire the disheartened people, Azam Khan started singing in concerts, delivering social and political messages, along with messages of hope.

With his long hair, bell-bottom jeans, and powerful lyrics, Khan became immensely popular. Rock as a genre is known as a comprehensive philosophy and lifestyle statement, meant to inspire listeners to strive for freedom, rise against all injustices in the world.

As in the US a decade prior, where rock music helped change cultural values, Bangladeshi rock 'n' roll—dominated by Azam Khan and his band Uchcharon—showed people that a different life was possible.

Azam Khan performing "Bangladesh" in front of  live audience at the Ampfest Dhaka 2005. 

In the book, History of Bangladeshi Rock – The Legacy of Azam Khan, by renowned musician Maqsoodul Haque, the author states,

"It is only appropriate that Azam Khan gave the philosophy an amusing Bengalee coinage – 'jhanki o dola' – later settling for just 'jhanki' or Rock. His favorite quip whenever he saw me was – 'jhanki ditey hoibo' (we gottta rock it)! How more 'Western' can you get to describe Rock in Bengalee than just that one punch word – 'jhanki'? In retrospect I think it was simply brilliant!"

He had his first concert on BTV in 1972 immediately after the Liberation War, where he sang "Ato Shundor Duniya Kichu Robe Na Rey" and "Char Kalema Shakhhi Debe", both songs depicting powerful messages of love and peace.

Azam Khan found the pioneering rock band "Uchcharon", along with his friends Nilu (lead guitars) and Mansoor (rhythm guitars), Sadek (drums) in 1973. The band introduced drums, guitars, and keyboards into their renditions of local music. Uccharon's first song, "Hai Allah Re" became a big hit in 1973, after its release. They had more major hit songs in the decade including "Ami Jare Chaire" (1975), "Ashi Ashi Bole Tumi" (1977), and "Papri Keno Bojhena" (1978) among others.

"Bangladesh", which was the most famous track by Azam Khan and his band, reflected strongly on the struggles of our young nation, tormented by the grips of poverty and famine. Throughout the melancholic, guitar-driven song, Azam Khan depicts the desperation of Bangladesh's early years, with cries of "Bangladesh!"

Photos: Collected

The heartbreaking lyrics for 'Bangladesh' were a testament to a painful memory Azam Khan witnessed himself, of hundreds upon thousands of starving people arriving in Kamalapur Railway Station from all over the country and then slowly succumbing to death. Back then, he lived near the station and the helplessness of the whole situation broke his heart.

Azam Khan was redefining Bangladeshi culture and promoting liberal values, teaching generations of Bangladeshis to be politically and socially aware. Songs as "Orey Saleka, Orey Maleka, Orey Ful Banu parli na bachatey", "Alal O Dulal", "Obhimani", "Onamika", and "High Court er Mazarey", among other greatest hits, established Azam Khan as a household name in the 70s.

Known as "The Rock Guru", Azam Khan's legacy not only changed the musical scenario but his ideology and different approach to life still inspires youngsters across the country to rethink, rebuild and reinvent. On the legend's death anniversary, we remember Azam Khan and his undeniable contributions to our country.