A prodigy, gone too soon

Zeheen Ahmed sharing the stage with legends Ayub Bachchu and Iqbal Asif Jewel (left); with Mechanix (right).

While the majority will remember him for his transcendent guitar solos, immaculate technical prowess and unparalleled stage presence, Zeheen Ahmed was much more than that. On this day in 2017, we lost a performer who had the potential to be a generation-defining act. He would have been 28 years old today.

The son of legendary band Miles' keyboardist Manam Ahmed, Zeheen started getting recognition after playing with heavy metal band Mechanix. There, he composed some unforgettable tracks which included the likes of Elegy, Protipokkho and Grihopalito Shobbhota. “Zeheen might have been 27 years old, but his soul was as innocent as a child's,” says Aftabuzzaman Tridib, the band's front man. The two had formed an amiable bond, and considered each other to be no less than brothers. “We all know how good he was a musician, but few know that he was a fantastic singer as well. Unfortunately, he was very shy and was reluctant to sing in front of people.”

Iqbal Asif Jewel, renowned musician and Miles' guitarist notes that Zeheen was among a very rare breed of musicians. “Mechanix's album was recorded at my place, and I had the opportunity to observe him very closely,” says Jewel, “he had music in him, and a natural knack for composing. He was not like another 10-15 guitarists of his generation.”

After joining Nemesis, one of the most prolific rock bands in the country, Zeheen had shown that versatility was a strong suite that he possessed. He, along with his brother Zerif Ahmed became the engine of Nemesis, giving music lovers even more reasons to cherish him. “Zeheen was one the finest and one of the most versatile guitarists I had the pleasure of playing with,” says Md. Zohad Reza Chowdhury, the voice of the band. Zohad adds that he was very dear to the entire band, and is missed by everyone.

Even though Zeheen Ahmed's unfortunate demise exactly a year ago is still very hard to accept, he will live vicariously through the amazing music that he made, and the people who still hold on dearly to his memory. Maybe, a delectable guitar solo is being played somewhere in the heavens as we speak.