Joy Bangla concert 2019 resonates across Dhaka

In remembrance of the historic March 7 speech by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Joy Bangla Concert 2019 set off amidst spectacular enthusiasm at the Bangladesh Army Stadium yesterday. Under the Supervision of Centre for Research and Information (CRI), Young Bangla, one of the leading youth networks of Bangladesh, hosts the mega event annually, to revive the Liberation War spirit among youth. Leading musical bands recreate and perform songs from the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, along with their own tracks, at the concert.

Shunno

Vignettes of, the March 7 speech, Mujib, a graphic novel on the Father of the Nation, and various theme songs, played on multiple projectors to attract and enlighten the youth attending the concert. Some of the most popular bands in the country shared the stage in what was the most anticipated and emotional concerts in the recent past.

Bay of Bengal, a stellar rising band from Chattogram took the stage first, and performed to the crowd's delight. Shunno, a staple of the Joy Bangla Concert for almost a decade, lifted up spirits with their ever-popular originals, alongside a heartfelt and upbeat rendition of Joy Bangla Banglar Joy. The crowd went electric for each of their tracks, with surprise appearances mid performance by musicians Sayon Mangsang and Prithwi Raj.

Band Lalon

Band Lalon brought the funk to Joy Bangla, as the sun slowly set on the edge of Bangladesh Army Stadium. Arbovirus, one of the most energetic bands in Bangladeshi rock, did an astonishing number, as they did a unique cover of the patriotic song, O Amar Desher Mati. Shades of Wacken Open Air showed in Dhaka, as fireworks went off to Arbovirus's Roder Kinaray, which resulted in a truly breathtaking display of grandeur. Cryptic Fate, one of the pioneers of metal music in Bangladesh, surprised the audience by introducing a traditional dhol player in their act. Their rendition of Teerhara ei Dheuer Shagor brought in new energy to the concert, as did their surprise single. Cholo Bangladesh, as expected, riled up the crowd in patriotic spirits.

Arbovirus

Nemesis started their act with a brand new rendition of their song, Joyoddhoni. No time limit was enough for the youth icons, as they blazed through their set with supreme zeal. Bangladesh's beloved band, Chirkutt brought many surprises, including the presentation of a hybrid santoor, which the guitarist, Emon Chowdhury, played with passion. Their enigmatic rendition of the national anthem moved every soul in the stadium.

However, the most anticipated act of the night was arguably the mighty Artcell, who came back after ages with what is closest to their original lineup. Kazi Faisal Ahmed, a new addition to the band, did justice to each and every song Artcell played, while Cezanne, Shaju and Lincoln brought back the old magic, leaving the stadium in a state of ecstasy and fulfilment. As the last performers of the night, the progressive legends announced their new single, Shongshoy.