Uniting musicians and music lovers, BBMFC approaches 7 years

Over the years, the band music industry of Bangladesh has not only gifted the most talented musicians and memorable songs, but arguably the most passionate fans.

Unlike most other genres of music, rock and metal scenes in any country specifically depends on the community nurturing it. Today, most musicians look towards these communities to promote and spread their music – communities that have evolved into online groups that often selflessly dedicate themselves to the cause.

Musicians pose for a selfie during a get-together event.

Bangladesh Band Music Fans Community (BBMFC) is one such platform, approaching 7 years of its existence. Initially founded by Rajib Rahman Sohan, the platform soon turned into a burgeoning community with both renowned and aspiring musicians sharing their work, and discussing the positives of music.

The forum, active both on Facebook and Instagram, is now home to more than a million music lovers, who regularly participate in discussions and events regarding music, bands, their favourite artistes, and more.

"We started at the beginning of 2014, just as a way for music lovers to gather together," says Rajib Rahman Sohan, currently the 'Head of Admin' in the group. "As time passed, more and more people started to have constructive discussions on music, resulting in a positive atmosphere conducive to musicians as well."

One day, rock music legend Bassbaba Sumon posted in the group, acknowledging the good work done by the members of the platform. After that, local musicians, fans and celebrities alike started to use the platform to promote and discuss music.

Aurthohin playing at an event for BBMFC.

"In 2016, we arranged a get-together, where members of Artcell, Shironamhin, Powersurge, Mechanix, Drik and Warsite, among others, joined us," said Sohan. "That was really a turning point for us."

The group has done a commendable job raising awareness against issues like piracy, proper credits for lyricists, attribution of royalty, and more.

On December 30, 2017, BBMFC arranged a get-together concert, where bands like Feedback, Rockstrata, Miles, Aurthohin, Shironamhin, Artcell, Vikings, Shunno, Nemesis, Powersurge and Mechanix made their presence felt, along with rising bands like Apekkhik, Warsite and Encore.

The organising panel members of BBMFC with Bassbaba Sumon.

Even though the platform's birthday is on October 17, it refrains from celebrating on that day in respect for the death anniversary of one of Bangladesh's most prolific musicians, Ayub Bachchu, which is on October 18. Instead, the group has a festive get-together every year on October 30.

Heading into the future, the passionate folks at BBMFC want to provide event and artiste management. Currently, they are headed by Shabaj, Adit and Shibly as 'senior admin', and Shihab, Rifat and Foysal in the positions of 'junior admin'. Niloy and Towhidul are currently the moderators of the group. Advisors Razu Ahmed and Ehsanul Haque Tito also play a vital role in the platform.