‘Writing a song about my abuse was the hardest thing I’ve ever done’

Few artistes have gone through as many ups and downs as Tashfee, who is often cited as a rising star in Bangladesh's music. Even though she constantly works with industry greats like Fuad Almuqtadir, Tahsan and Arnob, the artiste is on her way to discarding her 'rising' tag with her first 'hit' of the year, 'Alo', in which she voices out about domestic abuse.

You have publicly stated that 'Alo' was about the abuse that you faced. When did you decide that you were comfortable enough to write it?

It has been many years since I overcame an abusive relationship, and quite frankly speaking, releasing a song about it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But you push through for the win, you push through to find the light, the "Alo".

Why did you decide to name it "Alo"?

A person who goes through abuse, knows how tenebrous it is. You feel like you have no hope, no dreams, you are a shadow just existing. It feels like this will be your forever reality and you will never be happy again. I named it "Alo", Because coming out of an abusive relationship is like finding light, literally and figuratively. This song is about finding your "Alo", which is within you.

A person who goes through abuse, knows how tenebrous it is. You feel like you have no hope, no dreams, you are a shadow just existing.

What message do you want to send through "Alo"?

Cliche but to put it simply - there is hope out there. Just shine through.

Who came up with the concept for the music video?

The video is based on the duality of light vs dark, fire vs water. Darkness is silence, keeping women from expressing themselves. We break through with the light of our truth. Water drowns us, but we break through with the power of the fire that burns within us all. The concept was created by Ilajar Islam, who directed the video, and my dear friend Arafat Kazi.

What are your upcoming projects this year?

I am calling 2022 my creative year. I have a bunch of original songs tuned and written, ready to go. I also have some collaborations lined up with incredible artists such as Shaker Raza, Sunidhi Nayak, and more. I am also part of a brand new musical film called "Hothat".