Ferdous Ara's homage to the National Poet

Noted Nazrul Sangeet artiste Ferdous Ara has a firm niche in the music world and earned accolades for both recording and performing songs from Narzul's diverse musical genres – raga-based, Islamic, Kirtan, Shyama sangeet, patriotic, songs based on foreign tunes, folk and jhumur-ang songs. 

The artiste has taken on the challenge of recording 1,000 songs of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Impress Audio Vision Limited is producing the series of albums titled “Nazrul Sangeet Samagra”. The audio CD Company has already unveiled the first two parts of the album last year while the third and fourth installments will be launched today, at the AB Bank-Channel i Nazrul Mela to be held at Channel i premises today marking the poet's 116th birth anniversary. 

Every album has 12 songs with diverse melody and lyrics.

“I would like to pay my tribute to the National Poet by recording his 1,000 songs. I am grateful to Impress Audio Vision Limited as they are helping to make my dream come true. It is our collective responsibility to preserve the rich musical legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam for forthcoming generations. The audience's demand changes with the progress of technology and innovative musical devices. Keeping this in mind, I have recorded the songs so that the upcoming generation of artistes can follow the proper lyrics and notations for rendition and the music lovers can get an authentic taste of Narul songs," said Ferdous Ara.   

Ferdous Ara focuses on rendering lesser-known songs in her stage performances. She is also recording such songs for her current albums and for those in the pipeline.  

“Kazi Nazrul Islam is said to be  the pioneer of modern Bangla songs because of his evergreen lyrics and ever-appealing compositions. He created several distinctive ragas and taals and varied musical forms that have enriched the realm of Bangla music. We get all the diversity of Bangla song in Nazrul Sangeet. His compositions are equally accepted by both the Muslims and the Hindus,” asserted Ferdous Ara.    

In reply to the question of why we are still lagging behind popularising Nazrul Sangeet in the country,  Ferdous Ara said, “We have many talented Nazrul Sangeet artistes across the country. We need to organise them. We are initially training the mentors. The practice, research and exposure of Nazrul Sangeet are dire necessities today. Both government and private initiatives are required towards this end. Organisations and media houses like Channel i, The Daily Star and Bengal Foundation are doing a commendable job. What we need a concerted effort to achieve the goal.”