Tribute: SYED ABDUL HADI

Veteran singer Syed Abdul Hadi managed to capture the hearts of millions of Bengalis with his melodious songs and the messages that they portray. In his illustrious career, spanning over almost sixty long years, the singer has won five Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and received the Ekushey Padak in 2000.

Over his career, he has created several albums and sang quite a number of songs. Despite being a professional singer, he first began working as a teacher. He also pursued other careers, including a position in the government ministry and in television. The only constant career in his life is music, which remained even if other careers faded. He never imagined that he could be a singer, but his melodious voice propelled him to this career. He even wished to not be promoted, so he could pursue music without many obstacles in the way.

He was born and raised amidst the beauty of nature, which had a significant impact on his thoughts. He believes that this is something which further stirred his artistic nature. From a very young age, he loved music. He used to listen to songs played on the gramophone at his household. His father also had a beautiful voice, which served as inspiration. In short, he grew up in an environment where music was held in high regard, and grew up listening to music. He gives great value to simply listening to music. He also used to listen to songs played in cinema halls in his childhood.

He learnt a great deal from the likes of Abdul Ahad and Kamal Dasgupta. Even though he could not pursue musical education due to work, his knowledge and practice helped him in capturing the essence of music. He was also an avid listener of English songs of the 50s and 60s, which found their way as inspiration in some of his songs. He loves the work of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Nat King Cole and Harry Belafonte, among several others.

His philosophy of music is simple: music’s course, like a river’s, cannot be deviated through any human interaction; music never remains stagnant. However, as music, like any form of art, has the obligation to show people the right way, it is the responsibility of all artists to both follow the course of music and try to shape the course. Music is supposed to grow and change with time, but it should not leave a path for vapid experimentation. He cherishes formal musical education, and believes that it is the foundation of creating good music. He values discipline, which he maintained in every aspect of his life. He also believes that discipline should be maintained in every single profession to be successful.

He admits how the main essence of music has changed over the years. What was once a profound form art, is now more of a source of entertainment. He blames this change on technological developments. However, despite the glaring changes, he knows that classics still are loved to this day.

Throughout his career, he has received immense love and appreciation from the audience. He feels extremely lucky to have been able to etch a place for himself in the hearts of so many. He is grateful for everything his audience has done for him. He does not feel that he has much left unfulfilled as he has been so loved by all.

In honour of all that he has contributed to our music industry, we are truly humbled to present the Standard Chartered-The Daily Star Celebrating Life 2019 ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in the Music category to him. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

FEW NOTABLE WORKS OF SYED ABDUL HADI

Surjodoye Tumi

Je Matir Buke

Chokher Nojor

Emonoto Prem Hoy

Sokhi Cholona

Keu Konodin Amarey Tho

Jeo Na Sathi

Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobashto

Chole Jai Jodi Keu

Jonmo Theke Jolchi

Achen Amaar Mokhtar

Mone Premer Batti jole