On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.
The iconic rock-metal band Warfaze has triumphantly marked 40 years in the music industry as of June 5 this year. To commemorate this remarkable journey, the band is determined to keep their legacy alive. With a focus on both domestic and international concerts, they are also planning to release new albums and souvenirs. In honour of their four-decade milestone, the band is gearing up for an array of lively celebrations. The festivities will kick off with a highly anticipated tour across the United States, set to begin this September.
Warfaze, one of the most celebrated bands in Bangladesh, turns 40 years old today. With albums, compositions, awards and several hits to their name, the band has contributed much to the music industry in Bangladesh. They have also played a vital role– through their melodies and lyrics– in keeping the Bengali language alive, thriving and evolving, over several generations and in countries all over the world, where Bengalis live and communicate accordingly.
Nine months ago, the Sunamganj deputy commissioner promised the homeless Hamida Banu a shelter project house in Sunamganj. However, despite their assurance, the 48-year-old folk musician still finds herself without a place to call home as the uncertainty of whether she will ever receive it looms over her like an empty roof.
I would argue it is inadequate to develop an oversimplified criticism of Coke Studio Bangla.
The musician is renowned for his exceptional lyricism and musical arrangements and has been a stalwart in the Bengali music scene for decades. Amidst his bustling studio life, he finds solace in the tranquillity of Shantiniketan, where his musical journey began as a disciple.
"Ma Lo Ma" delves into the profound realisation that life's journey is akin to navigating through the dualities of adulting and nostalgia. It encapsulates the introspective query that often arises with age: "What am I doing here?" Yet, within this existential questioning lies the potential for a beautiful transformation—a self-acceptance that allows individuals to flourish even amidst life's most challenging seasons.
It has been a couple of weeks at least since the Bangla New Year celebrations, which we lovingly refer to as Noboborsho. However, Coke Studio Bangla’s “Tati” is still dominating playlists. ‘Taanti’, or in this case “Tati”, refers to the craftsperson or the creator of fabrics, who works with the material called taant – depicting motifs, colourful borders, and softness to touch. Especially in this heat, a taant saree or a fatua is always a welcome addition to an average Bangladeshi wardrobe, allowing one to breathe easy and at the same time, look trendy.
His rendition of "Shada Shada Kala Kala" marked a turning point, garnering widespread acclaim and affirming his belief that Bangladeshis would embrace him as one of their own if he pursued Bangla music wholeheartedly.
Written and composed by Riad Hasan, “Murir Tin” is quite different from anything else Coke Studio Bangla has ventured into.
After a memorable run last year, Coke Studio Bangla is once again back for its second season. The premier track was released on 14 February with a song called ‘Murir Tin’ and if the first piece is anything to set a standard, we can expect Season 2 to be explosive.
The second season of Coke Studio Bangla was off to a flying start as the first song, ‘Murir Tin’, was released. The song, which features dialects from Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna, was received well by the audience.
While many old songs are being lost due to a poor archiving system, corporations like IPDC, Square, and Coca-Cola are working tirelessly to archive old Bangla songs and present it with a modern twist for the young generation
Season 2 underway
Special guests, including Coke Studio artistes and Shayan Chowdhury Arnob will be present at one of the venues, yet to be revealed.
After the successful launch of Coke Studio Bangla season 1, the new season is set to begin its magical journey from February 14. More than 20 artists across Bangladesh will come together to create over ten memorable tracks with soulful musical fusions, dynamic performances and more.
Coke Studio Bangla began their journey last year, creating a worldwide phenomenon with their intricate musical compositions. This year, they aim to return with a new season, which they have already announced on social media—accompanied by a teaser for what’s to come.
One of the largest music streaming service providers in the world, Spotify has collaborated with Coke Studio Bangla, the Bangladesh edition of Coca-Cola’s international music property ‘Coke Studio’, as the official music streaming partner.
The music industry in Bangladesh observed a comparatively successful year, in comparison to the pandemic-induced 2020 and 2021. Returning to the full normalcy from the virtual events, this year was warmly greeted with several in-person concerts and programmes from the very beginning.