Coke Studio Bangla
Arnob back on the canvas
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.
Warfaze celebrates 4 decades with concerts worldwide
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.
‘Obak Bhalobasha’: 30 years later
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.
‘Dilaram’ singer Hamida Banu’s hope for a home remains unfulfilled
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.
Beyond appropriation and commodification / The making of Coke Studio Bangla’s complex subjects
I would argue it is inadequate to develop an oversimplified criticism of Coke Studio Bangla.
Arnob unplugged: Candid insights into his artistic journey
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’: Traditional folk meets modern beats in Coke Studio Bangla’s latest drop
"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.
Weaving ‘Tati’ as a musical, visual treat
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.
Entertainment’s Rising Stars / Oli Louis: The Nigerian man who fell in love with Bangla music
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.
Saadul Islam: A story of six strings and visual arts
Saadul Islam is the amazing guitar player from Coke Studio Bangla. However, his guitar licks on “Nasek Nasek”, “Bhober Pagol” and “Chiltey Roud” are but small glimpses into the artiste that he is.
Coke Studio Bangla headed to Kolkata
Coke Studio Bangla is all set to perform in the city of joy, Kolkata, alongside popular Indian musicians, between September 24-25.
The man who gave the world Nasek Nasek: In conversation with Animes Roy
Nasek Nasek! The beat rarely fails to stir up happiness, lift spirits, or make feet dance. Not long ago, the phrase did not mean much to a lot of people. But Animes Roy changed all that – Animes and team Coke Studio Bangla. The song took the nation by storm almost overnight, catapulting Animes into stardom.
Top reasons why concerts are good for your soul
Amongst all the uncertainty and mundaneness, the hearts of all the Dhakaite and netizens alike burned like embers in the recent hit concert of Coke Studio Bangla. Despite the torrential rains, people still showed up and made it into the show, which rocked people across generations. This only reinforced the idea of why we need more live musical concerts now.
Coke Studio Bangla concert to commence from 8 pm, if no further rain
One delay after another due to unfortunate circumstances with the weather, organisers are unsure whether they would continue with the Coke Studio Bangla concert. After the organisers promised to update the fans at 4pm, further delays happened, as the rain would not let up.
Coke Studio Bangla concert delayed, “Show must go on”, says Arnob
Today’s rain has been a source of disappointment for music lovers, as Coke Studio Bangla’s much-anticipated concert has been delayed.
Of grief, longing and 'Chiltey Roud'
Grief can be both excruciating and cathartic.
Coke Studio Bangla: Arnob, Boga Taleb deliver an unforgettable bhawaiya experience
As “Chiltey Roud” headed towards its majestic outro, pairing Boga Taleb’s resounding, celestial vocals with Shayan Chowdhury Arnob’s calming delivery – the shehnai playing in the background almost brought me to tears.
Coke Studio Bangla: Latin and Nazrul’s harmonious entanglement
It is difficult to maintain even a semblance of neutrality when a song bewitches you from the second it starts playing – that is what Coke Studio Bangla’s newest release, “Bulbuli”, did to my ‘trained’ musical ear. On the first day of the Bengali New Year, the musical production paid a perfect homage to our National Poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Was the second serving of Coke as refreshing as the first?
Let us get this out of the way first: “Nasek Nasek” was so dynamic, energetic and well-executed musically, that it made it unusually difficult for any song to follow it up.