Baul legend Shah Abdul Karim (February 15, 1916 -12 September 2009), won the hearts of millions of Bangla music lovers with masterpieces like “Bonde Maya Lagaise,” “Kano Piritee Barailarey Bondhu,” “Gari Cholena Cholena,” “Ami Koolhara Kolonkini,” “Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam,” “Boshonto Batashey,” “Krishno Aila Radhar Kunje” and many more.
The Baul bard and a versatile genius had all through lived a very simple life and was often faced with harsh reality. Growing up with poverty and hardship, he began writing and composing songs from very early age. His songs had a mesmerising effect on the people in and around his village, Ujan Dhol in Sunamganj district in Sylhet division. However, poverty forced him to do agricultural labour besides music. Later, he received training on spiritual and baul music from Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh.
Shah Abdul Karim wrote and composed over 1600 songs. These songs are compiled in six books: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kuley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.
Moreover, with the recent trend of fusion versions of Baul songs in Bangladesh, he is now widely recognised and honoured by younger generations.
He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in the year 2001 for his outstanding musical contributions.
