Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is organizing a unique event to observe World Music Day on Friday, bringing together 48 singers who will perform in 10 different languages.
The event, titled "Prothom Er Shomahar” (An assemblage of firsts), will be held at the National Art Gallery auditorium within the Shilpakala compound, scheduled to begin at 5pm on Friday.
The initiative was taken by Shilpakala Academy Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, and is coordinated by singer Dinat Jahan Munni.
The event is open to all.
Speaking about the initiative with Dhaka Tribune Showtime, Munni said: "Shilpakala chief Lucky bhai met me a few days back and asked me to plan something for World Music Day. Immediately, I shared my idea: since the day is about world music, why not we all sing together in different languages? Lucky bhai approved this plan and said he would give all the support needed to organize the event. Then I shared the idea with all the artistes.
"Surprisingly, almost everyone agreed without much thought. We all met shortly afterwards, decided which songs to perform, and began practice right away,” she added.
Munni said she felt like they were making history with this initiative.
"It is quite tough, coordinating with so many artistes for an event of such a scale, but I am happy that my co-artistes are very cooperative in helping me make this event happen," she added.
With a slogan that translates to "Spreading the joy of music in every heart,” 48 singers are due to sing in 10 different languages. The event is set to begin and end with patriotic songs. The opening song, "Amar Deshero Matiro Gondhe," will be performed by a group comprising Rajib, Yousuf, Priyanka Gop, Anupama Mukti and Rashed. The closing song, "Dhono Dhanye Pushpe Bhora," will be performed by Badsha Bulbul, Doli Shayontoni, Moutushi, Priyanka Biswas, Shobuj, Sharif, Shusmita, and Shumi Mirza.
Rally and international songs
In honour of World Music Day, besides Bangla, songs in Hindi, Urdu, English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Nepalese, Arabic and Russian will also be performed in the event.
The Chinese song will be performed by Dinat Jahan Munni, Protik Hasan and Putul. The Spanish song will be performed by Alif Alauddin, Sujon Arif, Mehrab and Farshid, and the Urdu song will be sung by Pulak, Parvez, Shithi Saha, and Belly Afroze.
The Hindi number, "Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein," will be performed by Kona, Muhin, Imran and Liza. And the Japanese song will be sung by Ibrar Tipu, Shaan and Bindu Kona.
Singer Sabbir, who is also actively involved in organizing the show, said: "I will sing the famous English song 'Summer Wine.' Armeen Musa, Joy and Arnik will perform with me. It is quite an easy song.
Before the program, the artistes will also bring out a rally within the Shilpakala premises at 4pm.
Singers and musicians from every walk of life will take part in the rally, which will also be attended by Shilpakala DG Liaquat Ali Lucky, and State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, who is the special guest at the show.
“For the last two days, around 100 artistes and musicians have been tirelessly rehearsing and preparing for the rally,” Munni said.
