[🇧🇩] Music Industry

[Saif]

Popular musician, Shafin Ahmed passes away aged 63

Shafin Ahmed, regarded as Bangladesh’s one of the most popular and iconic band artists and former frontman of the legendary Bangladeshi band Miles, passed away at age 63 on Wednesday. The popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer breathed his last while on life

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Popular musician, Shafin Ahmed passes away aged 63
Published :
Jul 25, 2024 09:06
Updated :
Jul 25, 2024 10:57

Shafin Ahmed Photo : UNB

Shafin Ahmed, regarded as Bangladesh's one of the most popular and iconic band artists and former frontman of the legendary Bangladeshi band Miles, passed away at age 63 on Wednesday.

The popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer breathed his last while on life support in a hospital in Virginia, United States, on Wednesday (local time) due to heart and kidney failure, according to the Bangladesh Band Music Fans Community, as per UNB reports.

Born on February 14, 1961, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, to the subcontinent's pioneering music artists Kamal Dasgupta and Feroza Begum, Shafin Ahmed joined the Bangladeshi rock band Miles in 1979.

Alongside his brother and another iconic Bangladeshi music artist, Hamin Ahmed, he performed in Miles first as an acoustic guitarist and later became the band's lead singer and bassist in 1991.

After moving to Dhaka during childhood, Shafin Ahmed began his musical career at the age of nine by taking lessons about Nazrul Sangeet, courtesy of his iconic parents.

He was exposed to Western musical influences since he studied in England, along with his elder brother Hamin Ahmed, after completing his schooling at the St Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Continuing with Miles as the vocalist, songwriter, composer, and bass guitarist from 1979, Shafin Ahmed first left the band in 2009. He rejoined in 2014 and continued till 2017, left for the second time, and rejoined for his final run with the band in 2018, after permanently leaving the band in 2021.

Besides his successful musical career, Shafin Ahmed also took part in the nation's politics and even contested at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in 2019 for the mayor position from the Jatiya Party.​

 

[Saif]

Shafin felt unjustly treated at Miles before departure

Shafin had been an integral part of Miles since nearly its inception. Despite personal setbacks, he had always found his way back to the band until November 2021, when he announced his final departure, citing various internal issues.

www.thedailystar.net

Shafin felt unjustly treated at Miles before departure

Photos: Collected

Renowned musician Shafin Ahmed, the iconic voice of the band Miles, passed away at the age of 63. He breathed his last today at a hospital in the United States. Shafin had been an integral part of Miles since nearly its inception. Despite personal setbacks, he had always found his way back to the band until November 2021, when he announced his final departure, citing various internal issues.

In a heartfelt video shared on his Facebook page on November 27, 2021, Shafin expressed his reasons for leaving Miles. "I took this decision because of many unfair and unjust activities within the band Miles for a long time," he stated. Despite his departure, he assured fans that his musical journey would continue independently. He also urged fans to respect his decision.

Shafin Ahmed's journey with Miles began in 1979. "I have given many years and a lot of hard work to Miles. We have done a lot of creative work together," he said in the video. "Many of you know how much of a contribution I made to the position Miles is in today. But recently, I was forced to make a decision. That is, earlier this year, I decided that it would not be possible for me to carry out any musical activities with Miles' current line-up."

Shafin emphasised that he would continue performing and recording music. "However, my path in the world of music will remain the same as before. I will make appearances on stage and recordings. I expect that the name, 'Miles' will not be misused. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the band gloriously and respectfully. If we cannot work together, the line-up's activities should not be suspended at this point, and I think that is the best decision. So, I hope no one tarnishes the name of 'Miles'. That's all I have to say," he added.

Shafin's history with Miles was marked by multiple departures and returns. In early 2010, he withdrew from the band for personal reasons but rejoined after a few months. Again in 2017, he left only to reconcile and return later that year. However, his departure in 2021 seemed final as he highlighted the issues plaguing the band's integrity.

"For 40 years, I have been associated with Miles. Three years ago, I had to make the decision to leave Miles. I still haven't found a proper resolution to that. Later, I embarked on a journey under the name Shafin Ahmed. My wish was that the name 'Miles' should no longer be used to avoid bringing criticism to a band that has reached a place of respect. From that standpoint, I hoped none of us would use the name 'Miles'."

"It's a bad situation, and I didn't want to go there. For four decades, people have known Miles and seen me. Many have said that 'Voice of Miles' means Shafin Ahmed. Shafin Ahmed and Miles became synonymous. My hard work and dedication are behind this name. If anyone deserves to use it, it should be me. I am not saying this to create conflict; I am saying this because I have a rightful claim to it. From that right, I didn't call it 'Miles' completely. I don't want to create doubt by calling myself 'Miles'. But I can certainly say that I am the 'Voice of Miles'; I have that right. That's where the name 'Voice of Miles' came from."​

 

[Saif]

Shafin Ahmed laid to rest atop his father’s burial site

Shafin Ahmed, the legendary figure in the music industry, was laid to rest atop his father's burial site, with the grave of his mother renowned singer Firoza Begum nearby.

www.thedailystar.net

Shafin Ahmed laid to rest atop his father's burial site

Photo: Star

Shafin Ahmed, the legendary figure in the music industry, was laid to rest atop his father's burial site, with the grave of his mother renowned singer Firoza Begum nearby.

His body arrived in Dhaka yesterday afternoon. Today a funeral service was held at Gulshan Azad Mosque, and he was buried at Banani Cemetery at 2:40pm.

Photo: Star

His family members, bandmates, and fellow musicians, including his brother Hamin Ahmed, vocalist Maqsoodul Haque, Partha Barua, Manam Ahmed, Nakeeb Khan, Foad Nasser Babu, Shuvro Dev, Labu Rahman, Iqbal Asif Jewel, Latiful Islam Shibli and Tapas, were among those who gathered to pay their final respects to the beloved singer.

Photo: Star

The family has confirmed the date for Shafin Ahmed's Kulkhani, which will take place on Friday (August 2) at the Gulshan Community Mosque, located near the Banani graveyard. The ceremony will be held after Friday's Jum'ah prayer prayers to seek forgiveness for his soul.

Shafin Ahmed was born on February 14, 1961. He was the son of the esteemed vocalist Firoza Begum and the renowned musician Kamal Dasgupta.

Photo: Star

Shafin Ahmed, the vocalist and bass guitarist of Miles Band, voiced several popular songs both from his solo album and with the band. Some of these hits include "Chand Tara Shoorjo," "Prothom Premer Moto," "Gunjon Shuni," "Shey Kon Dorodia," "Phirye Dao," "Dhiki Dhiki," "Pahari Meye," "Ki Jadu," "Hridoyheena," "Shopno Bhongo," "Jala Jala," "Shesh Thikana," "Piyashi Mon," and "Priyotmoa Megh," among others.

Shafin Ahmed passed away on July 25 at approximately 6:50am (Bangladeshi Time) at a hospital in Virginia, USA. He was 63 years old at the time of his passing.​

 

[Saif]

Andrew Kishore’s family fights for royalties

Andrew Kishore, fondly remembered as the "Playback King" of Bengali cinema, lent his voice to countless beloved songs throughout his career, many of which remain fan favourites. Yet, his family reveals a painful truth—despite the enduring popularity of his songs, they have yet to receive any...

www.thedailystar.net

Andrew Kishore’s family fights for royalties

Photo: Collected

Andrew Kishore, fondly remembered as the "Playback King" of Bengali cinema, lent his voice to countless beloved songs throughout his career, many of which remain fan favourites. Yet, his family reveals a painful truth—despite the enduring popularity of his songs, they have yet to receive any royalties from his extensive filmography.

On Kishore's birthday yesterday, his wife, Lipika Andrew, publicly shared their frustration with this situation, speaking to Kaler Kantho. "My husband sang primarily for films, but we haven't received royalties for those songs despite our claims," she stated. "We only receive royalties for a few audio-recorded tracks. With the Copyright Act of 2023 now in effect, I urge companies to comply with the law and ensure we get the royalties we are rightfully owed."

The Copyright Act of 2023 mandates fair compensation for artistes, but the unique structure of film song contracts adds complexity to the issue. Zafar Raza Chowdhury, former registrar of the Copyright Office, explained, "Film songs fall under commercial rights, where ownership typically remains with the producer. Historically, the Copyright Act of 2000 granted producers full rights to film songs." However, he noted, that the law has been revised due to digital platform growth and artists' appeals.

When asked if Andrew Kishore's family might receive compensation under the new law, Chowdhury clarified, "Since Kishore's songs were recorded before the 2023 amendment, royalties wouldn't automatically apply. However, the family could potentially claim them by filing a High Court petition."​

 

[Saif]

Papia Sarwar on life support

Papia Sarwar, one of Bangladesh’s most renowned and prolific Rabindra Sangeet artists, was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support at a private hospital in the capital following a deterioration in her health condition on Wednesday. The Ekushey Padak-winning revered singer has been bat

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Papia Sarwar on life support
UNB
Published :
Dec 11, 2024 21:21
Updated :
Dec 11, 2024 21:21

Papia Sarwar, one of Bangladesh’s most renowned and prolific Rabindra Sangeet artists, was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support at a private hospital in the capital following a deterioration in her health condition on Wednesday.

The Ekushey Padak-winning revered singer has been battling cancer for the past three years, said her husband Sarwar Alam.

He said the artist is nearing the end of her life, with doctors losing hope and her family preparing for the inevitable.

Alam mentioned that their two daughters, Zaara Sarwar and Jisha Sarwar, live in the USA and Canada, respectively. The final decision will be made after their return.

Papia Sarwar has been battling a complex health condition for a long time, and she was taken to Delhi, India, for advanced treatment last year.

Born on November 21 into a musically inclined family in Barisal, Papia Sarwar pursued Rabindra Sangeet at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan in 1973 through a scholarship offered by the government of India.

She was the first recipient of this scholarship after the country’s independence.

Earlier, she had received her initial music training from renowned mentors Atiqul Islam, Waheedul Haq, Sanjida Khatun, and Zahidur Rahim at Chhayanaut in 1966, later continuing at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA).

Throughout her illustrious musical career, Papia Sarwar earned widespread admiration and numerous accolades for her expertise in Rabindra Sangeet.

In 1996, she established a music group named Geetosudha to share her knowledge with aspiring learners.

Her modern song, ‘Nai Telephone Nai Re Peon Nai Re Telegram’, gained immense popularity among Bengali music enthusiasts.

Besides, she became a well-known and beloved figure in the television industry through her regular musical performances.

For her outstanding contributions to the country’s music scene, Papia Sarwar was honoured with the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy in 2013, a Bangla Academy Fellowship in 2015 and the Ekushey Padak in 2021.​

 

[Saif]

Sabina Yasmin stable after collapsing on stage, confirms daughter

The show, intended to celebrate her legacy, took an unexpected turn when she suddenly felt unwell and collapsed while singing on stage.

www.thedailystar.net

Sabina Yasmin stable after collapsing on stage, confirms daughter

Photo: Collected

Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin collapsed on stage during a live performance at a five-star hotel in Dhaka earlier this evening.

Her daughter, Fairooz Yasmeen Badhan, confirmed the news to The Daily Star, adding that the singer was better now and her condition was stable.

Sabina Yasmin, known for her timeless voice and vast contribution to Bangladeshi music, was performing at a tribute event titled "Amader Sabina Yasmin: Ami Achi Thakbo," organised by HSBC Bangladesh. The show, intended to celebrate her legacy, took an unexpected turn when she suddenly felt unwell and collapsed while singing on stage.

The incident occurred around 8:15 pm, shortly after she performed the titular song, "Ami Achi Thakbo." The esteemed musician, a cancer survivor, blacked out and collapsed mid-performance, leading to immediate concern among the audience and event organisers.

"While performing, my mother felt a mild pain in her head and collapsed. She was rushed to United Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment," Badhon told The Daily Star. "I've spoken to her, and she is doing well now. She will be taken home once the doctors finish their treatment."

Doctors at the United Hospital have confirmed that the singer is in stable condition and is being closely monitored.

The sudden illness raised alarm among her fans and followers, especially considering Yasmin's previous health struggles. Fortunately, her family remains hopeful, with doctors indicating she will make a full recovery.

"Sabina Yasmin was discharged from the hospital around 11:45 pm and is now in good health," a source close to the singer confirmed to The Daily Star.

The event was meant to mark Sabina Yasmin's return to the stage, with fans eager to witness the singer's comeback after her battle with cancer. Though the show was cut short due to her medical emergency, the audience was able to experience her unmatched vocal performance, even if only for a brief moment.​

 

[Saif]

Legendary folk singer Farida Parveen in ICU

Renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen has been admitted to hospital with severe respiratory distress.

www.thedailystar.net

Legendary folk singer Farida Parveen in ICU

Photo: Collected

Renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen has been admitted to hospital with severe respiratory distress.

Her husband, instrumentalist Gazi Abdul Hakim, told the daily Prothom Alo that she was taken to the hospital early this morning and is now in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Gazi Abdul Hakim stated that fluid has accumulated in her lungs, along with several other complications.

Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, the Managing Director of Universal Medical College, provided an update on her condition. He said, "She was admitted at dawn due to acute respiratory distress. After necessary tests, she was placed in the ICU. Her lungs are affected, and she also suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and age-related complications. She is currently under the care of specialists in respiratory diseases, nephrology, and critical care. Her condition is somewhat complex, and we have recommended dialysis. Let's see how things progress."

Farida Parveen began her musical career in 1968 as a listed Nazrul Sangeet singer for Rajshahi Radio. She gained popularity in the early 1970s for her patriotic songs and later trained in Lalon music under the guidance of spiritual guru Moksed Ali Shah.

In recognition of her contributions to music, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987. In 2008, she received the ''Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize'' from the Japanese government. Additionally, in 1993, she won the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer.

To promote Lalon music among children, she established a music school named Achin Pakhi School.​

 

[Saif]

Sabina Yasmin in HDU, not ICU

The singer's daughter, Yasmeen Fairooz Badhon, confirmed the news to The Daily Star. On Friday, during a programme titled “Amader Sabina Yasmin: Ami Achi Thakbo” at a five-star hotel in the capital, Sabina Yasmin fell ill while performing. She was immediately taken to a hospital in the capital...

www.thedailystar.net

Sabina Yasmin in HDU, not ICU

Photo: Collected

Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin was admitted to a private hospital in the capital this Saturday morning after her health deteriorated. Initially, she was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but as her condition improved slightly, she was moved to the High Dependency Unit (HDU).

The singer's daughter, Yasmeen Fairooz Badhon, confirmed the news to The Daily Star. On Friday, during a programme titled "Amader Sabina Yasmin: Ami Achi Thakbo" at a five-star hotel in the capital, Sabina Yasmin fell ill while performing. She was immediately taken to a hospital in the capital for medical attention and was later discharged.

At the end of 2023, Sabina Yasmin performed in multiple stage shows in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Australia. Since then, she has not appeared on stage.​

 

[Saif]

Music icons to unite to honour Shafin Ahmed’s legacy

A tribute concert titled “Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend” has been organised to commemorate the legacy of the late band icon Shafin Ahmed. Set to take place on February 13 at Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka, the event will feature performances by fellow musicians in his honour.

www.thedailystar.net

Music icons to unite to honour Shafin Ahmed’s legacy

Photo: Star

A tribute concert titled "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" has been organised to commemorate the legacy of the late band icon Shafin Ahmed. Set to take place on February 13 at Aloki in Tejgaon, Dhaka, the event will feature performances by fellow musicians in his honour.

Shafin Ahmed had travelled to the United States for a concert last year but never returned home. Before a scheduled performance in Virginia on July 20, he fell ill and was admitted to the hospital. After two days on life support, he passed away on July 24.

Nearly seven months since his passing, the concert aims to celebrate his enduring musical legacy.

The tribute concert "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" will feature a performance by Miles, the band with which Shafin Ahmed became a household name as its lead vocalist.

Alongside Miles, the concert will also include performances by Feedback, Dalchhut, Artcell, AvoidRafa, and rapper OZ, among others.

In addition to the musical performances, memorabilia related to Shafin Ahmed will be displayed during the event, and a documentary video highlighting his life and career will be screened.

Following Shafin Ahmed's passing, activity on his Facebook page had come to a standstill. However, last Thursday, his family issued a statement on the page, announcing that it would now regularly share Shafin Ahmed's songs and memories from different moments of his life.

Just a day after this announcement, the page also shared the news of the tribute concert being organised in his memory.

The Facebook post detailing the concert stated, "An unforgettable evening has been arranged to honour the life and illustrious career of Bangladesh's true music icon, Shafin Ahmed. 'Echoes of a Legend' is not just a concert dedicated to him; it is an event that will highlight his unparalleled contributions to the world of rock and pop music."

The "Shafin Ahmed: Echoes of a Legend" concert is being organised by Velvet Events. Ticket sales have already begun on the Get Set Rock website, with two categories available—VIP tickets priced at Tk 3,000 and Regular tickets at Tk 1,500.

The event will take place on February 13, starting at 9pm, while gates will open for the audience at 6pm.​

 

[Saif]

Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself

Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, "Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself
UNB
Published :
Mar 05, 2025 23:26
Updated :
Mar 05, 2025 23:26

Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, "Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone that some time ago, I announced on Facebook that I had donated my body and did not wish for any religious funeral rites. After much thought, I have changed my decision. I am withdrawing my wish to donate my body."

He added, "I want to be buried in Kolkata, preferably in Gobra, following Islamic traditions. This is my final decision, and I have informed some of my close relatives."

Suman also made it clear that he does not want any criticism or opinions regarding his decision. "I do not want any comments or opinions on this announcement," he wrote.

The singer, born in a Hindu Brahmin family in India's Odisha on March 16, 1949, as Suman Chattopadhyay, gained immense popularity in the 1990s for introducing a unique musical style blending poetry with melody.

In 2000, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Kabir Suman, clarifying that he took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote 'Baishnab Padabali.'

His groundbreaking album 'Tomake Chai,' released in April 1992, revolutionised Bengali music. Since then, the singer has remained a celebrated figure in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.

Beyond music, he was also involved in politics, supporting Mamata Banerjee during the Nandigram and Singur movements. He later became a Member of Parliament from Jadavpur under the Trinamool Congress but eventually parted ways with the party due to ideological differences.

Kabir Suman has maintained a deep connection with Bangladesh, which began with his first visit to Dhaka in 1996 to perform at a fundraising concert for the Liberation War Museum. Since 2000, he has been married to the iconic Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin.

More recently, Dhaka hosted a special event titled "Tomake Chai-er 30 Bochor Udjapon" to celebrate 30 years of his iconic album 'Tomake Chai'.​