Some names in the history of Bengali band music have not only become artists, but have become symbols of a time. Azam Khan is one such person. Even after 15 years of his death, his music, philosophy and cultural contribution are equally discussed by the new generation.
June 5 is the 15th death anniversary of pop guru Azam Khan. Along with various events on the occasion of the day, Channel I is airing a special program 'Tribute to Azam Khan'. The event, aired at 6:30 PM, will highlight the legendary artiste's musical career, struggles, artistic vision and legacy left by him.
A decade and a half after Azam Khan's death, one of the reasons for his relevance is his role in building the foundation of Bengali band music. At a time when band music was viewed with suspicion and even criticized as 'subculture', he boldly started a new genre in Bengali mixing rock, pop and folk music.
When the young society of Bangladesh was looking for a new cultural identity after independence, Azam Khan's songs became their language. Various stories of love, dreams, depression, society and life have come up in his songs. As a result his songs not only entertained but also spoke of the times.
Songs like 'Hridoy Sagar Marubhoomi', 'Bangladesh', 'Ma Go Ma', 'Saleka Maleka', 'Prem Chirdin Dury Dury', 'Abhimani', 'Chup Chup Chup' or 'Jeevane Kish Pabo Na' are still popular with new audiences. Even in the digital era, his songs are regularly heard, covered and discussed.
Many people forget that Azam Khan was a freedom fighter before becoming a musician. In 1971, he participated in the armed struggle for the independence of the country. Fought as a frontline fighter in Sector 2. Later, after returning from the battlefield, he started another struggle with the guitar – the struggle to build a new cultural identity of Bangladesh through music.
Later he founded the band 'Uchcharan' which was not just a band; It became the name of a movement. This band's contribution to mainstreaming Bengali band music is remembered even today.
The members of 'Uchcharan' are also participating in the program aired on the occasion of the death anniversary. Popular songs of Azam Khan will be heard in their performance. Along with this, various unknown memories of his artistic life, experiences of liberation war, musical thought and the story of his pioneering role in the development of Bengali rock music will emerge.
The Ekushey Padak and Freedom Medalist died on June 5, 2011 due to cancer. However, even after 15 years of his departure, he remains a bright star in the sky of Bengali music. Because Azam Khan is not just an artist name, he is a chapter of Bengali band music, which is not over yet.
