Ziaur Rahman: A storied career of 30 years

For the past two decades, Shironamhin has been entertaining audiences throughout the country, making its name as one of the most must-see acts on stage. Ziaur Rahman, the bass player, lyricist and band leader, has played an instrumental role in its success.

Ziaur Rahman started his musical career in 1990 with the thrash metal band, Thrashold. After several shows in 1992, the band disassembled, since the genre was ahead of its time. In 1996, Shironamhin was formed, embarking on an exciting musical journey that would see the band rise amongst the ranks with their grit and determination.

Photo: Collected

Shironamhin's albums – Jahajee (2004), Ichchhe Ghuri (2006), Bondho Janala (2009), Shironamhin Rabindranath (2010), and Shironamhin (2013), alongside their mixed album entries in Neon Aloy Shagotom(2007), Shopnochura 2 (2006), Shopnochura 3 (2007), Bondhuta (2008), Rock 101 (2008), Gorje Otho Bangladesh (2009) & Joyoddhoni (2009), have all been well received by the audience. The band has also scored the title music for the films Poddo Patar Jol and Amra Ekta Cinema Banabo.

Shironamhin's notable singles are Jadukar, Bohemian, Barud Shomudra, E raat, Ei Obelay, Cafeteria, Kashfuler Shohor Dekh and Perfume.

Zia has led Shironamhin to the prestigious Galle Music Festival in Sri Lanka, where they enthralled the audience. Having served as a music director at Deepto TV, he played a pivotal role in improving their musical quality throughout his time there. He designed and hosted the show "Home Quarantined", where many aspects of the music industry and the struggles of having a musical career were discussed.

Although he started out as a guitarist, he is known to the public as Shironamhin's bassist. However, he plays both instruments in recordings. "We struggled with bass lines at that time, and the only time that we could solve the issue was when I played the bass myself," says Zia. "I do whatever the band requires me to do. The multi-talented musician can also play the Sarod, Cello and Violin, preferring to input them himself rather than hire a helping hand.

Ziaur Rahman, over the past 30 years, has won a multitude of awards for himself and his band. Shironamhin became the finalist in the Benson & Hedges Star Search competition in 2000. It was also nominated for the Channel i- Citycell/Symphony/Oikko Music Awards 5 times, and won a staggering 4 times. The band won the Citycell Music Award for Best Song (2006) for Pakhi, Channel i-Symphony Music Award for Best Band (2016), Oikko-Channel i Award for Best Band (2019 & 2020) and the Oikko-Channel I Award 2020 for Best Sound Engineer.

More of Zia's accolades include the Akademia Music Award of Excellence USA, Best Rock Song 2018 (Barud Shamudra), Binodon Bichitra Award 2010 as best band, CJFB (Cultural Journalist Forum of Bangladesh) award for Best Band in 2005.

Even with all the achievements in his storied career, the veteran musician only looks forward, looking to deliver more great music through his magical basslines and touching lyrics.