Music as expression

Samina performing at the concert. PHOTO: STAR

Fusion organised a solo concert by Samina on April 8 at the Shishu Academy Auditorium. Here is an excerpt of a brief conversation with Samina prior to the show.

"I try to perform songs that the audience prefers, at concerts. My effort is to get close to my audience," says Samina. When asked how she feels about the recent trend of remixes and remakes, she says, "There's good and bad in everything. However, one thing that is very clear through this popularity of remixes and remakes is that authentic and beautiful old Bangla songs still have a mass-appeal." Is she interested in doing remakes of old songs? "I have quite a few favourites among the songs of yesteryears or Harano Diner Gaan. There are some songs of my father, Mahmudunnabi, that I'd love to do. But I don't have the guts," asserts Samina. What is the reason for her hesitation? Samina has a ready response: "I feel that I might not be able to perform these classics with perfection and I don't want to degrade these songs by doing a mediocre job." Her recent works that have satisfied her, are film songs such as, Na Bolo Na, Amar Majhey Nei Ami from the movie Ranikuthir Baaki Itihash and Tumi Bolle Udal Debo.

The show started a little late, but the audience waited patiently to hear the popular artiste. Samina started off the show with her first song for BTV, Phool photey phool jhorey.

This was followed by a performance of Rooposhi raate, a song from her recent album Du chokhey du nodi. A rendition of Amar buker moddhekhaney, an immensely popular song from the film Noyoner Alo, was next. The deeper message of eternal love seemed to touch the audience.

Samina paid tribute to her father, the renowned musician, Late Mahmudunnabi by rendering his song Gaan-eri khatae shorolipi likhe.

Her rendition of Kobita porar prohor eshechey took the listeners to another realm; a realm of melancholy serenity glowing with fireflies. This is perhaps her most popular song.

Samina also performed Harano diner gaan such as Banshi shune aar kaaj nai and Shaat bhai Champa. Her rendition of Kono ek shundori raate received repeated audience applause.

She needed a male vocal with her to perform the duet, Amar gorur garitey bou shajiye, so she asked the audience if anyone would be interested to sing along with her. Shafique from the audience, who is the host of a music show on TV called "Music Plus", agreed to pitch in. The performance was lively and energetic.

It was an evening of musical bliss and Samina left the audience craving for more.