Shaheen's musical journey of 40 years

Shaheen Samad

Shaheen made these observations at a reception on Friday last to mark the 40th year of her singing career. Cultural organisation Amra Shurjomukhi arranged this function at the Sufia Kamal auditorium of the National Museum.

Shaheen Samad began her singing career in 1965. She sought admission in Chhayanaut where veteran singers Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sohrab Hossain were her mentors. Prominent names such as Ustad Sagiruddin Khan, Ustad Mashqur Ali Khan and Shipra Khan also gave her lessons in music. An expert in Nazrul songs, Shaheen has performed various genres of music, including Khayal, Thumri, Toppa and songs of Rajanikant and Atul Prasad. Along with the popular singers Shahnaz Rahmatullah and Sabina Yasmeen, Shahin started to perform on Khelaghar, a children's musical programme on Bangladesh Betar.

Tagore exponent Sanjida Khatun was the chairperson of the Bangladesh Mukti Shangrami Shilpi Shangstha, an active singers' organisation during the Liberation War. Closely associated with the organisation, Shahin travelled throughout the border areas of Bangladesh to inspire the freedom fighters in different camps through the weapon of spirited music.

In the programme well-wishers and music lovers, including Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Porishad, Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Chhayanaut, Mujib Shena Porishad, Udichi and Shanto-Mariam University, paid floral tributes to the singer.

Chaired by Professor Arefin Siddique, the participants in the discussion session were National Professor Kabir Chowdhury, popular Nazrul singers and others.

Kabir Chowdhury said, "Amra Shurjomukhi has striven to promote our culture since 1975. This programme is intended to support music, humanity, love and all other positive forces. The Bangalees have the power to fight evil with a bold but positive drive.

Because of her graceful appearance and skillful presentation, Shaheen Samad has taken a permanent place in the hearts of many."

Arefin Siddique said, "The spirit of Shaheen Samad is worth emulating by the new generation. Her example will help them through hard times."

Later in the show Shaheen and her daughter Uzma Samad rendered Nazrul songs, including Nayan bhora jal, Akashey helan diye, Kajoli gahia esho, Kahari torey keno and Priya jeno prem bhulona.