One of Bangladesh's biggest asset as a nation is its massive youth demographic, as can be seen in the country's economic and social development. And that is why in a society that seems to be on a downward slide in terms of humane values and spirit, it is the youth who has the power to change the course of the tide. Sadya Afreen Mallick's ambitious musical project 'Gems of Nazrul' looks to spark that change armed with a powerful tool – music. Our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam left behind a largely undiscovered treasure-trove of songs that inspire people to be brave, honest, compassionate and strong, and the project aims to bring those songs in modern music arrangements to disseminate amongst the people.
The third song of the project, “Shonka Shunno Lokkho Konthe”, is all set for release, after completion of the music video earlier this week. Sajia Sultana Putul, Ismat Ara Eva, Fatema Tuz Zohra, Bulbul Mahalanabish, Rebeka Sultana, Suptika Mandal, Tanzina Karim Swaralipi, Chhanda Chakravarti, Shahnaz Tasneem Mourushi, Yasmin Mushtari, Murshid Jahan, Shithi Shaha, Waqeel Ahad, Bijon Chandra Mistry, Shahid Kabir Palash, Ashish Kumer Sarker, Mahmudul Hasan, Ritu Raj, Prithwi Raj, Abir Nayan, Sunil Kumer Sutrodhar, Yusuf Ahmed Khan, Tanveer Alam Shawjeeb and Sadya Afreen Mallick have sung the song, with music arranged by Shawjeeb.
The music video, also directed by Shawjeeb, takes the artistes close to Nazrul – quite literally. Most of the filming was done around the Dhaka University area where the Rebel Poet is laid to rest -- Charukola, the Oporajeyo Bangla sculpture and Nazrul's grave.
The song speaks of a fearless voice of unison that marches towards victory, determined to overcome all obstacles on the way. The complex, dramatic lyric is archetypal of Nazrul's genius with words, and the composition has a gradual buildup into a magnificent crescendo that continues to ring in the years. The age-old premise of 'destruction is the prelude to creation' comes to life in “Shonka Shunno”, as Nazrul expertly delves into the indomitable spirit of human nature and makes it the hero of the song.
Gems of Nazrul, conceptualized by eminent Nazrul exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick, plans to make Nazrul heard at all levels across the globe. “Nazrul and his works are __more relevant than ever at this time, and we want to reach his message out through these songs that are so powerful, but very few people have actually heard them,” according to Mallick. The songs and music videos are just stepping stones for the project, with the ultimate goal being a big campaign that touches the mass of the population.
The music video was supported by IFIC Bank, with wardrobe by Tangail Saree Kutir.