Bangladeshi rock pioneer Faruq Mahfuz Anam, universally revered by millions of fans as James, has arrived in Australia following the successful conclusion of a two-month European tour. The legendary frontman of the iconic band Nagar Baul is scheduled to perform today alongside Rupam Islam, the celebrated Bengali vocalist and leader of the Kolkata-based rock outfit Fossils.
The joint concert takes place at the Norwest Convention venue in Sydney, marking a rare collaboration between two of the most influential figures in contemporary Bengali rock music. Expectation surrounding the performance has reached a fever pitch among the South Asian diaspora, with organisers confirming that tickets for the event sold out well in advance.
Rupam Islam has frequently voiced his deep admiration for the Bangladeshi rock maestro. While followers throughout Bangladesh affectionately refer to James as “Guru”, Rupam has elevated the title, often describing his mentor as “Mahaguru”.
Prior to taking the stage, the two artistes shared a warm reunion captured on video, where Rupam reflected on the privilege of performing alongside a musician whose work helped shape an entire generation of listeners.
“Joy Guru, Joy Rock, Amar Bangla” serves as the official banner for the Sydney event, encapsulating a shared musical heritage that transcends international borders. Smiling throughout their conversation, James remarked on how much time had passed since their last proper meeting. The pair briefly reminisced about previous shared stage appearances, including a landmark Rock Fest in Bangladesh—deliberating whether it took place in 2007 or 2011—and a brief interaction during a multi-artist concert in Kolkata in 2024.
Rupam light-heartedly reminded James of an unfulfilled promise to drive him around Dhaka in his car, poking gentle fun at the famously reclusive Bangladeshi star’s private nature. Demonstrating traditional respect before their performance, Rupam touched the senior musician’s feet to seek his blessings, setting an affectionate tone for what promises to be a historic evening for Bengali rock enthusiasts in Australia.
