Singer-songwriter Rodoshi Isfar Fatemi is carving out a distinct niche within Bangladesh’s music scene, driven by a ambition to establish a stronger foothold for pop music in a landscape long dominated by rock. Her latest single, ‘Arektu’, has struck a chord with listeners across the country through its intimate portrayal of affection, vulnerability, and romantic longing.
Released on her official YouTube channel on 28 September, the track garnered nearly 70,000 views and generated over 350 comments within its first two and a half weeks. Online audiences have shared the track widely across social media platforms, drawn to its relatable plea for affection from a significant other. Rodoshi penned the lyrics and composed the melody herself, initiating the creative process roughly five months ago and completing the song within four weeks. She explained that the composition stemmed from a desire to communicate unspoken feelings directly, translating emotional highs and lows straight into the song’s melodic structure.
Rodoshi’s musical lineage runs deep. Born in Lalmonirhat and raised in Dhaka, she is the daughter of musician Sazed Fatemi and yoga instructor Sultana Parvin. Currently a third-year undergraduate student in the Department of Music at the University of Dhaka, she credits global pop icon Taylor Swift as her primary catalyst for entering the industry. At age 13, after reading a newspaper article about Swift writing her own material and hearing the hit single ‘Love Story’, Rodoshi resolved to craft her own songs and release original albums.
She initially composed in English on an acoustic guitar before transitioning into her native language at 17, writing her debut Bangla track, ‘Ei Shohore’, which featured on her debut EP titled ‘Sonali’. Pointing to international pop figures like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter as ongoing influences, Rodoshi embraces comparisons to contemporary western pop acts. She has also collaborated with renowned Bangladeshi musician Habib Wahid on a track titled ‘Shihoron’, for which she wrote the lyrics.
Observing that female artists in South Asia are predominantly relegated to vocal roles rather than songwriting or production, Rodoshi is actively breaking structural barriers. She spent three months forming an all-female live band aimed at creating original material and expanding professional avenues for women instrumentalists in the domestic industry.
‘Arektu’ serves as a prelude to her upcoming second full-length album, set for release in December. The 11-track project features songs written entirely by Rodoshi, four of which she self-produced, mixed, and mastered. To mark the launch, she is planning a solo concert combining new tracks with material from ‘Sonali’. While playback singing for cinema remains a secondary priority, she remains open to film projects that align with her artistic style.
