Armeen Musa to Honour Bengali Legacy in Shanghai

Shanghai’s celebrated live music venue, The Pearl, known for its vibrant international programming and eclectic cultural showcases, will host Bangladeshi singer and composer Armeen Musa on 26 March. Renowned for fusing traditional Bengali music with contemporary styles, Musa’s upcoming performance promises both innovation and homage to Bangladesh’s musical heritage.

The evening will begin with a solo piano recital by Musa, highlighting her skill as a composer and musician. She will later join The Pearl Red Stars band for a collaborative segment, blending her original works with modern arrangements. A highlight of the programme will be a specially curated tribute to the legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, offering the Shanghai audience a glimpse of Bangladesh’s rich musical history.

Speaking ahead of the concert, Armeen Musa said, “I will perform some of my original songs in Bengali and English. One piece will pay tribute to Abbasuddin Ahmed. Presenting this to an international audience is deeply meaningful for me, as music bridges cultures.”

The Shanghai concert also resonates on a personal level. Musa’s grandmother, celebrated singer Ferdousi Rahman, toured China in 1966, performing Bengali songs across several cities. She later chronicled her experience in the memoir Gaan Geye Elam Chine (“I Came to China Singing”). For Armeen, performing in Shanghai is both a continuation of this family legacy and an opportunity to share Bengali music with a new generation of listeners.

Musa’s international experience is extensive. She has performed in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Malta, and India, making China her latest global destination. She intentionally selects venues where audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds can engage with her music, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.

As Bangladesh’s first Grammy-nominated composer, Armeen Musa has earned recognition for bringing Bengali music to global stages. A recent interview with That’s Shanghai magazine praised her efforts in introducing Bengali songs to international audiences, noting her ability to combine heritage and innovation.

Selected International Performances of Armeen Musa

Through this performance, Armeen Musa continues to bridge tradition and modernity, sharing Bengali music with international audiences while honouring the legacy of icons like Abbasuddin Ahmed and Ferdousi Rahman.