Runa Laila and Bappa Mazumdar Collaborate on Ghazal

The Bangladeshi music industry is set to witness a historic collaboration as legendary vocalist Runa Laila and celebrated singer-composer Bappa Mazumdar team up for the first time. This joint venture, titled ‘Onayashe’, is a ‘Bengali Ghazal’, marking a significant stylistic departure and a rare experimental fusion within the genre.

Announcement and Production Details

The announcement was made by Runa Laila via a video message posted on her verified Facebook page on the night of Friday, 24 April. According to the veteran singer, the track was originally intended to be a solo performance. However, upon hearing the composition and arrangement crafted by Bappa Mazumdar, she proposed that the project be converted into a duet.

The lyrics for ‘Onayashe’ have been penned by Syed Ghalib Hasan. The recording process was completed approximately one year ago at Bappa Mazumdar’s private recording studio located in Banani, Dhaka.

Professional Commentary

Runa Laila commended Mazumdar’s musical acumen, describing him as an exceptionally talented composer, singer, and music director. She noted that his creative vision for the track prompted the decision to record it as a collaborative effort.

For Bappa Mazumdar, the project represents a significant milestone in his career. He expressed profound professional satisfaction, stating that performing alongside an artist of Runa Laila’s stature was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

Project Specification Table

Historical Context and Significance

The Ghazal, a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain, has deep roots in South Asian classical music. While traditionally performed in Urdu and Persian, the Bengali Ghazal was pioneered and popularised by the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Runa Laila brings decades of international experience to this project, having recorded over 10,000 songs in various languages, including a vast repertoire of Ghazals that earned her acclaim across the subcontinent. Bappa Mazumdar, known for his work with the band Dalchhut and his distinct melodic compositions, represents a different generation of musical influence. Runa Laila emphasised that such a specific experimental collaboration in the Bengali Ghazal format is unprecedented.

Release Schedule

The track is scheduled for official release on 16 May. In her concluding remarks, Runa Laila requested the well-wishes and support of her audience for this new musical endeavour. The collaboration is expected to bridge the gap between traditional vocal disciplines and contemporary production techniques, offering a unique contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.