Abdur Rahman Boyati, the legendary baul, not only had millions spellbound with his extraordinary music at home, but his reputation had crossed national boundaries in his living days. To this date, the legend stands to be the only Bangladeshi musician to have ever gotten an invitation from the US president to perform at the White House. A career that produced 500 solo albums, 200 albums with other artistes and performances in around 40 countries worldwide hardly needs any adjectives.
However, the family members of the legendary folk musician who brought Bangladesh exceptional glories are currently struggling with dire financial circumstances after the singer’s death. The remarkable achievements of Boyati and the current situation of his family came into focus at a discussion session at a programme at the Music and Dance Centre auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Monday evening.
The academy and Ekota, an organisation of bauls, jointly organised a programme to observe Abdur Rahman Boyati’s first death anniversary. Along with the discussion session, various artistes presented a number of folk songs to pay their tribute the master musician.
At the programme, noted folk artiste Fakir Alamgir and family members of Abdur Rahman Boyati, Sheikh Shahabuddin, late Boyati’s brother; and Alam Rahman, his son; talked on the life and contributions of the legendary bard.
Fakir Alamgir, in his speech, said that Abdur Rahman Boyati had great contributions in popularising local folk music to the countries across the world. ‘His death is an irreparable loss for the folk music arena of the country,’ also added Alamgir.
Alam Rahman and Sheikh Shahabuddin, on the other hand, shared their memories of Boyati with the audience and also talked about the family’s despondent financial situation after the death of Abdur Rahman Boyati.
The later part of the programme featured presentation of folk numbers by different bauls in solo renditions.
Noted baul Latif Sarkar presented Ei Kopale Sukh Amar Soilo Na. The simple yet touching lyrics and soothing composition of the melancholic song created a sombre yet pleasant ambiance in the auditorium.
Baul Aleya Begum presented a spiritual number Moroner Kotha Keno Shoron Koro Na in her powerful voice. The song moved audiences with its thought-provoking lyrics that remind people about transience of worldly life.
Born on January 1 in 1939 at Doyaganj in Old Dhaka, Abdur Rahman Boyati started taking lessons in mystic songs at an early stage from mystic bard Alauddin Boyati. Ever since his first performance at a local concert in 1956 at the age of 17, Abdur Rahman Boyati never looked back. His powerful presence enriched the country’s traditional music. His unique style of presentation endeared him to countless at home and abroad. In his long musical career spanning over five decades, he performed in 40 foreign countries including USA, UK, former Soviet Union, China, Japan, Austria, Canada, India, and Australia.
Boyati won six National Awards including the Presidency Award For his contribution to the music of Bangladesh.
He breathed his last on August 19, 2013 at the Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.
-With New Age input
