About Me
Bappa Majumdar needs no introduction to music aficionados in Bangladesh. Son of noted musician Barin Majumdar, Bappa has attained popularity as a singer as well as a music composer.About his background, Bappa says, "I took a five-year course in classical music at Monihar Sangeet Academy (a music school established by Barin Majumdar). However, I don't feel my training in classical music is adequate and that's why I haven't pursued that genre of music."Bappa's band, 'Dalchhut' was formed in '96. Incidentally Dalchhut was among the first few in the country which began popularising the genre, 'folk-fusion'. Speaking on the genre, Bappa says, "In the last few years the trend of 'fusion' has attained substantial popularity among youngsters."But fusion does have its share of critics and nay sayers. Among some of the issues raised is "distortion of classics." Bappa's response: "Every song has a certain dimension or essence. A competent music arranger knows how to incorporate nuances of another genre into a tune that is already familiar to the listeners and give it a fresh sound. What fusion has done cannot be underrated. It has introduced some timeless Bangla songs to a new generation of music lovers who might have not even heard of these songs otherwise. I don't think it should be labeled as 'distortion'."However, I do realise that an inept musician cannot do justice to classics. The allegation, in that case should not be made against the trend or genre, rather it should address the concerned individuals."Bappa's recent works include Rahman Raheem. The album features Sylheti folk songs re-arranged by him. As the vocalist, Bappa's choice was Kamal Chowdhury, a new voice. Quite a few have questioned the newcomer's singing skills and Bappa's decision to let him render all the songs. Defending his choice, the musician says, "I never claimed Kamal has exceptional vocal skills. But his voice has that certain 'raw, earthy' appeal which I felt was apt for the songs I chose for the album."According to music enthusiasts, different genres of Bangla music are constantly evolving and gradually generating mass interest. However, a common grievance is that our film music has not made progress. The standard of the run of the mill film music is often questionable. Addressing this issue, Bappa says, "During its golden age, Bangla film music had lyricists and composers who had immense knowledge of and sincere passion for their art. They had pioneering filmmakers who had outstanding aesthetic sense, providing patronage."Nowadays certain 'filmmakers' throw albums of chartbuster Hindi songs at composers and make demands that the musicians devise 'hit' songs deriving inspiration from those. One has to realise, film-music is bread and butter to some musicians. So these musicians often have to comply with the demands of their patrons...There are exceptions, however. I've worked with Emon Shaha in two films and I was content with the songs of the movie Shubha."About the recent trend of talent hunts, Bappa says, "The initiative is certainly commendable. These talent shows have created a window of opportunity for aspiring singers. However, there is a tendency of trying to make 'all-rounders' out of the impressionable young singers. I don't quite agree with this."Everyone is not equally skilled in all genres of music. The singer, who has demonstrated exceptional talent in folk songs, shouldn't have to struggle with adhunik, rock or pop songs. Each singer should be given room to nurture his/her special skills."Bappa is hopeful about our music and the new breed of musicians/singers. According to him, "Habib, Arnob, Shahana Bajpayee, Elita and others are talented musicians through whom our music has a bright prospect."Bappa is currently working on two albums -- one solo and another of his band Dolchhut. The solo album will include adhunik, rock and folk-fusion songs as well as ballads.
