Today is the 123rd anniversary of the birth of legendary singer Abbasuddin Ahmed.
Born in 1901 in the Tufanganj subdivision of Cooch Behar in British India, Abbasuddin Ahmed, a self-taught composer and singer, made a significant contribution in bringing music into vogue in Bengali Muslim society by singing at various functions as well as recording songs.聽
His interest in music grew through attendance at cultural functions at school and college.
In Kolkata, Abbasuddin made a number of gramophone records with his master鈥檚 voice as well as with megaphone, twin and regal.
Initially, he became well-known for Bhawaiya, Kshirol, Chatka in Rangpur and Cooch Bihar. He also became increasingly popular with his rendition of Jari, Sari, Bhatiyali, Murshidi, Bichchhedi, Marsiya and Dehatattwa.
It is also believed that no other singer could surpass his emotional, full-throated rendition of folk songs. He also sang songs on Islamic themes composed by poets such as Kazi Nazrul Islam, Jasimuddin and Golam Mostafa.聽聽聽
Abbasuddin-sung Nazrul Islam鈥檚 song O Man Ramjaner Oi Rojar Sheshe went on to become an important part of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Bangladesh.
The musician also participated in many international seminars and conferences on music in countries such as the Philippines, Germany and Myanmar.
He was posthumously awarded Shilpakala Academy Award in 1979 and the Independence Award in 1981.
Abbasuddin Ahmed passed away on December 30, 1959.
