Shah Abdul Karim
Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim
Shah Abdul Karim (February 15, 1916 - September 12, 2009)
Shah Abdul Karim was born in 1916 in Ujandhol of Sunamganj district. He had a brief schooling of just seven days.
Growing up with poverty and hardship, Karim started expressing his thoughts and emotions through music from a very early age.
His all-time companion was the ektara, a traditional single-string musical instrument. His songs sung in a melodic, soothing and pleasingly rustic voice had spellbinding effect on people in and around his village.Abdul Karim received training on spiritual and baul music from Kamal Uddin, Shadhak Rashid Uddin and Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh.Baul Abdul Karim wrote and composed over 1,600 songs. These songs are organized in six books, like: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kooley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.
A few of his most famous numbers includes:
Ailai na ailai na
Ashi boley gelo bondhu
Ami Kul Hara Kolonkini
Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitham
Ami Tomar Koler Gari
Bonde Maya Lagaise
Boshonto Batashey
Gari Cholena Cholena
Jil Mil Jil Mil Kore
Kano Piritee Barailarey Bondhu
Krishno Aila Radhar Kunje
Shokhi Kunjo Shajao
Tumi bine akul poran
Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001 for his outstanding musical achievements. He also received the Prothom Alo-Meril Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, among other recognitions.
References:
