Photo: Collected
Zooel Morshed, a popular composer, music director, and singer of this generation, emphasized the importance of working on folk songs of our country. His first solo album, 'Ekla Prothom,' was released in 2010, followed by its release in West Bengal in 2012. In addition to collaborating with many renowned local artistes, he has also worked with famous Indian Bengali artistes like Somlata, Somchada, and Madhubanti Bagchi. In an exclusive interview with Nisha Mahmuda of The Daily Messenger, he shared insights about his work and recent projects. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
The Daily Messenger (TDM): What are you currently busy with?
Zooel: I have started a new project on the legendary Bangladeshi Baul musician and Ekushey Padak-winner, Shah Abdul Karim. The plan is to release 50 of his songs. The first song titled 'Age Ki Sundor Din Kataitam,' sung by popular singer Asif Akbar, was released on Swadhin Music's YouTube channel this year. Another song sung by Nishita Barua titled 'Shokhi Kunjo Sajao Go' was released yesterday. Additionally, we plan to release a song every month. We have already recorded 32 songs performed by various artistes, including Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Imran Mahmudul, Protik Hasan, Meher Afroz Shaon, Ankhi Alamgir, Zahid (Cox's Bazar), and Belal Khan. Currently, 18 songs are yet to be completed.
TDM: What inspired you to work on Baul Karim’s songs?
Zooel: I am the head of this project, and I felt compelled to do something about the folk songs of our country because I always want to introduce these wonderful songs to the younger generation. I have obtained permission from Shah Abdul Karim's family for this project, and we have also discussed royalty sharing. Swadhin Music has agreed to my proposal. The proceeds from this project will go to the artists and Shah Abdul Karim's family. I'm delighted that all the artists who collaborated on this project wholeheartedly cooperated and accepted a very nominal honorarium.
TDM: Do you have any other projects apart from this?
Zooel: Recently, I worked as an executive producer on Sathi Khan's song 'Ami Ek Emon Pakhi,' which has become a massive hit. The song has garnered 15 million views on YouTube, and there have been 2 million videos created on TikTok. Additionally, for the past three years, I have been working on the copyright of Ayub Bachchu and LRB's songs.
TDM: How many songs have you lent your voice to until now?
Zooel: I have sung over 30 songs, both composed by myself and others.
TDM: How many songs have you worked on as a music director?
Zooel: I can't provide the exact number, but I have already worked as a music director for more than 40 songs.
TDM/SD
