In celebration of the revolutionary and awakening spirit of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Nazrul Rock Concert titled 'Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam' enthralled music lovers at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
Audiences attended the event defying heavy rainfall and inclement weather on Saturday evening.
The concert organised by the Kabi Nazrul Institute marked the official release of a new music album by the Institute, featuring 10 of Nazrul's iconic songs reinterpreted by contemporary bands.
Despite final preparations being completed by the afternoon, a sudden downpour cast uncertainty over the event. “We’re ready, the bands are ready - and we will begin as soon as the rain lets up,” Kabi Nazrul Institute Executive Director Latiful Islam Shibli told the media in the afternoon.
Originally scheduled to start at 5 pm, the concert faced delays as the rain continued into the evening, prompting some audiences to leave.
Eventually, as the rain subsided, preparations resumed, and the concert kicked off by its MC, actress Elina Shammi shortly with popular band Shironamhin performing the powerful Nazrul track “Kandari Hushiyar.”
In a dynamic blend of music and poetry, each band's performance was followed by poetic recitations by noted elocutionist Titu Munshi, who brought Nazrul’s verses to life between musical sets.
Rock band Black then performed “Porodeshi Megh” and “Jaago Naari Jaago,” followed by all female ethnic band F Minor's performance of “Joy Hok." Mizan and Brothers then enamored the crowd with the title track “Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam,” and Dalchhut delivered “Meghero Nomrud” and “Tora Shob Joywoddhwoni Kor.”
Warfaze then energised the crowd with “Uchaton Mon Ghore Roy Na” and “Karar Oi Louho Kopat,” while Rebel performed “Rum Jhum Rum Jhum” and “Bajichhe Damama.”
90’s melodious band Different Touch then poured to Nazrul with “O Bhai Khati Shonar Cheyeo Khati,” “Eki Oporup,” and a medley of “Ei Shikol Pora Chhol,” “Durgomo Giri Kantar Moru,” and “Chol Chol Chol.”
However, after that, the scheduled performance of Nazrul’s iconic Islamic song "Tribhubon-er Priyo Muhammad" by Ark was cut short amid commotion from a section of the audience. Lead vocalist Hasan left the stage alongside his band, apologizing to fans.
Kabi Nazrul Institute’s Director Shibli soon addressed the crowd, restoring order and officially unveiling the album poster alongside officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and members of the band Souls, who closed the event with a stirring rendition of “Ei Shikol Pora Chhol.”
Earlier, Shibli remarked on the inspiration behind the concert: “Nazrul’s songs and poems inspired us during the uprising of 2024 and throughout our history. This concert is a tribute to that enduring spirit.”
He added that the initiative aimed to connect the younger generation more closely with Nazrul’s literary and musical heritage.
“The 2024 movement was led by youth, and rock music resonates strongly with them. This album, and the concert, are efforts to bring Nazrul’s inspirational songs closer to today’s youth," according to Shibli.
The organizers confirmed that all tracks from the album will be released across the Institute’s website, YouTube channel, and other social media platforms.