Yakub, a dedicated Nazrul singer
Cultural Correspondent
Yakub Ali Khan, a popular Nazrul singer, is one of the members of the newly formed Nazrul Parishad. The organisation aims to present the original compositions of Nazrul and carry out research work on the songs of our National Poet. Yakub started his music career when he was a student of class eight. He says, 'I learnt the basics of music from Purnachandra Sutradhar and then I learnt classical music from Prabir Chattarjee at Mymensingh. When I came to Dhaka, I got admitted at the College of Music and there I studied classical and Nazrul songs. 'We were tutored by Ustad Barin Majumdar and Narayanchandra Basak at the college level. Sheikh Lutfar Rahman and Khalid Hossain taught us Nazrul songs. After completing my music study I have trained from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.' Music teaching is a profession for the enlisted television and radio Nazrul singer Yakub. He says, 'I follow the Kirana gharana (trend) in classical songs. Amongst the 33 genres of Nazrul's songs, I prefer the classic-based songs-- basically Thumri, Kheyal, Ghazal. The rich lyrics in Kabyagiti inspire me greatly. I make it a point to teach my students these forms of music. 'Nowadays, authentic lyrics as well as tunes for a number of Nazrul songs are a matter of concern. In fact, I am not pleased with the current scenario of Nazrul Sangeet in Bangladesh. The organisers, producers, even the singers, are responsible for the situation. In fact, we lack adequate respect for the works of the poet. Maybe, we need to play the role that Tagore singers have assumed to promote Rabindra Sangeet.' He further said, ' The Nazrul Institute is not playing a role in promoting Nazrul's songs among the younger generation. The organisation should release albums, as the production companies are reluctant to do so. The non-governmental organisation, Nazrul Parishad has been formed very recently. But I think that people in the cultural field should work closely together attentively to give a boost to Nazrul Sangeet.' In Bangladesh, Yakub enjoys the works of Nazrul singers, such as Shabnam Mushtari, Ferdaus Ara, Khairul Anam Shakil and Abhijit Saha. He stood first in the classical-Nazrul music competition arranged by Shilpakala in 1979. At present he is busy with the recording of his new CD on Nazrul songs.
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