TBT Report:
“I had to sacrifice a lot to pursue music and faced many obstacles along the way. Still, today I am very happy because people in my country listen to my songs. My close ones even call me to appreciate my work.”
These are the words of popular contemporary singer and music director Hafiz Baula, who has already established himself as a successful vocalist, music director, lyricist, and composer.
In an exclusive interview with this reporter, he shared his dreams and realities.
A well-known face in the media world, Hafiz Baula’s full name is Md. Hafijur Rahman. He was born and raised in Islampur village under Ballamjhar Union of Gaibandha district. Passionate about music from childhood, he regularly performed at local programs and in his school. Having lost his father at a young age, he received strong support from his mother in his musical journey.
Hafiz Baula began his musical training at the age of seven under a local mentor, Naru Babu. Later, he received training in various aspects of music, including classical music.
He started his journey in the music industry in 2008 with the song “Poraner Bandhob.” His first solo album gained significant attention. Later, he released a song titled “Oshantir Ma-o Morenai,” which earned him considerable recognition in the audio industry.
Alongside singing, Hafiz Baula began working as a music director in 2016.
So far, he has composed more than 4,000 original songs, created tunes for over 400 songs, and written more than 100 original songs.
He has released around 350 original songs in his own voice, many of which have become popular. Several of his songs have trended on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, and YouTube. He currently has over a hundred unreleased original songs.
He has collaborated with many renowned lyricists and composers in the country, including Hasan Matiur Rahman, Delowar Arjuda Saraf, Ikram Uddin, RJ Rubel, Ahmed Rabbani, Shafiqul Islam Rana, Mallik Russell, Russell Kabir, Plabon Qureshi, Tanzir Ahmed Shakib, Rasedul Islam Chand, Dr. Sohel Masud, and many others.
For his contributions to music, Hafiz Baula has received more than 25 awards from various top organizations. Recently, he has been nominated for the Channel i Best Folk Singer award in the Palli Geeti and Maromi categories this year.
Some of his popular songs include “Mon Majhi,” “Shomoy Khubi Kom,” “Shukh Mele Nai Tate,” “Mon Bhangar Bichar,” “Din Din Puran Hoia Jachhi,” “Amar Koiljar Pakhi Re,” “Jabbajjibon Jail,” “Ki Labh Hoilo Bondhu Tomar,” “Noshto Jibon Tare Niya,” “Ki Je Dhora Khaisi,” “Bondhur Prem Bhikhari,” “Bhaver Manush,” “Jamin Dilo Na,” “Deho Bari,” and “Vul To Manusheri Hoy.”
Among the popular songs he has directed are: “Moron Bujhi Dakitache” and “Shomoy Khubi Kom” sung by Fazlur Rahman Babu; “Mon Bhangar Bichar” by Shafi Mondol; “Kandaiya Ki Paili Shukh” by Anwar Fakir; “Ami Morle Dukkho Diba Kare” by Moriyom; “Bhobonodi” by Rajib Shah; “Vul Bojhar Manush Beshi” by Raju Mondol; and “Abeg-e Ar Kaj Kore Na” by Ikram Uddin, among others.
When asked, Hafiz Baula said, “I have been involved with music since childhood. Music runs in my blood. I want to stay with music until my last breath.”
He further added, “I want to continue creating meaningful Bengali songs with good lyrics and melodies. I want to take Bangla music to the global stage and move forward with everyone’s love and blessings.”
