Saidus Salehin Khaled Sumon, widely known in the Bangladeshi music scene as ‘Bassbaba Sumon’, is one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s band music movement. The lead vocalist and bassist of Aurthohin has long drawn attention not only for his music, but also for the dramatic turns of his personal and professional life.
Recently, Sumon appeared on Maasranga Television’s programme Nineties Music Story, where he reflected on his career and his battles with illness.
Recalling the early 1990s, he shared how a friend took him to meet James of Nagar Baul shortly after his SSC exams. “James Bhai asked me to play bass, showed me a little and then asked me to join Feelings. It was completely unexpected,” he said.
While studying at Government Laboratory School, Sumon was deeply inspired after watching Kamal of Warfaze play bass at an event, an experience he credits as a turning point in his musical life. On the programme, he also shared anecdotes about performing with various bands, the era of cassette tapes, spending time at Elephant Road, playing the guitar with his teeth and the origin of the name ‘Bassbaba’.Sumon began his musical journey while still at school. Shortly after completing his SSC examinations, he joined the band Feelings as a bassist, remaining with the group from 1990 to 1993. He later went on to play with several well-known bands, including Aces, In Dhaka, Sweet Venom, Rock Brigade, Jolly Roger, Shobdo and Warfaze.
During his time with Warfaze, his solo album Sumon and Aurthohin was released in 1997 and received a strong response from listeners. In 1999, Sumon left Warfaze and formed Aurthohin, a band that quickly rose to prominence. Alongside four studio albums with Aurthohin, he released several single and double albums that further cemented his popularity.
In 2011, Sumon was diagnosed with stomach cancer. After prolonged treatment, he managed to overcome the illness and returned to singing. However, his struggles continued when he was severely injured in a road accident, undergoing a total of 36 surgeries. Despite these setbacks, he once again made a comeback to the stage.
Written by Riyad Shimul and produced by SM Humayun Kabir, Nineties Music Story will be aired tonight, December 13, at 12 midnight on Maasranga Television.
