Seventeen years after his death, Shah Abdul Karim’s songs remain deeply woven into the fabric of Bangla folk music. From ‘Bonde Maya Lagaise’ and ‘Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitam’ to ‘Gari Cholena’, his compositions continue to find new voices and new listeners.
The legendary singer, lyricist and composer died on 12 September 2009 at the age of 93. Today marks his 17th death anniversary.
Karim witnessed several new versions and remixes of his songs during his lifetime. Yet he did not object to younger artistes giving his music their own treatment.
In an interview, he was asked how he felt about the younger generation singing his songs. Karim replied, “Some have sung them better than me and some have sung them worse than me. Everybody has their ways of doing it.”
He was, however, particular about how his songs should be performed. When he felt a singer had failed to capture the right approach, he would tell them, “It’s not coming out right for you.”
Born in 1916 in Dirai, Sunamganj, Karim drew inspiration from the lives of people in the haor region. He wrote and composed more than 1,500 songs during his lifetime. His work explored love, spirituality and social issues while challenging superstition and communal barriers.
A self-taught musician, Karim became one of the defining figures of Bangla folk music. He received the Ekushey Padak in 2001 in recognition of his contribution to music.
His songs have continued to reach new generations through contemporary renditions and remixes. Even as the musical landscape has changed, the voice and spirit of the Baul Samrat remain firmly alive in Bangla music.
