After spending the last decade composing jingles, producing music, and scoring films such as Damal, Surongo, and Daagi, musician and composer Arafat Mohsin Nidhi is finally returning to the stage with his band, Arafat Mohsin Live.
Nidhi, who recently married content creator and writer Raba Khan, says live performance is the one aspect of his musical journey that had been missing in recent years. Their relationship began through a musical collaboration, eventually leading to marriage earlier this year.
The band’s last live performance took place in 2016 at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). Now, after a ten-year hiatus, Nidhi is returning with an entirely new lineup.
The current ensemble features Rimon on keyboards , Debashish on guitar, Nipu on bass, Khalid on drums, and Nidhi on vocals. According to the musician, none of the members had previously shared a stage with him, making this comeback more than just a reunion. Rather, he sees it as the beginning of a new chapter.
One of the most notable additions to the lineup is drummer Khalid, who is making his own return to live performance after a 12-year absence. Nidhi described Khalid’s comeback as a source of inspiration for the entire team.
The band is also exploring future collaborations, including the possibility of working with Rizvi Riju, who is known for the remake of the popular song ‘O Bondhu Lal Golapi’.
Asked why he chose to return to live performances after such a long break, Nidhi pointed to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the creative industry. “In the age of AI, the live experience of art is slowly disappearing. The warmth people feel when they experience music face-to-face cannot be replicated by any algorithm. This initiative is about preserving that feeling,” he said.
Nidhi also revealed that the band’s upcoming performances will aim to break away from conventional concert formats. The group plans to incorporate theatrical and experimental elements into its shows and is considering future collaborations involving dance performances and senior artists.
At present, Arafat Mohsin Live is focused on corporate events, though preparations are underway for public performances as well. While no date or venue has yet been announced for the band’s first public show, the group’s enthusiasm suggests that the return may not be far off.
Fans of Arafat Mohsin Live are familiar with songs such as ‘Jolkona Ure Jay’, ‘Bhalobashi Tai Bhalobeshe Jai’, ‘E Amar Shohor’, ‘Lal Golapi’, ‘Shoto Danar Projapoti’, and ‘Rajkonna’, which helped establish the band’s following over the years.
