A celebratory evening honouring legendary lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi’s 70-year journey unfolded through music, memories and reflection at the Russian House in Dhaka on Friday.
Titled “Apon Aloy Shahid Mahmud Jangi: Gane Gane Sottur,” the programme was organised by Aajob Karkhana to commemorate the life and creative legacy of one of Bangla music’s most influential lyricists.
The event also featured the unveiling of a commemorative book bearing the same title, a collection of memoirs and research-based writings on Jangi’s life and work, along with comments and commemorative remarks from his colleagues in the industry.
Edited by Joy Shahriar, with Nishith Surjo and Shahriar Adnan Shantanu as associate editors, the publication sheds light on Jangi’s lyrical philosophy, socio-political engagement and enduring impact on Bangla music.
Throughout the night, several of Bangladesh’s iconic music stars shared their experience of working with Jangi. “We are lucky and grateful to organise this early celebration of our iconic lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi’s 70th birthday celebration with the launching of this exclusive publication,” singer-songwriter Joy Shahriar, also the organiser of the event and Founder & CEO of Aajob Prokash, Aajob Karkhana and Aajob Records, said at the celebration.
Sharing his heartfelt gratitude, Jangi thanked everyone for their cordial presence at the celebration.
The second half of the evening transformed into a vibrant musical tribute, with leading artists and bands performing some of Jangi’s most iconic songs. The lineup included Rafiqul Alam, Renaissance, Samina Chowdhury, Naseem Ali Khan Project, Pantha Kanai, Joy Shahriar, Suman Kalyan, Kishore Das, Nishith Surjo and child performers from Learn Guitar with Asad.
The young artists opened with ‘Aaj Je Shishu’ and ‘Ekdin Ghum Bhanga Shohore’, followed by performances from Rafiqul Alam and Suman Kalyan. Nishith Surjo rendered ‘Mombati Jaliye’ while Kishore Das performed ‘Golam Rasul-er Cha’er Dokan’, Pantha Kanai sang ‘Shei Ek Shomoy Chhilo’ and Joy Shahriar presented ‘Kichhui Bodlay Na’.
The Naseem Ali Khan Project followed with spirited performances of ‘Bhalobashi Oi Sobuj Mela’, ‘Jatin Sir-er Class-e’ and ‘Cha’er Cup-e’. Veteran singer Samina Chowdhury then took the stage, performing a duet with Pilu Khan on ‘Ei Bujhi Tumi Ele’, along with her evergreen hit ‘Shomoy Jeno Kate Na’ and several other songs.
The evening concluded with Renaissance, led by Naquib Khan, the band with which Jangi shares a long-standing creative association. Their set included ‘He Bangladesh’, ‘Nonaiya Nonaiya’, ‘Aaro Deshot Jaiyu Tui’, ‘Hridoy Kadamatir Kono Murti Noy’ and ‘Aaj Je Shishu’, underscoring Jangi’s pivotal role in shaping Bangla band music.
Born on February 6, 1956, in Chattogram, Shahid Mahmud Jangi Chowdhury is widely regarded as a pioneer of socially conscious, statement-driven lyrics in Bangla music.
Writing consistently for bands since 1978, he has bridged generations of band and mainstream artistes. Alongside issue-based songs, his romantic compositions continue to resonate across generations.
For more than four decades, Jangi has reshaped the language, themes and ambition of Bangla songs, remaining a defining architect of lyrical transformation in Bangladeshi music.
