Concerts in 2024: Foreign artists that rocked the Bangladesh

Growing up in Old Dhaka, I was surrounded by the rich sounds of classical music from Bangladesh and across South Asia, although I am a huge metal music listener. Legends like Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, Noor Jahan, Begum Akhter, Firoza Begum, and Mehedi Hasan were household names, and their music was a significant part of our upbringing.

Interestingly, thanks to my friends, I also developed a taste for pop music, which adds another layer to my musical journey.

The year 2024 felt like a reflection of this diversity. While the local scene blessed us with some incredible metal and rock concerts, we also had the privilege of experiencing artists and bands from across the subcontinent, specifically from Pakistan and India, bringing with them an array of genres.

It was a year that truly celebrated the vast spectrum of music, blending cultures and styles in a way that rolls with everyone. India's popular rapper Badshah gave a captivating 75-minute performance in his first show in Dhaka at the ICC Expo Zone on March 2.

Thousands of spectators gathered to see Badshah perform his popular songs, which heated the audience. The evening was full of melody and rap magic. 

While the audience was basking in the spellbinding awe of Badshah's performance, Atif Aslam enthralled Bangladesh with his magical voice at the Bashundhara Cricket Stadium on April 19 for "Let Vibe Art & Music Festiva".

Before Atif, on April 18, Indian music sensation King delivered a mesmerizing performance that also tickled the audiences.

According to Masud Khan, a Chawkbazar resident who attended the concert, it was a remarkable event despite some issues. With ticket prices set relatively high, the concert saw many attempting to enter without tickets, causing the gate to be broken. But" "in the end", to him ", it doesn't even matter" since the beguiling charm of Atif's transcendent and bewitching performance entranced him.

This was not the end. The year has even more wonders yet to unfold.

At the "Legends of the Concert," Pakistan's popular band "Jal" performed in Dhaka on September 28.

Due to security concerns, the concert was rescheduled for September 27 at Jamuna Future Park. Mr Masud also attended the show, and he said poor management by concert organizers and chaos among ticketless spectators led to a sad experience. Although the organizers handled the situation, many spectators who bought tickets could not fully enjoy it. 

Despite this setback, the music scene continued to shine brightly throughout the year.

With "Magical Night 2," Atif Aslam again gave a memorable performance at the Bangladesh Army Stadium on November 29. Abdul Hannan, another popular Pakistani singer, and Tahsan Khan, a Bangladeshi singer, also performed on the same stage.

Can you picture the thrill? December crowning glory was the soul-stirring performance of Pakistan's renowned Qawwali maestro, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, at the profound "Echoes of Revolution" event.

On December 21, his heartfelt melodies reverberated through the Army Stadium, honouring the martyrs of the July-August Revolution. This concert transcended mere entertainment, standing as a poignant tribute to the nation's spirit and sacrifices.

The year's final crescendo came with the grand opening of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). On December 23 again, the descendant of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan graced the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, leaving the audience enraptured with his evocative performance.

Throughout the year, this fusion of modern music with the classical genre proves that Bangladesh's audience has a diverse musical taste. Audiences across the country showed equal interest in all disciplines of music, from qawwali, rock, pop, and rap to modern and classical music. This is a clear indication that there is ample scope and potential to bring international-standard artists to the Bangladesh stage. 

However, we want planned management and quality arrangements to make such events successful. Gate breakdowns, chaos or security issues dim the concert experience. Just as the combination of good artists attracts the audience, a disciplined environment makes the concert successful. 

This combination has shown that good-quality arrangements and artists can create a festive atmosphere for Bangladesh's music lovers. This can further strengthen Bangladesh's position in the international music arena in the future. 

But, after all, 2024 will be a memorable year for music lovers. Badshah, Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and many other foreign artists have made this year a festive festival. Desi artists equally impressed us with their talent. The trend of such international concerts is expected to continue in Bangladesh. 

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