Shah Abdul Karim’s songs live on 17 years after his death

" 'Bonde Maya Lagaise', 'Age Ki Shundor Din Kataitam' and 'Gari Chole Na' are some of the most popular Bangla folk songs that were authored and composed by Baul Samrat Shah Abdul Karim. Today marks the 17th death anniversary of the legendary singer."

Many remixes and other new versions of his songs have come out during his life. But this famous singer had no objection towards the younger artists who were making remixes of his songs.

Asked in one interview that what his opinion is regarding the way the younger generation was singing his songs, Karim responded, "Some have sung them better than me and some have sung them worse than me. Everybody has their ways of doing it."

But he was very particular about the correct way of singing. When somebody failed to do it, he told him, "It's not coming out right for you."

Born in Dirai, Sylhet in 1916, Karim composed over 500 songs from the life of the people in the haor area. The themes of his songs included love, spirituality and social issues while breaking the superstitions and communal barriers.

The self-taught musician was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001. He died on September 12, 2009, at the age of 93, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Bangla folk music.

-AJM