Shah Abdul Karim
Born	February 15, 1916
Origin	Ujan Dhol, Derai, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Died	September 12, 2009
Genres	Baul, folk
Occupations	Musician
Instruments	Ektara

Shah Abdul Karim (February 15, 1916 - September 12, 2009; Bengali: শাহ আবদুল করিম), was one of the most famous legends of Bangladeshi folk music. He specialized in Bengali Baul music. Born and brought up in the the village of Ujan Dhol, in Derai Upazila(Thana) of Sunamganj, he lived there until his death. He was awarded the Ekushey Padok in the year 2001 for his outstanding musical achievements. His contribution reflected by the modern singer Habib Wahid. He also received Drouhee Kotha-shahitayk Abdur Rouf Choudhury Award in 2000. He died in Sylhet on 12th September, 2009 at 7:58 am Bangladesh time due to respiratory problems^[1]

Contents 1 Biography 2 Musical works 3 Most famous songs 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Biography

Shah Abdul Karim was born on February 15, 1916 in Ujan Dhol village, Derai Thana, in Sunamganj District in Sylhet Division, one of the remotest villages of Bangladesh. Growing up with poverty and hardship, he started expressing his thoughts and emotions musically from very early age. Ektara, a traditional single string instrument has been his constant companion. His songs had spell-binding effects on the people in and around his village, not to mention his melodic, soothing and pleasingly rustic voice. He was so indulged in music that unlike other typical Bangladeshis he failed to engage in some 'jobs' and continued entertaining people with his music (by and large, music is yet to be recognized as a full grown profession in Bangladesh). However, poverty forced him to get into agricultural labour. But nothing could stop him from making good music. As he was growing up, he received training on spiritual and baul music from Kamal Uddin, Shadhak Rashid Uddin, Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh. His versatility ranged from Baul song, Spiritual song to Bhatiali. He went on learning all the exclusive modules of Baul song afterwards along with Shariatti, Marfatti, Nabuot, Belaya, the various devout form of music. He was motivated by philosophy of renowned Lalan Shah, Panju Shah and Duddu Shah.

[edit] Musical works

Baul Shah Abdul Karim has written and composed over 1600 songs. These songs are organized in six books, like: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kooley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.

Shah Abdul Karim, the legend of Baul songs and a versatile genius had all through lived a very simple life often faced with harsh reality. However, with the recent trend of popular 'modern' versions of his (and other) Baul songs in Bangladesh, he is now widely recognized and honoured by people, even by the younger generations who had never been 'fans of tradition folk songs'. Though much belated, his contributions to Bengali Music has now been officially recognized by the State and its people.

[edit] Most famous songs

• Jil Mil Jil Mil Kore
• Bonde Maya Lagaise
• Ashi Bole Gelo Bondhu
• Kano Piritee Barailarey Bondhu
• Gari Cholena Cholena
• Ami Koolhara Kolonkini
• Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitham
• Ami Tomar Koler Gari
• Shokhi Kunjo Shajao
• Ailai Ma Ailai Aa
• Boshonto Batashey
• Krishno Aila Radhar Kunje

[edit] See also

• Baul music
• Kari Amir Uddin
• Durbin Shah

[edit] References

• The Daily Star article on Fakir Baul Shah Abdul Karim
• bdnews24.com article about this death

[edit] External links

• Website dedicated to Abdul Karim
• Shah Abdul Karim Profile