Ema Alice: In the headline “Nishiddho Shompadokiyo” (The Prohibited Editorial), the poem ‘Ekhon Joubon Jar Juddhe Jabar Tar Sreshtho Somoy’ (Now is the Best Time for the Youth to Go to War) has been transformed into a song, but the legendary poet Helal Hafiz, the ‘Prince of Poetry,’ could not watch the music video of his celebrated creation.
At the special request of Helal Hafiz, the poem was adapted into a song and performed by Kousholy Ema, a U.S.-based artist from the generation influenced by the Liberation War. This young artist, already recognized in North America for her Liberation War-themed and contemporary songs, obtained permission for this adaptation through the poet’s approval.
The song’s musical adaptation was carried out by expatriate journalist Chhabed Sathee in 2013, 44 years after the poem was first written as a rallying cry for direct participation in the Liberation War. The track was recorded in a studio in New York, with Kousholy Ema lending her voice to it. After completion, the recording was sent to Helal Hafiz, who praised the effort and expressed gratitude to the artist. However, he could not watch the music video, despite his enthusiasm for the project.
The high-definition (HD) music video, created nearly eight years ago, features archival images and footage from significant moments of Bangladesh’s 1969 uprising, the tumultuous March of 1971, and the Liberation War. To reach a global audience, the video includes English subtitles.
The proposal, planning, and approval process for adapting the poem into a song were spearheaded by expatriate writer and veteran freedom fighter Faruk Wahid. Renowned music director Nadim Ahmed from New York composed the arrangement, while Chhabed Sathee crafted the tune. The recitation of the poem was performed by New York-based artists Lutfaun Nahar Lata and Mithun Ahmed.
Kousholy Ema describes her experience of singing this historic poem as a milestone in her artistic career. She shared that this song, charged with the youthful vigor and spirit of protest embodied in the poem, was crafted to resonate with the emotions of the younger generation, reigniting their commitment to the values of the Liberation War and their readiness to stand against injustice. She hopes this adaptation will become a source of inspiration for Bengali music enthusiasts worldwide.
Kausholy Ema is celebrated for her ability to use music to highlight social injustices, corruption, and superstitions. Her repertoire includes songs about the Liberation War, politics, patriotism, and spirituality, earning her acclaim both domestically and internationally. She has performed on Bangladesh Radio and Television during her time in the country.
A graduate in folk music from Dhaka Government Music College and a Master’s in Bangla Literature from Lalmatia Women’s College, Kousholy Ema has released three diverse albums: Amolnama Dotcom, Matir Manush, and Gentleman.
To listen to the song adapted from Helal Hafiz’s poem “Ekhon Joubon Jar Juddhe Jabar Tar Sreshtho Somoy,” click the link below: https://youtu.be/OekQFeVi1aQ?si=xsZ_Ow0IRiW679fg
BP/SM
