Kousholy Ema, a Bangladeshi-American singer
Staff Reporter: Kousholy Ema, a Bangladeshi-American singer of the Liberation War generation, has released a new song celebrating the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), the largest umbrella organization representing Bangladeshis across North America.
Already well known for her patriotic, Liberation War-themed, and contemporary songs, Ima has earned widespread recognition among Bangladeshi communities in North America. Her latest composition pays tribute to the spirit of the FOBANA Convention, one of the most significant gatherings of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
The lyrics of her new song about the FOBANA Convention are as follows:
Itihash, Oitijjho, Shongskriti, Binodon
Khushite bhore probashider mon-pran.
Dukkho koshto bhule thaki,
Moha milon melay,
Amader FOBANAy.
Kousholy Ema recently recorded this new song dedicated to the FOBANA Convention, with lyrics and melody composed by Chhabed Sathee.
Speaking to this correspondent,Kousholy Ema said the FOBANA Convention represents a major milestone for Bangladeshis living in North America. Having participated in nearly 20 FOBANA conventions, she has performed Lalon folk songs as well as many of her own original compositions.
"I have always dreamed of writing and performing a song dedicated to FOBANA," she said. "I hope this dream will finally come true. If I can present this song to FOBANA lovers in a positive and welcoming environment, I will consider it one of the greatest honors of my musical career."
Kousholy Ema recalled that one of the defining moments of her artistic journey came in 2015, when she transformed the legendary poem 'Nishiddho Shampadakiya (Forbidden Editorial)' by renowned poet Helal Hafiz into a song. The poem's iconic line, "Now is the finest time for those whose youth calls them to war," became one of the most memorable performances of her career.
She believes her new song dedicated to the FOBANA Convention will become another milestone and hopes it will resonate deeply with lovers of Bengali music and supporters of FOBANA around the world.
Kaushali Ima is widely recognized for using music to highlight social injustice, corruption, inequality, and superstition. Her songs, which explore themes of Bangladesh's Liberation War, politics, patriotism, humanity, and spirituality, have received widespread acclaim both at home and abroad.
During her career in Bangladesh, she performed on Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) and Bangladesh Television (BTV). She earned a Bachelor's degree in Folk Music from the Government Music College in Dhaka and a Master's degree in Bengali Literature from Lalmatia Women's College.
She has released three music albums featuring her diverse body of work: Amolnama.com, Matir Manush, and Gentleman.
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