IT was one of the biggest and most emotional concerts in recent times at Shilpakala Academy on October 8. Titled Shono Kaaj-c Kcu Noy Raji, the presentation of 16 bands was an amalgamation of both the underground and the mainstream bands. The show was executed to benefit Abdur Rahman Boyati, a renowned folk musician who is a pioneer in his own field. It was organised by a Website amadergaan.com designed to unite the Bangla community all over the world.

A crowd-turnout of almost 700 filled the auditorium, chanting for their favourites as they appeared on stage. Metal Maze, Nagorik, Celcius, Echoes, Birodh, Kronic, Stentorian, Pentagon, Warfaze, dNA, Aurthohin, Artcell, Maqsood O Dhaka featuring Fakir Alamgir, Arbovirus, Aashor and finally Black catered to a wholeloiofaudienccstosaveamusician'slife.

The music ranged from rock, alternative and heavy metal, to pop and disco element songs, to suit every taste, and thus keeping the crowd energetic and jumping to their favourite tunes. Iron Maiden and Metallica numbers were covered at large at the event, along with the bands' own popular numbers.

The presence of Abdur Rahman Boyati, in the arena for quite a long duration, made it a rather emotional gathering for both the audience and the performers. As Boyati said, 'Neither the Government nor any other institution came to my aid. The musicians and the musical community and the organisers mean a lot to me. I want tosingagain and prove that lvalue them.'

As the convenor of this event, Shipul said,

'Such a huge participation from the musicians and anuidergan.com is overwhelming. Abdur Rahman Boyati does mean a lol to the musical community of Bangladesh. Be has made folk music immensely popular and die fusion of his song Mon amardehoghori wi th our band culture was actually the first step towards folk music promotion amongst our generation. Working togcdier to help such an artiste is an honour.'

Indeed, this was one of tltose rare moments when die young musical community came together for a worthy cause. The venue, sound system and lights along with the bands, performed free of cost to host such an event.

Despite the poor sound quality, the concert was indeed a crowd puller, especially for those who have followed Rahman Boyati throughout his musical career.