Published on May 18, 2024 at 7:31 p.m.
Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz
On May 5, Hamilton in Toronto enjoyed what was the largest audience for a band in decades. To everyone’s surprise, it was not a North American group, but a Bangladeshi one, celebrating 25 years of their glorious music on tour.
I am of course talking about Artcell, whose songs “Pothchola”, “Oniket Prantor Dukkho Bilash” and “Ei Bidaye” titillated the general public, while “Odekha Shorgo”, “Rahur Grash”, “Pathor Bagan” and “ Chile Kothar Shepai”, among many others, resides in the hearts of progressive rock fans across Bangladesh.
Local Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid presents a certificate of appreciation to Artcell.
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Local Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid presents a certificate of appreciation to Artcell.
“This tour highlights the importance of NRB’s love for our music,” explains Cézanne, the band’s bassist. “It’s huge for the entire musical landscape of Bangladesh.”
This is especially true since the Artcell concert in Vancouver sold out in just three hours, prompting organizers to organize another show the next day, May 13. Another milestone for the band is the fact that their show in St John’s, Newfoundland will take place. This will be the first time a Bangladeshi band has performed in the area.
“The ‘Artcell Artcell’ chants in every show truly stole my heart,” says Kazi Faisal Ahmed, lead guitarist of Artcell. “People from Virginia and other parts of the United States have come to see us, even though they know we’re going to tour the United States eventually.” Discussions are also underway with organizers in the UK and Australia.
According to Artcell, this is the first time a Bangladeshi group has toured the country from coast to coast. “Seeing fans, especially students, from across Canada makes me emotional,” says Iqbal Asif Jewel, a veteran musician who also plays for the legendary Miles.
The band’s drummer, Shaju, is grateful that the concerts are all sold out. “We must thank the organizers for this momentous occasion,” he said.
The voice of Artcell, Lincoln, notes that it was the spontaneity of the audience that won him over. “The way they enjoyed and sang all our songs really moved me, I feel like the luckiest musician in the world,” he says.
For Bangladeshi fans, there’s no need for FOMO during the beloved band’s silver jubilee, as they are planning a special tour, which will see them touring major Bangladeshi universities, culminating with an acoustic show and a larger outdoor concert. as their 20th anniversary celebration in 2019.
Artcellism, despite its ups and downs, is very much alive and well as the world gets a taste of it before Bangladesh enters it.
