A Night to Remember: The Launch of Night In Bengal at the Brady Arts & Community Centre
On a remarkable evening at the Brady Arts & Community Centre in the heart of London, the world was introduced to a musical masterpiece—Night In Bengal. A harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, this album transcends borders, celebrating the soul of Bangladesh and its profound cultural heritage. The event, held at 192-196 Hanbury St, London E1 5HU, was more than just an album launch—it was a tribute to music, freedom, and the indelible legacy of Khondker Emdadul Hoque Manna.
A Star-Studded Gathering
The launch of Night In Bengal was graced by an illustrious assembly of distinguished guests, dignitaries, and luminaries from the Bangladeshi and British communities. Among them was the legendary Abdul Jabbar, one of Bangladesh’s most revered singers, whose voice has echoed across generations. His presence symbolised the deep-rooted legacy of Bengali music that this album seeks to honour.
But perhaps the most poignant presence of all was that of the late Khondker Emdadul Hoque Manna—my beloved teacher, mentor, and guiding light. Manna Sir was more than an instructor; he was a visionary, a torchbearer of musical excellence who shaped my journey and that of countless others. His passion for music was unparalleled—he never sought compensation for his teachings, believing instead that knowledge was to be shared freely. For him, music was a mission, not a profession.
Remembering Khondker Emdadul Hoque Manna
Manna Sir was not just a teacher—he was a distinguished composer, singer, and radio program producer, deeply involved in the cultural resistance during the Bangladesh Liberation War. A key figure at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, the independent Bengali radio station that played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom, he was a patriot in the truest sense.
His training under the legendary Shyamal Mitra, one of the greatest music maestros of the Indian subcontinent, shaped his artistry. This legacy continued through his own teachings, where he instilled in us the rich traditions of Bengali music while embracing global influences—an ethos that ultimately inspired the creation of Night In Bengal.
Beyond his contributions to the arts, Manna Sir was also an educator at Stewart Headlam School in East London, where he nurtured young talent and instilled a deep appreciation for Bangladesh’s cultural and historical significance. His lessons were not just about music; they were about identity, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Bengali people.
A Tribute to Khondker Aminul Haq Badsha
As we gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion, we also paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Khondker Aminul Haq Badsha, the beloved elder brother of Manna Sir. Affectionately known as Badsha Bhai, he was a towering figure within the community—an esteemed journalist and Deputy Press Secretary to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His unwavering dedication to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and his lifelong commitment to truth and justice cemented his place in history. Yet, his influence extended far beyond the realm of politics; his presence was profoundly felt within the Bengali diaspora in London, where he worked tirelessly to uplift and unite his people.
includes a hauntingly beautiful track titled Nishi Raat, echoing his deep emotional connection to music and its evocative power.
Beyond his role as a critic, Badsha Bhai was also a gifted sitar player and a devoted disciple of Ustad Khurshid Khan, who was both a student and the maternal grandson of the legendary Ustad Allauddin Khan Sahib. This extraordinary lineage, combined with Badsha Bhai’s passion and mastery of the instrument, ensured that his influence on the world of music would endure long after his passing.
His departure in February left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of many, yet his legacy remains indelible. His insightful critique of Night In Bengal stands as a poignant reminder of the power of artistic expression—not merely as entertainment but as a vital force in preserving cultural heritage and shaping collective memory.
The Legend of Hindustani Classical Music
Another distinguished figure whose profound influence shaped my musical journey was Ustad Fida Hussain Khan, a revered master of Hindustani Classical Music. I had the rare privilege of learning from him regularly in the intimate setting of my own flat, where he imparted his invaluable wisdom not only to me but also to my bandmate from Jalali, Babul Rahman, along with many other eager students. His teachings were not merely lessons in music but a gateway into the soul of the classical tradition, where discipline, devotion, and artistry converged to create something truly timeless.
Renowned for his masterful command of the harmonium, Ustad Fida Hussain Khan shared the stage with legendary tabla virtuosos—Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi and his son, the incomparable Tabla god, Ustad Zakir Hussain Khan. His ability to weave intricate melodies with effortless grace was nothing short of mesmerising, elevating every performance into a transcendent experience. His teachings were a revelation, leaving an indelible imprint on my understanding of classical music, deepening my appreciation for its nuances, and inspiring a lifelong devotion to its timeless beauty.
A Journey of Sound: Night In Bengal
Night In Bengal is more than just an album—it is a musical odyssey, blending traditional Bengali sounds with modern influences and transporting listeners to the heart of Bengal.
Among the gifted musicians who brought this project to life were members of the renowned Jalali Band, alongside a distinguished ensemble of independent Western artists:
• Keneth Joy (Ken), James Jackson, Paul Cheneour, Nick Ditmas, Dominik Scherrer
• Jalali Band members & Western musicians: Abdul Rob, Mennon Rahman, Abdul Mannan, Manik Miah, Suja Miah, Muzahid Ali, Lolita, Dina Romario, Babul Rahman, and Dr. Farhan Muksed Hemel, credited in the album as Dr. Pop.
Their masterful performances, seamlessly interwoven with the soulful vocals of Dr. Farhan Muksed Hemel, Babul Rahman, Sarwar-E-Alam, and the mesmerising Italian singer Dina Romario, create a rich, immersive soundscape—one that lingers in the hearts of listeners long after the final note fades.
The album was meticulously recorded across multiple studios in London:
• Tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4: Recorded and mixed by Dominik Scherrer at Crimson Noise
• Tracks 1 and 3: Additional recordings by Shakeel Mohammed at On the One Studios
• Tracks 5, 6, 7, and 8: Recorded at Deptford Studios by Nick Ditmas
• Mastering: Roland Clarke at CRS Studios, Hastings
This meticulous production ensures that every note, every rhythm, and every lyric is presented with the highest artistic and technical precision.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Mr. Jerry Deeks, manager of the Brady Arts & Community Centre. His generosity in offering space for rehearsals, teaching, and creating this fusion-based album played a pivotal role in making Night In Bengal a reality.
The Brady Arts & Community Centre, with its rich history and commitment to fostering creativity, was the perfect venue for this launch—a place where music was not just performed but felt, shared, and celebrated.
The Legacy Lives On
As I reflect on this journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—for my mentors, my community, and the music that unites us all.
The launch of Night In Bengal was not merely an event—it was a celebration of life, music, and freedom. As we continue to sing and dance to its rhythms, we honour the legacies of those who fought for the freedom we cherish and those who, like Manna Sir, dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing the beauty of our culture.
Night In Bengal is more than just an album—it is a living testament to the power of music to transcend time, space, and borders.
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