Coke Studio Bangla wins Hearts with ‘Baaji’

Coke Studio Bangla made a triumphant return with ‘Baaji’, a track celebrating Bangladesh’s cultural diversity through sound and storytelling.

The release highlights the return of the music platform after more than a year.

‘Baaji’ is composed and sung by Emon Chowdhury, with lyrics penned by renowned urban poet and musician Hashim Mahmud.

The song explores the innocence of love, told through imagery inspired by an ordinary Bangladeshi girl’s quiet charm.

Chowdhury’s arrangement blends sarod and traditional folk instruments with contemporary soundscapes, creating an experience that bridges heritage with modernity.

The song featured contributions from several traditional groups and communities, highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse heritage.

Among them were Tangail’s Dhowa Gaan-er Dol, known for their century-old tradition of singing while dancing in circular formations.

Flautist Kyo U Prue Marma from Bandarban performed alongside his grandmother, Mrakoiching Marma, who sang in the Marma language, preserving songs that are at risk of fading away.

The Bawm community of the Chittagong Hill Tracts added a tribal dance performance, incorporating bamboo sticks to create percussive rhythms, while Manipuri pung drummers showcased the acrobatic Pung Cholom, adding another layer of cultural depth.

Chowdhury said: “It is great to have Coke Studio Bangla return, and we are excited to present ‘Baaji’ to our incredible audience.

“This is a truly special song, one where every artist poured their heart into the recording.

“It feels like a harmonious blend of everything that represents Bangladesh, encapsulated in a single song.”

The collaboration not only unites diverse sounds but also demonstrates Coke Studio Bangla’s mission of protecting living traditions through music.

The release of ‘Baaji’ also marks a continuation for Season 3, which faced delays and production challenges previously.

Initially expected to feature 11 songs, the season had stopped after three releases, with Warfaze’s ‘Obak Bhalobasha’ being the last.

Producers have confirmed that six more tracks will be released this season, with a mix of veterans and emerging artists.

Music curator Shayan Chowdhury Arnob said the new lineup had created something extraordinary that will resonate with listeners emotionally.

Mahmud’s journey to this point is also notable, as his previous viral performance of ‘Tomai Ami Paite Pari Baaji’ drew recognition.

That raw recording eventually brought him into mainstream projects, including the acclaimed soundtrack of the film Hawa.

Although Mahmud was unable to perform ‘Shada Shada Kala Kala’, his presence remains pivotal in shaping the current music scene.

With ‘Baaji’ now available on streaming platforms and YouTube, Coke Studio Bangla continues to position itself as Bangladesh’s musical heartbeat.