Honouring the soul of Bangla rock
On February 5th, Dr Mohammad Yunus (Chief Adviser, Interim Government of Bangladesh) proclaimed the recipients of the “Ekushe Padak”, honouring 10 individuals for their outstanding contributions to art, music, culture, education, and journalism.
Among the honourees was the late Ayub Bachchu, a legendary figure whose name requires no introduction. From streets to every household, Ayub Bachchu’s famous compositions, such as “Ammajan Ammajan”, “Ek akasher tara”, and many more, have reached the hearts of many. This legendary singer and songwriter has won the prestigious “Ekushe Padak“, which serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy and immense contribution to the nation’s musical heritage.
Ayub Bachchu was born on August 16th, 1962, in Patiya, Chittagong. His lifetime journey of music started with a guitar at the age of 11 that was gifted to him by his father. For him, music was never just about sound. It was emotion in its rawest form – strong, bold, powerful, and full of energy. In the late 1990s, Ayub Bachchu left “Souls“, citing how the music he wanted to perform was very different to that of “Souls“. Bachchu’s relationship with the guitar was that of a wanderer and his companion.
By the time of his death, Ayub Bachchu owned a collection of 65 guitars. To him, the smell of varnished wood, polished fretboard, and the touch of strings were like paradise. This legendary musician passed away on October 18th, 2018, bringing an unforgettable era of Bangla music to a close, leaving behind a legacy woven in extraordinary accomplishments.
