The Hidden Songwriter of BracU

One may recognize him as a staff member in the Operations Department at Brac University. However, he has a musical individuality through which he crafts lyrics and songs. Zakir Hossain Razu, a songwriter, lyricist, and composer, joined BracU in 2012. Besides balancing campus responsibilities, he proved that creativity can rise from anywhere. In the interview, readers will discover his journey.

Interviewer: I would like to begin this conversation with your devoted journey towards music. How did you initially engage as a lyricist and songwriter?

Zakir Hossain Razu ; I have a writing habit. On social media, I used to post my poems. Two of my poem books, Boshontor Shesh E and Moner Canvas were published. Then, random fascination initiated. Why not explore the field of music? During the Covid period, this curiosity grew more. The writing habit helped me to experiment with my words & rhythm. At that time, my first released song, Udash Dupur Bela Sokhi, was successful and received millions of views. Experiencing such positive responses & appreciation, I started to take this interest seriously and became involved. 

Interviewer: Remarkably, your first published song went viral quickly. What type of music do you compose? 

Zakir Hossain Razu ; I work with folk, patriotic, sad, & modern categories of music.

Interviewer: Are there any music artists that you listen to?

Zakir Hossain Razu ; Yes, there are. I used to listen to Asif Akbar’s songs at an early age. Besides, there are also Khalid Hasan Milu, & Monir Khan. I still like listening to their songs. I idolize & look up to the contributions of such Bangladeshi music artists. 

Interviewer: Can you share a bit more about your viral song?

Zakir Hossain Razu ; Currently, Udash Dupur Bela Sokhi has 70 million views.  I released it on Facebook, and I managed two boys from my locality to sing & do a cover of this song. After a few days, I started to get calls saying it had gone viral across different places. I was in a complete dilemma. Reels, YouTube, TV channels, local shops, & other social gatherings my song was playing. In Gaan Bangla & BTV, Gamcha Palash, sang it. In India, various artists were doing covers. My song was discussed on a Pakistani channel. Some of my other favorite songs are- Kon Kolome Likhso Bidhi, Karba Pane Chau Go Konna & others. In many media channels, my credit is not there for which songs get stolen. 

Interviewer: It is concerning that despite being artistic and passionate about music, people face such negligence. What other sort of challenges do you feel artists like you undergo?

Zakir Hossain Razu: songwriters like us need to get face value. At times, we are forced to have strict conditions. I have reached out to many media channels & faced rejections & humiliation. Saying this is not enough, will not work, more renowned artists have come to us, etc. In some instances, I have to release songs at my own expense. It consumes a lot of time to create one’s identity here. But I never stopped. I kept trying. Night after night passed away; I kept tracking my songwriting & creating alongside my job. 

Interviewer: Did you get any prize for the songs that you wrote?

Zakir Hossain Razu: Not really. Once, I got an invitation to Mymensingh University. I also received a prize crest from an honorable member of parliament, Kushtia-1. Also, in a news article, my song was third among the best 100 Bengali song lyrics. 

Interviewer: What are your current plans, and how do you see yourself continuing and contributing as a lyricist or composer?

Zakir Hossain Razu: I would be glad to receive people’s care and affection with my music. I aspire to provide something meaningful and positive. 400+ songs have been released. My target is to complete 500 songs by 2024. The song, Olpodin E, will be released soon. Close Up 1 Star Salma Akhter will be singing this song. I am looking forward to the better days. 

Interviewer: Any last message that you would like to express?

Zakir Hossain Razu: I hope we keep progressing positively and healthily in the music and entertainment sector. People are developing an interest in Bangla songs and value their simplicity, beauty, and cultural versatility. They enjoy and feel connected with them. I will always encourage people to listen to and flourish in their country’s songs. 

Find the entire video of the interview of Zakir on our Youtube channel

Videography and edited by : Maheer Helal