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Journalism of Courage
In the heart of Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, folk music resonates deeply, threading stories that echo from bustling towns to quiet villages. Artists vividly express a spectrum of emotions—from joy and sorrow to laughter and tears—through graceful dances and Bengali folk melodies.
A standout in this tradition is Ma Lo Ma, a track from Coke Studio Bangla’s third season that has captivated global audiences. This song, featuring Pritom Hasan, Shagor Dewan, Arif Dewan, and rapper Aly Hasan, innovatively blends traditional folk elements with contemporary styles. It offers a fresh perspective on Bangladesh’s musical roots, resonating far beyond its borders.
In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Hasan explains that the song, translated as “Mother O Mother,” explores the delicate balance between adulthood and nostalgia, evoking profound emotional resonance and reflections on life’s journey.
When asked about the song’s metaphorical portrayal of life’s challenges through a broken boat and a river, Hasan said, “Everyone finds a connection with this song as they mature. Music wasn’t always my passion, but the deep involvement my father and elder brother had in music intrigued me. Despite initial challenges, I gradually immersed myself in music and found joy in it. Now, as a professional musician, I find myself reminiscing about my humble beginnings and initial encounters with music. This journey mirrors the essence of the song.”
The Dewan family’s illustrious musical legacy significantly influenced the track’s production choices. Sagor Dewan’s rendition of Ma Lo Ma Jhilojhi resonated deeply during a session at Coke Studio’s office, prompting its inclusion in Season 3. The Dewan family’s other captivating compositions also solidified their melody as a perfect match for the season’s thematic vision.
Hasan expressed his hope that listeners would glean emotions and insights related to maturation, adulthood, and the pangs of aging. He emphasised the track’s exploration of navigating life’s challenges and transformations as one matures, underscoring the significance of leading a purposeful life.
Watch the YouTube video here:
When asked about incorporating the rhythmic beats of paddles into the song, Hasan explained that the inspiration came from a video of Chhaad Petano Gaan from Behula Lakhindar, filmed in a remote location. Arnob found and shared this video, which depicted the traditional practice of ‘Jol Chhaad’ in Faridpur’s Rajbari, dating back to the Mughal era. Discovering this online performance felt like finding a long-lost treasure. Gathering the participants and capturing the enchanting rhythmic sounds was straightforward.
“It was a fun and interesting element we wanted to explore and include in our songs. Coke Studio Bangla has always been about exploring, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of music. So, this was the right platform to try out Chhaad Petano Gaan,” he revealed.
We also explored how Aly Hasan’s unique approach to lyricism and conversational style influenced the song. Growing up with his grandmother, who was called ‘puthi,’ Aly connected words through song. His lyrics convey positivity and resilience, emphasising that life remains fulfilling despite challenges. This infusion of Aly’s style added a new dimension to the song, enhancing its richness and depth.
When asked how he and Arnob balanced their creative inputs to bring Ma Lo Ma to life, Pritom shared, “Arnob bhai has been fantastic to work with. We have collaborated before, most notably on Coke Studio Bangla Season 2’s Deora. There are many things one can learn from him, and he is always open to new ideas and experimenting with music. His openness allows us to be ourselves and come up with newer, more creative ways to make music. Together, we have a great time producing music.”
Throughout the production, a nostalgic atmosphere prevailed as everyone reminisced about their childhood. Between takes, they often huddled together, reviewing shots and sharing anecdotes. Being present during the shoot was essential to truly grasp the stories and memories exchanged.
When asked about how Coke Studio Bangla’s vibrant atmosphere amplified the final production alongside Faizan R Ahmad (Buno), Pritom described it as a lively hub where diverse, talented musicians and artistes come together, each adding their special touch. By harmonising the best contributions from all, the end result naturally soars to new heights, creating a spectacular experience for the audience.
Reflecting on dream collaborations, Pritom shared, “I’ve been blessed to work with amazing musicians like Arnob bhai in our country. I also aspire to collaborate with legends from our music industry. I also wish to collaborate with international artists and musicians across borders to represent both Bangladesh and Bangla music to a larger audience.”
