Radharaman Dutta
Radha Raman Dutta (Bengali: রাধারমণ দত্ত) (1833 - 1915), also spelt as Radharaman Dutta, was an influential Sylheti folk music composer[1] and poet[2] from the Sunamganj District in Sylhet, Bangladesh. A prominent Baul (mystic minstrel), Romon's body of work has led him to be considered "the father of dhamail songs";[3] his music is widely performed by modern Bengali musicians.
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[edit] Personal life
Radha Romon was born in 1833 in kayastha faimily in the village of Keshobpur in Jagannathpur Upazila. The youngest son of poet Radha Madhab Dutta, Romon displayed a musical temperament from childhood. The early death of his father led Romon to seek the approval of religious mentors throughout his life.[3] Romon's Vaishnavism (worship of Krishna) shaped his musical work and led him to a life of asceticism; he lived for some time in a house that amounted to little more than a seven-square-foot concrete box. Romon was also heavily influenced by the Sufism that infuses Baul culture.[4] Romon died in 1915.
[edit] Cultural Influence
Radha Romon wrote and composed over 2,000 songs in the Baul tradition[4] and was known in particular for his "Geets" and "Dhamail" songs - compositions to traditional dance forms. He has been cited as the creator of the Dhamail art form.[4] Romon's compositions are performed today in weddings all over Bangladesh. Many popular Bengali songs of today were written originally by Radha Romon and his songs are covered by modern professional musicians in Bangladesh[5] and in West Bengal, India.
Radha Romon most popular song, Bhromor Koio Giya, was copied by Romanian singer Liviu Mititelu for which it is called 'Vorbesc Cu tine Nu Ma Auzi'. This plagiarized version was also a copy of the composition by Armeen Musa's legal version of the original song.
[edit] Famous Songs by Radha Romon
- Bhromor Koio Giya
- Kare Dhekabo Moner Dhukko
- Sham Chikon Kalia
- Bologo Bologo Shoki
- Moneh nai Moneh nai
- Jole Jaio na Gho Rai
- Oh Bashi re
- Sham Na Ki Cholila
- Jole Gia Chilam Shoi
- Ami Robo na Robo na Grihe
[edit] References
- ^ Ahmad, Sabrina (2006-05-23). "Mystical Sufi music staging a comeback". www.thedailystar.net. http://www.thedailystar.net/lifestyle/2006/05/03/page01.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ "Folk musical soiree in Barisal". www.thedailystar.net. 2005-07-25. http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/07/28/d50728140288.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ a b Siddiquee, Iqbal (2008-03-04). "Radha Raman Utshab held in Sylhet". www.thedailystar.net. http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=25951. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ a b c Mahmud, Jamil (2008-04-03). "Radharaman Utsab '08 at TSC". www.thedailystar.net. http://www.thedailystar.net/pf_story.php?nid=30447. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
- ^ Bulbon, Sheikh Arif (2007-06-21). "3rd round of talent hunt for top 10 bauls". nation.ittefaq.com. http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_36975.shtml. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
