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Suman's primary training was in Indian classical music and Rabindra Sangeet, and he picked up Western folk forms while living abroad in Germany and the United States. He finished his second contract with German International Radio in 1989, and returned to Kolkata.
Suman's primary training was in Indian classical music and Rabindra Sangeet, and he picked up Western folk forms while living abroad in Germany and the United States. He finished his second contract with German International Radio in 1989, and returned to Kolkata.
In Kolkata,he was first associated with a band called "Nagorik", and released two albums "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 1" and "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 2". He released his first solo album, ''Tomake Chai'', in 1992, which was immensely successful. Since then he has released over twenties albums, his most recent one being ''Chotrodhorer Gaan'' in 2010.
In Kolkata,he was first associated with a band called "Nagorik", and released two albums "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 1" and "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 2". He released his first solo album, ''Tomake Chai'', in 1992, which was immensely successful. Since then he has released over twenties albums, his most recent one being ''Lalmohaner laash''in 2010.


===Influences and legacy===
===Influences and legacy===

Revision as of 13:29, 19 October 2010

Kabir Suman
Kabir Suman
MP
Preceded bySujan Chakraborty
Succeeded byCurrent Incumbent
ConstituencyJadavpur
Personal details
Born (1949-03-16) 16 March 1949 (age 75)
Kolkata, West Bengal
Political partyTrinamool Congress

Kabir Suman (born March 16, 1949), is a Kolkata-based modern Bengali singer-songwriter, musician, poet, journalist, politician, TV presenter, and occasional film actor. Since May 2009, he is a member of parliament of India in the 15th Lok Sabha, having been elected from the Jadavpur constituency in Kolkata on an All India Trinamool Congress ticket.

He changed his name from Suman Chattopadhyay to 'Kabir Suman' (Bangla: কবীর সুমন) when he converted to Islam . He shot to fame in the 1990s with albums such as Tomake Chai (Bangla: তোমাকে চাই I Want You) and Boshe Anko (Bangla: বসে আঁকো Sit-and-Draw Contest).

Early life

Suman was born on March 16, 1950 to Sudhindranath and Uma Chattopadhyay at Cuttack, Orissa. He was trained in classical music in his childhood, under the tutelage of this father. He graduated from Jadavpur University with an honours in English Literature and a diploma in French language. He then worked briefly in All India Radio and the United Bank of India. Suman left for Europe in the mid seventies, and worked as a radio journalist in the Voice of Germany (Bengali Dept.) from 1975-79.[1] It is during this period that he heard the music of Bob Dylan in France, which became one of his most defining musical experiences.

Suman then went on to stay at the United States from 1980–1986, working for the Bengali language Department of the Voice of America at Washington D.C. Here, Suman came into contact with a number of musical and literary personalities including Pete Seeger and Maya Angelou. Suman also became highly interested in the Sandinista revolution at Nicaragua during the mid eighties. Pete Seeger introduced him to Father Ernesto Cardenal, the priest, poet, freedom fighter and Nicaragua's Minister of Culture. At Cardenal's invitation, Suman visited Nicaragua in 1985. He writes that he was largely impressed by what he saw in Nicaragua. It is here, that he also came into contact with the New Song Movement in Latin America.[2]

Musical life

His contemporary urban, socially conscious songs draw upon both Bengali adhunik (modern) and Western folk and protest music. His work has been a major influence in the development of the Bengali songs, which has influenced bands like Chandrabindoo, and has grown to become a major movement in contemporary Bengali music. Most of his songs are played solo with just a synthesiser or a guitar. Like many Bengali singers, Suman has also recorded albums of Rabindra Sangeet (Songs of Rabindranath Tagore), starting in the late-1990s.

Suman's primary training was in Indian classical music and Rabindra Sangeet, and he picked up Western folk forms while living abroad in Germany and the United States. He finished his second contract with German International Radio in 1989, and returned to Kolkata. In Kolkata,he was first associated with a band called "Nagorik", and released two albums "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 1" and "Onyo kotha onyo gaan 2". He released his first solo album, Tomake Chai, in 1992, which was immensely successful. Since then he has released over twenties albums, his most recent one being Lalmohaner laashin 2010.

Influences and legacy

Suman has often been credited with creating a new genre of music in Bengal, called jIbanmukhI gAn (songs facing life), with lyrics that reflect common life experiences. He is sometimes referred to as the 'nagarik kabiyal' (city troubadour). His music also reflects on social mores, and is often directly political, and much of his oeuvre bears the influence of Bob Dylan (he also transcrated Dylan's 'Blowin' in the wind' as 'Uttoro to Jana' album 'Ichche Holo' (1993). Dylan's influence is also obvious in the musical arrangements of his early albums, often consisting of only guitar and mouth-organ, both of which he played himself. Later on his musical arrangements became more elaborate.

Suman himself influenced a generation of singer-songwriters in Bengal, including Nachiketa Chakraborty and Anjan Dutta, and others like Lopamudra Mitra.

Political life

Along with his musical contributions, Suman has always held strong political views. He was a journalist in Nicaragua during the Sandinista revolution and wrote Mukto Nicaragua (Liberated Nicaragua) on his experiences. During the 2002 Gujarat riots, he composed songs in protest against fundamentalism. He is also noted for his strong declamations against political opponents in public.

Since 2006, when Suman was involved in the land struggle in Nandigram, he started aliging himself to All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. His songs on the Nandigram land issues have been released on two albums, Nandigram and Pratirodh. Suman also participated in the Singur agitation & other TMC party programmes on a regular basis.[3][4] He was present during the inauguration of TMC's stall in Kolkata Book Fair.2009.[5].

The Trinamoool Congress nominated him for the 2009 general election from Jadavpur constituency in Kolkata, West Bengal, and won the election, defeating his nearest rival, Sujan Chakraborty of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) by 54,000 votes (by a 10% margin)[6].

In November 2009, Suman had a spat with the Trinamool Congress. He complained that the local leaders of the party were not allowing him to work, and his views were not taken seriously in the party [7]. However, the issue was resolved amicably in a series of closed door meetings.[8]

Suman has also been vocal in his support for the movement of tribals in Lalgarh, and has composed an album called "Chatradharer Gaan" in support of the movement, going against the wishes of the party [9]. Going against the party position, he has also expressed his protests against "Operation Green Hunt", the Indian Government's military operation in the areas hit by Naxal violence [10].

Suman,in the end of march 2010,claimed that he is going to leave Trinamool Congress and also his membership of the Parliament. Though on the request of Mahasweta Devi he postponed his resignation for seven days.[11] Within a few days, however, he makes a u-turn and declares on the 7th of April that he does not want to resign [12] by further embarrassing the party [13]

Personal life

Suman is married five times [14] and calls himself a self-confessed agnostic, nihilist-anarchist and a "polygamous" person.[15] He is married to Sabina Yasmin, a popular Bangladeshi singer.

Discography

Solo Albums with Track-list

  • Tomake Chai (1992) - HMV
  1. Amader Jonyo
  2. Chena Dukkho Chena Sukh
  3. Dosh Foot by Dosh Foot
  4. Haal Chherona
  5. Jodi Bhabo Kinchho Amay
  6. Kakhono Somay Ashe
  7. Mon Kharap Kora Bikel
  8. Pagol
  9. Petkati Chnadiyal
  10. Tintaler Gaan
  11. Tomake Chai
  12. Tui Heshe Uthlei


  • Boshe Aanko (1993) - HMV
  1. Bhorsha Thakuk
  2. Boshe Aanko
  3. Chalsher Gaan
  4. Ek Ekta din
  5. Ek Muhurte
  6. Hothat Rastay
  7. Jomi Bechar Taka
  8. Khata Dekhe Gaan Geona
  9. Meghdut
  10. Rekhaber Rup
  11. Shokal Belar Roddur
  12. Surjyo Bollo Ish


  • Ichchhe Holo (1993) - HMV
  1. Agun Dekhechhi Ami
  2. Arun Mitra
  3. Bnashuriya
  4. Boyesh Amar Mukher Rekhay
  5. Danpitey
  6. Ichchhe Holo
  7. Jage Jage Raat
  8. Magoje Curfew
  9. Majhrattire Chnader Kaste
  10. Nabab Nababi Kore
  11. Protidin Surjyo Othe
  12. Tini Briddha Holen
  13. Tomar Tulona
  14. Uttoro to Jana


  • Gaanola / Suman the One Man Band (1994) - HMV / EMI
  1. Abchhayatai Lagchhe Bhalo
  2. Bibhutibhusan
  3. Brigade-e Meeting
  4. Cactus
  5. Gaan Tumi Hao
  6. Gaanola
  7. Jato Dure Jabe
  8. Nodir Galpo
  9. Priyotama
  10. Prothom Shobkichhu
  11. Robbar
  12. Shararat Jolechhe Nibir
  13. Tomake Bhababoi
  14. Tomar Kotha
  15. Tomar Sange


  • Ghumou Baundule (1995) - HMV
  1. Bedcover-r Prante
  2. Bhagoban Kato Bhalo
  3. Gachher Tolay
  4. Ghumou Baundule
  5. Ichchhe Kore
  6. Jhograr Gaan
  7. Pakhita
  8. Papri Dey
  9. Parar Chhotto Park
  10. Sanjib Purohit
  11. Stabdhotar Gaan
  12. Themey Jete
  13. Tomake Dekhechhi


  • Chaichhi Tomar Bondhuta (1996) - HMV
  1. Amar Mato Kalo
  2. Amar Premer Gaan
  3. Byangoma
  4. Chaichhi Tomar Bondhuta
  5. Ekla Hote Chaichhe Akash
  6. Ektur Jonyo
  7. Ekushe February
  8. Hirer Angti
  9. How is That
  10. Knadte De
  11. Roddurer Gaan
  12. Sabdhan
  13. Sahoshilpira Esho
  14. Sesh Picasso
  15. Thomke Achhe


  • Jatishwar (1997) - HMV
  1. Ami Chai
  2. Biday Porichita
  3. Buker Bhetor
  4. Char Line
  5. Helicopter
  6. Janalar Knache
  7. Jatishwar
  8. Nayantara
  9. Notay
  10. Sahore Brishti
  11. Sotyi Howk
  12. Tumi Ashbe Bole


  • Nishiddho Istehar (1998) - HMV
  1. Bidroho
  2. Chil
  3. Jake Bhalobashi
  4. Jomi
  5. Jua
  6. Kangalpona
  7. Kobi
  8. Kobiyal
  9. Meyeta
  10. Nishiddho Istehar
  11. Niyom Nei
  12. Prothom Ma
  13. Sukumar Ray
  14. Surhid


  • Pagla Shanai (1999) - HMV
  1. Bhalobasha
  2. Bicholito
  3. Boka Meye
  4. Dhaka
  5. Etai Ekhon Kaaj
  6. Graham Stuart Stein
  7. Hands Up
  8. Ho Chi Minh
  9. Kather Pa
  10. Nastho Somay
  11. Pagla Shanai
  12. Prostuti
  13. Uthal Pathal


  • Jabo Ochenaye (2001) - HMV
  1. Amar Chhuti
  2. Britha Chhuti
  3. Chilka
  4. Darjeelinger Gaan
  5. Ei Bhabe
  6. Ekla Hole
  7. Hartal
  8. Hothat Chhuti
  9. Jabo Ochenaye
  10. Murgir Chhuti
  11. Oi Pare Chhuti
  12. Radhanather Chhuti
  13. Tomakei Dorkar
  14. Tumi Bollei
  15. Tumi to Cholle


  • Aadab (2002) - HMV
  1. Aadab
  2. Ayan Rashid
  3. Birodhi
  4. Daay
  5. Dilshad
  6. Ekta Thalay
  7. Kakhon Tomar
  8. Kar Desh
  9. Mithyebadi
  10. Shikarir Khnoje
  11. Sonkhaloghur Dol-e
  12. Tao ki Hoy


  • Reaching Out (2003) - Kosmic Music
  1. A Holy Bomb
  2. Cross the Line
  3. For You Calcutta
  4. God Don't Bless
  5. Information Blue
  6. Prisoner
  7. Silently
  8. The Dusk
  9. The Wind
  10. Wish You Were Here


  • Dekhchhi Toke (2004) - Cozmik Harmony
  1. Dekhchhi Toke
  2. Ekdhoroner Bidroho Holo Gaan
  3. Hatchhara Hoye Jawa Train
  4. Hujur, Banda Hajir
  5. Kanchan
  6. Karnish-e Duto Payra
  7. Nachte Chaichho Bujhi
  8. Tumi Chhile


  • Nandigram (2007) - Cozmik Harmony
  1. Digbijoyer Gaan
  2. Ekjot Hao Bondhu
  3. Mahashweta
  4. Nandigram
  5. Nandigramer Por
  6. Shabash Pulish
  7. Shishu-r Dhawr
  8. Sunil-ra Chan
  9. Swarnolanka Pora
  10. Tata-r Gari


  • Rizwanur Brityo (2008) - Artist himself
  1. Aborodh (Khun Howa Gaan)
  2. Ami Jai
  3. Bhalo Meyera
  4. Bhulo Na Athoba Bhule Jao
  5. Hoye Jabe Byabostha
  6. Ki ar Emon
  7. Rizwanurer Gaan


  • Protirodh (2008) - Cozmik Harmony
  1. Ajay Bagdi
  2. Baamjawr
  3. Esho Prem
  4. Janan Dichchhe
  5. Karl Marx
  6. Mamata Achhe
  7. Nishaner Naam
  8. Protirodh


  • Chhotrodhorer Gaan (2010) - Artist himself and later by Bijalpa Music
  1. Agey Vote Din
  2. Amar Premer Gaan
  3. Bonduk Nile Hate
  4. Chhotrodhorer Gaan
  5. Dundubhi
  6. Gna-e Bidroho
  7. Jangol Tumi Kar?


  • Lalmohoner Lash (2010) - Questz World / Saptarshi Prakashan
  1. Lalmohoner Lash
  2. Apnake Niye
  3. Meyer Madhyamik
  4. Kon Sorkar
  5. Bhule Achho Jara
  6. Bondhu
  7. Tirer Fola
  8. Kabir Suman
  9. Tomar Jonyo

Compilations and live recordings

  • Sumaner Gaan (1994) - HMV/EMI
  • Shawmokhkhe/Upfront- Live(1996) - Biswas Records
  • Baanshuriya (1998) - HMV
  • Suman Top 10 (1999) - HMV
  • Beesh Shawtoker Sheshe (2000) - HMV
  • Nagorik Kobiyaal (2001)
  • Hits of Suman Chattopadhyay (2001) - HMV
  • Gaanola Dhakay (2008) - CHIRKUT[16]/ Saptarshi
  • Gaanola (2008)- HMV (MP3 compilation)

Collaborative albums

  • Onyo Katha Onyo Gaan Volumes I & II (1986) - Sing To Live [with Nagorik]
  • Nicaraguar Jonyo (1986) - Sing To Live [with Nagorik]
  • E Desh Tomaar Aamar (1991) - SFI / HMV
  • Konthe Nilaam Notun Gaan (1994) - Concord Music (with the Concord Trio)
  • Shobujer Protishodh (1995) - HMV (with Haimanti Shukla)
  • Choto Boro Mile (1996) - HMV [with Nachiketa Chakravarty, Anjan Dutt, Indrani Sen, Lopamudra Mitra, Payel Kar, Shalini Chatterjee, Sreetoma Ghosh, Shayari Das, Tanushree Haldar, Paromita Chatterjee, Reema Roy, Shubhanwita Guha and Reetomaa Gupto]
  • Notun Gaaner Nouka Bawa (1997) - HMV [with Lopamudra Mitra]
  • Dhonyo Hok (1997) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Bhetorghore Brishti (1998) - HMV [with Lopamudra Mitra]
  • Shesh Dorjata Perole (1998) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Tomaye Khnujechi (1999) - Soundtech [with Sabina Yasmin]
  • Ochena Chuti / Gaane Gaane Duti Mon (1999) - Raagaa/Soundtech [with Sabina Yasmin]
  • Aashche Shotabdite (1999) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Ekshaathe Bnachboi (1999) - HMV [with Sohini, Shinjini, Debdutta, Shidhdhaartho, Anirban, Oindrila, Shreya, Shilpi, Arindam, Chiranjeeb, Rajshekhar, Shongeeta, Gaargi, Arundhati, Indrani, Shoilangi, Gargi, Aakaash and Payel]
  • Rongdhonu Taanaa Shetu (2000) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Shada Paayra Giyeche Ure (2001) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Tumi Gaan Gaile (2002) - Prime Music [with Indranil Sen]
  • Awshshomedher Ghora Chhutchche (2003) - HMV [with Sandhya Mukherjee]
  • Protichhobi (2004) - No Audio Release [with Sabina Yasmin and Bnaadhon]
  • Onekdin Por (2005) - Cozmic Harmony [with Anjan Dutt]
  • Tero (2006) - Cozmic Harmony [with Sabina Yasmin]

Live albums and collaborations

Film albums

  • Obhimaane Onuraage (1992) [Unreleased] - [Playback Singers: Kabir Suman]
  • Attojaa (1993) - [No Audio Release][Playback Singers: Kabir Suman, Haimanti Shukla]
  • Mahasangram (1993) - HMV [Playback Singers: Kabir Suman, Indrani Sen]
  • Bhoye (1995) - [No Audio Release] [Playback Singer: Kabir Suman]
  • Krishnachura [Bilingual in Assamese (released) and Bengali (unreleased)] (1995) - HMV [Playback Singers: Kabir Suman, Haimanti Shukla]
  • Jodhdha (1996) - HMV [Playback Singer: Kabir Suman]
  • Shedin Choitromash (1997) - HMV [Playback Singers: Kabir Suman, Nachiketa Chakravarty, Swagatatalakhi Dasgupta and Lopamudra Mitra]Best song-AMI JE CHILAM BESH...
  • Shurjokanya (1997) - HMV [Playback Singers: Kabir Suman, Sriradha Banerjee, Swagatatalakhi Dasgupta and Srikanto Acharya]
  • Katha (2007) [No Audio Release]

References

  1. ^ http://kabirsuman.in/biodata/
  2. ^ http://kabirsuman.in/2009/04/15/shubho-nabo-barsho/
  3. ^ "Mamata's peace talk: Nano work should resume". www.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  4. ^ "Mamata condemns Israel attack on Gaza Strip - Express India". www.expressindia.com. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  5. ^ http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20090131/814/tnl-mamata-brings-nandigram-to-book-fair.html
  6. ^ h[ttp://www.indiaelections.co.in/lok-sabha-constituencies/west-bengal/jadavpur/
  7. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Suman-rattles-party-with-quit-threat/articleshow/5241885.cms
  8. ^ http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/issues-with-party-have-been-resolved-kabir-suman_100277765.html
  9. ^ http://www.voanews.com/bangla/archive/2010-01/2010-01-12-voa4.cfm?CFID=372866108&CFTOKEN=70053261&jsessionid=88302b99d7735333285956583c516a792328
  10. ^ http://beta.thehindu.com/news/states/article110171.ece
  11. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rebel-Trinamool-Congress-MP-Kabir-Suman-quits-party/articleshow/5740440.cms
  12. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Suman-U-turn-Wont-quit-Trinamool-Lok-Sabha/articleshow/5772322.cms
  13. ^ http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100408/jsp/bengal/story_12316582.jsp
  14. ^ http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070902/asp/7days/story_8265265.asp
  15. ^ "I am a polygamous man. Maybe I'm still searching for love". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
  16. ^ http://www.amadergaan.com/shop/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=156
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