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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Suman was born in a [[Bengali Hindu]] [[Brahmin]] family on 16 March 1949 to Sudhindranath and Uma Chattopadhyay at [[Cuttack]], [[Odisha]]. He later converted to [[Bengali Muslim]].<ref name=biodata2/> He was trained in classical music in his childhood, under the tutelage of this father. He graduated with an honours in English Literature from [[Jadavpur University]]<ref name=biodata2/> and did a diploma in [[French language]] and [[German language]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Blogsite|url=http://sumankabir.wordpress.com/biodata|accessdate=27 January 2014}}</ref> He then worked briefly in [[All India Radio]] and the [[United Bank of India]]. He left for [[Guatemala]] and worked there in radio latter for Europe in the mid seventies, and worked as a radio journalist in the [[Deutsche Welle|Voice of Germany]] (Bengali Department) during 1975 to 1979.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cohen-Cruz|first=Jan|title=Radical Street Performance: An International Anthology|year=1998|publisher=Taylor & Francis Group|isbn=9780415152310|page=103|url=http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Radical_Street_Perfomance.html?id=pQAVRntIUJsC&redir_esc=y}}</ref><ref>[http://kabirsuman.in/biodata/ ]{{ |
Suman was born in a [[Bengali Hindu]] [[Brahmin]] family on 16 March 1949 to Sudhindranath and Uma Chattopadhyay at [[Cuttack]], [[Odisha]]. He later converted to [[Bengali Muslim]].<ref name=biodata2/> He was trained in classical music in his childhood, under the tutelage of this father. He graduated with an honours in English Literature from [[Jadavpur University]]<ref name=biodata2/> and did a diploma in [[French language]] and [[German language]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Blogsite|url=http://sumankabir.wordpress.com/biodata|accessdate=27 January 2014}}</ref> He then worked briefly in [[All India Radio]] and the [[United Bank of India]]. He left for [[Guatemala]] and worked there in radio latter for Europe in the mid seventies, and worked as a radio journalist in the [[Deutsche Welle|Voice of Germany]] (Bengali Department) during 1975 to 1979.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cohen-Cruz|first=Jan|title=Radical Street Performance: An International Anthology|year=1998|publisher=Taylor & Francis Group|isbn=9780415152310|page=103|url=http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Radical_Street_Perfomance.html?id=pQAVRntIUJsC&redir_esc=y}}</ref><ref>[http://kabirsuman.in/biodata/ ] {{wayback|url=http://kabirsuman.in/biodata/ |date=20100405074256 |df=y }}</ref> It is during this period that he heard the music of Bob Dylan in France, which became one of his most defining musical experiences.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} |
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Suman then went on to stay at the United States during 1980-86, working for the Bengali language Department of [[Voice of America]] in [[Washington D.C.]] He 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 [[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. After much deliberation, Suman zeroed in on the name, Kabir Suman. According to him, "I wanted to keep the name my parents gave me, so I kept Suman. I took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a [[Bengali Muslims|Bengali Muslim]] poet who wrote ''Baishnab Padabali''."<ref name="telegraphindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070902/asp/7days/story_8265265.asp|title='I am a polygamous man. Maybe I'm still searching for love': Kabir Suman|publisher=telegraphindia.com|accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> |
Suman then went on to stay at the United States during 1980-86, working for the Bengali language Department of [[Voice of America]] in [[Washington D.C.]] He 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 [[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. After much deliberation, Suman zeroed in on the name, Kabir Suman. According to him, "I wanted to keep the name my parents gave me, so I kept Suman. I took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a [[Bengali Muslims|Bengali Muslim]] poet who wrote ''Baishnab Padabali''."<ref name="telegraphindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070902/asp/7days/story_8265265.asp|title='I am a polygamous man. Maybe I'm still searching for love': Kabir Suman|publisher=telegraphindia.com|accessdate=18 October 2013}}</ref> |
Revision as of 12:35, 9 January 2016
Kabir Suman কবীর সুমন | |
---|---|
Birth name | Suman Chattopadhyay |
Born | [1] Cuttack, Odisha, India | 16 March 1950
Origin | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
Genres | Bengali Modern, Rabindra Sangeet |
Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter, journalist, writer, actor, politician |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
Years active | 1992–present |
Labels | HMV |
Website | Official Website Kabir Suman's channel on YouTube |
Kabir Suman | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament | |
In office May 2009– May 2014 | |
Preceded by | Sujan Chakraborty |
Succeeded by | Sugata Bose |
Constituency | Jadavpur |
Personal details | |
Political party | AITC |
Spouse | Sabina Yasmin |
Alma mater | Jadavpur University |
Profession | Musician, journalist, writer |
Kabir Suman (born Suman Chattopadhyay; 16 March 1950) is an Indian singer, songwriter, musician, music director, poet, journalist, political activist, TV presenter, and occasional actor.[1][2] From May 2009 to 2014, he was 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.[1]
He changed his name from Suman Chattopadhay to Kabir Suman (Bangla: কবীর সুমন) when he became a Muslim and married the noted Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin (he was already married to his German wife and polygamy is prohibited in India except among Muslims).[3] He shot to fame in the 1990s with albums such as Tomake Chai (I Want You) and Boshe Anko (Sit-and-Draw). [citation needed]
Early life
Suman was born in a Bengali Hindu Brahmin family on 16 March 1949 to Sudhindranath and Uma Chattopadhyay at Cuttack, Odisha. He later converted to Bengali Muslim.[1] He was trained in classical music in his childhood, under the tutelage of this father. He graduated with an honours in English Literature from Jadavpur University[1] and did a diploma in French language and German language.[4] He then worked briefly in All India Radio and the United Bank of India. He left for Guatemala and worked there in radio latter for Europe in the mid seventies, and worked as a radio journalist in the Voice of Germany (Bengali Department) during 1975 to 1979.[5][6] It is during this period that he heard the music of Bob Dylan in France, which became one of his most defining musical experiences.[citation needed]
Suman then went on to stay at the United States during 1980-86, working for the Bengali language Department of Voice of America in Washington D.C. He 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 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. After much deliberation, Suman zeroed in on the name, Kabir Suman. According to him, "I wanted to keep the name my parents gave me, so I kept Suman. I took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote Baishnab Padabali."[7]
Political activities
Suman 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. [clarification needed]Since 2006, when Suman was involved in the land struggle in Nandigram, he started aligning 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 participated in the Singur agitation & other TMC party programmes on a regular basis.[8][9]
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).[10]
In November 2009, Suman had a dispute 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.[11] However, the issue was resolved amicably in a series of closed door meetings.[12]
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 mass movement, going against the wishes of the party.[13] Going against the party position, he has also expressed his protests against "Operation Green Hunt", the Indian Government's military operation where the Naxalites have some influence.[14]
Suman, at the end of March 2010, claimed that he is going to leave Trinamool Congress and also his membership of the Parliament. On the request of Mahasweta Devi he postponed his resignation for seven days. Within a few days, however, he made a u-turn and declared on 7 April that he does not want to resign[15] by further embarrassing the party.[7] Currently he conveys his political opinions through his own website.
Personal life
As of 2007[update] Suman has been married five times.[16] He is married to Sabina Yasmin, a Bangladeshi singer.[1][17]
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 Piano,synthesiser or a guitar. Like many other Bengali singers, Suman recorded albums of Rabindra Sangeet (Songs of Rabindranath Tagore), starting in the late-1990s. [citation needed]
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. [citation needed]
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, on 23 April 1992, which was immensely successful as it redefined Bengali songs. "Tomake Chai" presumably indicates love for Bengali language. More properly it is the intrinsic love of a person for his mother-tongue. Since then he has released over twenties albums, his most recent one being Lalmohaner Laash in 2010. Later Suman stopped making songs for general audience and focused on more political issues.[18]
Discography
Solo albums with track lists:
Tomake Chai (1992) – HMV
Boshe Aanko (1993) – HMV
Ichchhe Holo (1993) – HMV
Gaanola / Suman the One Man Band (1994) – HMV / EMI
Ghumou Baundule (1995) – HMV
Chaichhi Tomar Bondhuta (1996) – HMV
Jatishwar (1997) – HMV
Nishiddho Istehar (1998) – HMV
Pagla Shanai (1999) – HMV
Jabo Ochenaye (2001) – HMV
Aadab (2002) – HMV
Reaching Out (2003) – Kosmic Music
Dekhchhi Toke (2004) – Cozmik Harmony
Nandigram (2007) – Cozmik Harmony
Rizwanur Brityo (2008) – Artist himself
Protirodh (2008) – Cozmik Harmony
Chhotrodhorer Gaan (2010) – Artist himself and later by Bijalpa Music
Lalmohoner Lash (2010) – Questz World / Saptarshi Prakashan
63 te (2012)
Compilations and live recordings
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) – Htorghore 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
- Onurodher Aashor (1994) – T-Series
- Ei Shomoye Ei Dujon- Live at GD Birla Sabhaghar (1997) – HMV (with Nachiketa)
- Tribeni (1997) – HMV [with Nachiketa Chakravarty and Anjan Dutt]
- Notun Shurer Chnoa (1999) – HMV (with Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, Lopamudra Mitra, Haimanti Shukla and Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta)
- Praan Khola Gaan (1999) – HMV (with Lopamudra Mitra, Nachiketa Chakraborty and Bhoomi)
- Onyo Hawaye Onyo Gaan (2004) – HMV [with Lopamudra Mitra]
- Pujor Shera Gaan (2004) – HMV [with Sandhya Mukhopadhyay]
- Graphiti (2006) – HMV [with Nachiketa Chakravarty, Anjan Dutt, Lopamudra Mitra, Protul Mukherjee and Moushumi Bhowmick]
- Onno gaaner bhorey (2009) – HMV (with Nachiketa)
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]
- Ranjana Ami Ar Asbo Na (2011)
- Jaatishwar (2014)
- Shankar Mudi (2015)
Publications
- Suman, Kabir (2012). Discovering the Other America: Radical Voices from the 1980s in conversation with Kabir Suman. Thema. ISBN 978-93-81703-10-6.
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Influences and legacy
Suman has often been credited with creating a new Genre of music in Bengal, which is deceptively simple, with lyrics that reflect common life experiences. He is sometimes referred to as the Nagorik Kobial (urban troubadour).[17][19] Some people consider his songs Jibonmukhi (songs facing life), though he doesn't like this title and consider his work as simply adhunik bangla gaan (modern Bengali song).[20]
His music reflects on social mores and is often directly political. Suman draws from a very long and deep tradition of Bengali music, absorbing multiple genres including pop, light classical, film music and folk. His influences traverses a literal who's who of the Bengali music pantheon. He was also influenced by Western musicians such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Paul Simon and John Lennon. He transcribed (with credits) Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" as "Uttoro to Jana" in his album Ichche Holo in 1993 and "Farewell, Angelina" (initially recorded by Joan Baez in 1965) as "Biday Porichita" in his 1997 album Jatiswar.[21] He transcribed (with credits) Paul Simon's "Sounds of Silence" as "Stobdhothar Gaan".
His early albums were sparsely arranged, using primarily electronic keyboard, guitar and occasional mouth organ, all played by himself on multitrack recordings. The effect on the Bengali audience was not unlike what Bob Dylan produced on American audiences during the Beat Generation. Later albums were more elaborately arranged with full studio orchestra and often classical Hindustani accompaniment. Suman influenced a generation of singer-songwriters in Bengal after 90s, including Nachiketa Chakraborty, Anjan Dutt, Lopamudra Mitra, Srikanto Acharya and bands like Chandrabindoo. [citation needed]
Awards & Honours
- 1997 - BFJA Awards - Best Lyrics for Bhai[22]
- 2014 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the film Jaatishwar.
- 2014 - Mirchi Music Awards Bangla for Music Composer of The Year (E Tumi Kemon Tumi - Jaatishwar)[23]
- 2014 - Mirchi Music Awards Bangla for Lyricist of The Year (Khudar Kasam Jaan - Jaatishwar)
- Honoured with Sangeet Mahasamman by Government of West Bengal in 2015.
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Detailed Profile: Shri Kabir Suman". india.gov.in. Retrieved 26 July 2014. Cite error: The named reference "biodata2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Lockard, Craig A. (1998). Dance of Life: Popular Music and Politics in Southeast Asia. University of Hawaii Press. p. 39. ISBN 9780824819187.
- ^ "gaana.com".
- ^ "Blogsite". Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- ^ Cohen-Cruz, Jan (1998). Radical Street Performance: An International Anthology. Taylor & Francis Group. p. 103. ISBN 9780415152310.
- ^ [1] Template:Wayback
- ^ a b "'I am a polygamous man. Maybe I'm still searching for love': Kabir Suman". telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 18 October 2013. Cite error: The named reference "telegraphindia.com" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Mamata's peace talk: Nano work should resume". www.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
- ^ "Mamata condemns Israel attack on Gaza Strip". www.expressindia.com. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
- ^ Updated Election Results Details of Jadavpur, indiaelections.co.in; retrieved 11 December 2011.
- ^ "Suman rattles party with quit threat". The Times of India. 18 November 2009.
- ^ "Issues with party have been resolved: Kabir Suman". Thaindian.com. 20 November 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ Goutam Gupta. "MP Kabir Suman Sings against Party's Wishes". Voanews.com. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
- ^ "Trinamool MP to stage dharna against 'Operation Green Hunt'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 February 2010.
- ^ "Suman U-turn: Won't quit Trinamool, Lok Sabha". The Times of India. 8 April 2010.
- ^ Suman, Kabir (2 September 2007). "I am a polygamous man. Maybe I'm still searching for love". Calcutta, India: www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
- ^ a b Kabir Suman biodata, kabirsuman.in; retrieved 11 December 2011.
- ^ I'm lusty old man looking for carnal pleasure: Kabir Suman, timesofindia.indiatimes.com; retrieved 17 February 2013.
- ^ "'Jaatishwar' has the potential to change perspectives: An Insight". tollywoodhamaka.com. Retrieved 26 October 2014.
- ^ ‘JIBONMUKHI’? OH NO, NOT ME!, kabirsumanonline.com, 29 April 2011; retrieved 11 December 2011
- ^ Kabir Suman solo concert on YouTube user account-onusondhan, retrieved 10 December 2011
- ^ "Kabir Suman Awards, List Of Awards Won By Kabir Suman". gomolo.com.
- ^ http://www.mirchimusicawards.com/bangla/winners.php
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official Site
- About Kabir Suman's Life, Lyric and Thought
- Short Bio
- Kabir Suman -Profile
- Translations of his songs
- Indian Foundation for Arts page on Suman
- Kabir Suman's channel on YouTube
- 1950 births
- Living people
- Converts to Islam
- Indian former Hindus
- National Film Award (India) winners
- People from Kolkata
- 15th Lok Sabha members
- Bengali musicians
- Bengali poets
- People from Cuttack
- All India Trinamool Congress politicians
- Indian Muslims
- Jadavpur University alumni
- Converts to Islam from Hinduism
- Lok Sabha members from West Bengal