Tomai Gaan Shonabo Roquaiya

Tomai Gaan Shonabo Rabindranath Tagore’s song “Tomay Gaan Shonabo” (তোমায় গান শোনাবো) expresses deep affection, emotional longing, and a desire to convey the innermost feelings of the heart through music. Its tenderness and intimacy reflect the power of song to express emotions that words alone cannot capture. Roquaiya Hasina Neely has rendered this beloved song with devotion, hoping that lovers of Tagore’s music will appreciate her interpretation. Neely is a respected Rabindra Sangeet singer in Bangladesh, also known for performing songs by Atul Prasad, D. L. Roy and Rajanikanta, as well as old Bengali songs. She is admired for her commitment to preserving the purity and authenticity of Tagore’s music and for her steady, expressive voice. Her inspiration came from her father, S. M. A. Rashidul Hasan, a martyred intellectual who taught English at the University of Dhaka and was killed during the 1971 Liberation War. She gratefully acknowledges the guidance and encouragement of distinguished cultural personalities Abdul Ahad, Dr Sanjida Khatun, Waheedul Haque and Ajit Roy. Neely is the director and music trainer of Abhyudoy, a cultural organisation founded by the late Ajit Roy to promote Rabindra Sangeet. She is also an executive member of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad. She has performed as an invited solo artist in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. Her performances have featured on Tara Music’s Aaj Sokal’er programme in Kolkata. Voice of America broadcast her interviews in 1989, and Washington Bangla Radio in 2010. In recognition of her contribution to Rabindra Sangeet, she received the Citycell-Channel i Music Award for Best Rabindra Sangeet Vocalist in 2010. She was also honoured by the Shadhinota Academy Foundation in 2014 and Rishij Shilpi Gosthi in 2019. Neely taught music at Chhayanaut and the Government Music College, Agargaon, Dhaka (2007–2011). She has released six music albums. Singer: Roquaiya Hasina Neely Music Direction: Durbadal Chattopadhyay Studio Recording: Kolkata, West Bengal, India Video Production: Professor Shahidul Hassan