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31 MIN(s) ago
ENTERTAINMENT
Arts & Entertainment Desk
Photos: Courtesy
Global music company Warner Music Group (WMG) has expressed interest in collaborating with Bangladeshi band Chirkutt, marking what the band describes as the first time the company has formally engaged with music from Bangladesh.
Sharmin Sultana Sumi, founder and vocalist of Chirkutt, visited Warner Music Group’s Manhattan office in New York on July 21 following an invitation from the company’s Vice President, Josh Sarubin. The meeting included nearly two hours of discussions on music and the possibility of future collaboration.
According to Sumi, the invitation recognises Chirkutt’s consistent work over more than 15 years as one of South Asia’s internationally recognised bands.
During the meeting, Warner Music representatives listened to five to six of Chirkutt’s songs in Sumi’s presence and praised the band’s musical identity and originality. Having previously reviewed the band’s work, they reportedly told her, “All of your songs are unique. You are very unique.”
Josh Sarubin, a veteran Artists and Repertoire (A&R) executive, has spent more than three decades working with major labels including Columbia Records, Arista Records, Island Def Jam, Virgin Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Albums developed under his supervision have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Throughout his career, he has worked with artistes including Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Pink, Avril Lavigne, John McLaughlin and Pixie Lott.
Sumi described the invitation as recognition of Chirkutt’s years of dedication and creativity.
“When people who have worked with legendary artistes from around the world invite you, it is both inspiring and an honour. Walking into that historic office was an unforgettable feeling. I kept thinking about the journey from Khulna and the TSC at Dhaka University to standing in Warner Music’s Manhattan office. I missed my bandmates throughout the visit. Chirkutt and I are grateful for this opportunity, and we hope it opens the door to many more meaningful collaborations,” Sumi said.
Now in its 24th year, Chirkutt has represented Bangladesh at concerts, international music festivals, conferences and cultural events across countries including the UK, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Australia, the US, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The band has also collaborated with musicians from several countries, including Norway and the US.
The band believes that Warner Music’s interest in a potential collaboration could further expand the global reach of Bangladeshi music while encouraging emerging musicians in the country.
