Farzana Wahid Shayan
Farzana Wahid Shayan ফারজানা ওয়াহিদ শায়ান | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bangladesh |
| Genres | protest song |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter Social activist |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Independent |
Farzana Wahid Shayan (Bengali: ফারজানা ওয়াহিদ শায়ান) is a Bangladeshi singer-songwriter and social activist. She is known for her protest songs addressing social, political, and human rights issues.[1]
Early life and career
Shayan began learning music in her childhood under the guidance of her mother. Initially pursuing a career in law, she later returned to music, releasing her debut album in 2008, followed by two more albums in 2009. Since then, she has mainly released singles focusing on themes of personal experience and societal issues. Pop-pioneer Ferdous Wahid is her uncle and pop musician Habib Wahid is her cousin.
In November 2024, Shayan performed a solo concert titled Gaane Gaane Shayan at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, returning to live performances after a hiatus.[2]
Musical style and themes
Shayan's music is noted for its emotional depth and lyrics that critique various aspects of society.[3] Her notable songs include Jonotar Beyadobi, Bhoy Banglay Bhoy, Ei Meye Shon, and O Neta Bhai, which address political oppression, social inequality, and the struggles of marginalized communities.[4]
Activism
Shayan is actively involved in social movements.[5] She participated in the July Revolution and Gaza war protests supporting Palestinians, and combating rising fundamentalism in Bangladesh.[6]
Notable works
Albums
- Ami Tajjob Bone Jai (2008)
Selected Singles
- Jonotar Beyadobi
- Bhoy Banglay Bhoy
- Ei Meye Shon
- O Neta Bhai
- Etai Amar Rajniti
- Amar Naam Palestine
- Meye Ra Raat Dokhol Koro
- Ranima
- Ami Tajjob Bone Jai
- Ek Chokhe Churulia, Ek Chokhe Jorasanko, Ek Chokh Buje Theko Na Bangalee – Du'Chokh Diyei Dekho[7]
See also
References
- ^ Biswas, Dowel (2024-11-19). "Shayan: Of music and defiance". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ হোসেন, মকফুল (2023-12-28). "ক্ষমতার সঙ্গে সখ্য শিল্পীর জন্য ক্ষতিকর: সায়ান". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Tripathi, Salil. "A force for good." Index on Censorship 53, no. 4 (2024): 55-57.
- ^ Ghosh, R. (2024). Adhunikata-Musical or Aural?: The Case of ‘Modern Bengali Song’. Journal of Bangladesh Studies, 26(2), 28-36.
- ^ "Gaane Gaane Shayan: Where activism meets harmony". The Business Standard. 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Equality, human dignity, social justice not ensured: Shayan". www.newagebd.net. Archived from the original on 2024-06-09. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ Alom, Zahangir; Ferdous, Fahmim (2015-05-29). "For the love of Tagore and Nazrul". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2025-10-07.