Coke Studio Bangla has officially returned after a long pause, and it chose “Baaji” to announce its comeback in style. The new release carries both nostalgia and innovation—reviving the words of Hashim Mahmud while embracing the diverse cultural rhythms of Bangladesh under the arrangement of Emon Chowdhury.
For Chowdhury, “Baaji” was more than just a composition—it was a mission. “Bangladesh is small in size but huge in diversity,” he said. “I wanted this song to weave together the voices, instruments, and traditions of people from the hills, plains, rivers, and seas.”
The creative process stretched across regions and traditions. A century-old Dhua Gaan troupe introduced their age-old form of song and movement, while Manipuri Pung Cholom drummers from Sreemangal astonished the team with their powerful yet graceful performances. Later, the Bawm community from Bandarban contributed bamboo-stick beats and energetic vocals, adding another distinctive layer to the track.
Still, Chowdhury felt something was missing. That final spark came with the arrival of veteran Marma artist Mrakoi Ching Marma—brought to Dhaka by her family for the very first time. Her heartfelt puthi singing gave “Baaji” its defining soul.
Mahmud, the original creator of the song, joined the project both musically and visually. His presence in the music video served as a tribute to his legacy. “From the beginning, I wanted Hashim bhai to be there,” Chowdhury noted. “This song honours him as much as it celebrates our traditions.”
With voices old and new, instruments sacred and modern, and cultures woven into harmony, “Baaji” reflects the spirit of Bangladesh itself—vibrant, diverse, and timeless.
