In the history of Bangladesh, songs have often served as anthems of resistance and hope. During the Liberation War of 1971, Govinda Halder's classics, "Ek Sagar Rakter Binimaye" and "Mora Ekti Phulke Banchabo Bole Juddha Kari," stirred a nation.
Similarly, in the mass uprising of 2024, one song captured the spirit of the youth and became their rallying cry—"Awaz Uda Bangladesh" by Hannan Hossain Shimul. This song, written and performed by Hannan, is now celebrated as the anthem of a generation that demanded change.
On Saturday afternoon, the rapper known as Hannan took the stage at the Echoes of Revolution concert held at the Army Stadium in Banani. Standing on a platform recognised internationally for hosting celebrated artists, Hannan delivered his signature rap, taking the audience back to the fiery days of July 2024. But his journey to this stage was no overnight success—it was the culmination of six years of dedication and struggle.
“It took me six years to get here,” Hannan confessed to the crowd. His words resonated with the young people in the audience, many of whom had been inspired by his music during their fight for justice and freedom.
From humble beginnings to the spotlight
Hannan's journey into rap began in 2018, a time when the genre was still carving its space in Bangladesh’s music scene. His first track, "Discount," marked the start of his exploration into rap as a form of personal and political expression. Over the years, he collaborated on mixed albums and honed his craft.
Speaking to Jago News about his performance at the Army Stadium, Hannan shared, “The journey wasn’t easy—it took me years to reach this stage. Performing here feels incredible, though I wish my slot had been in the evening when the crowd was bigger. But even with a smaller audience, it was special.”
Among the audience was Shafiq Ahmed, 50, who had closely followed the events of the July uprising. Sitting in a chair under the open sky, he reflected on the emotional power of Hannan's song: “This song gave us strength during the movement. We listened to it every night, waiting for our son to come home safely. The artist’s words felt like they were speaking directly to us.”
Shafiq and his wife were among those who had chosen to remain in Bangladesh despite fears and pressures to leave. “Many of our friends emigrated, but we stayed because of our son’s decision. When I heard about this concert, I bought ten tickets to support the cause,” Shafiq added.
A concert for a cause
The Echoes of Revolution concert wasn’t just a celebration of music—it was a tribute to the heroes of the July uprising. The event was organised to support the families of those who were martyred or injured. Proceeds from ticket sales were pledged to the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, a welfare organization dedicated to assisting the victims' families.
Among the attendees was Dr Sajjad Siddiqui, a physician who rarely finds time for concerts. “I don’t remember the last time I attended a concert, but today, I felt it was my duty to stand by the heroes of July,” he said.
Looking ahead
Hannan’s journey has taken a new direction in a dictatorship-free Bangladesh. With his first solo album, "Harek Mal," ready for release, the rapper is set to deliver nine fresh tracks that reflect his evolution as an artist.
“I was inspired by my elder brother Sejan,” Hannan revealed. “For the past two years, I’ve taken singing as a profession. Before that, it was just for myself—now, it’s for the people.”
Hannan’s next performance is scheduled for the BPL Music Festival on Monday, where he will once again energise the crowd with his revolutionary spirit. For him, the stage is no longer just a dream but a platform to amplify voices and inspire change.
From the streets of protest to the spotlight of the Army Stadium, Hannan’s six-year journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of music to ignite revolutions.