Nagarbaul James: A Musical Legend
Born on October 2, 1964 in Naogaon, Nagarbaul James, also known as Mahfuz Anam James, is a celebrated Bangladeshi musician and composer. Revered as a ‘guru’ by his fans, James’s music has captivated audiences both within Bangladesh and across the globe.
James’s childhood was spent in Chittagong, where his father, a government official, later became the chairman of the Chittagong Education Board. Despite family objections, James’s passion for music led him to pursue a career in music, initially running away from home to focus on his craft.
James found fame in 1980 when he formed the band ‘Feelings’. He later collaborated with Ehsan Elahi to establish ‘Nagar Baul’, pioneering psychedelic rock in Bengali. His notable releases include the albums ’Station Road’ (1987) and ‘Ananya’ (1988), both of which became highly popular.
Beyond Bangladesh, James has captivated audiences worldwide. He has collaborated with renowned music director Pritam and even made his Bollywood debut in the film ‘Gangster’ with the hit song ‘Vigi Vigi’. He has also lent his voice to several other Bollywood films, including ‘Oh Lamhe’ and ‘Life in a Metto’.
Throughout his illustrious career, James has released numerous successful albums and performed countless memorable songs, including ‘Bangladesh’, ‘Jail Toh Aam Sayya, Ma’, and ‘Dukhini Dukha Karo Na’. His albums ‘Station Road’ and ‘Nagar Baul’ are considered classics in Bangladeshi music.