Gems of Nazrul launches nationwide talent hunt

Marking its 10th anniversary, cultural platform Gems of Nazrul has announced a nationwide Nazrul Sangeet talent hunt aimed at discovering young performers from across Bangladesh and bringing them to a national stage.

Titled “Agnibinay Notun Protibha”, the initiative was formally unveiled at a press conference in Dhaka ahead of the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Organisers described the programme as the country’s first nationwide reality-show-style competition dedicated exclusively to Nazrul Sangeet.

The event opened with a collective rendition of Nazrul’s “Ke Duronto Bajao Jhore”, performed by prominent Nazrul Sangeet artistes in a spirited reunion on stage. A one-minute silence was also observed in memory of late Ekushey Padak-winning Nazrul Sangeet exponent Dalia Nausheen, who had been associated with the initiative since its early years. The programme was hosted by Mitul Das.

Speaking at the event, director of the initiative Sadya Afreen Mallick said Gems of Nazrul has spent nearly a decade working to preserve and promote Nazrul’s music among younger generations.

“We are trying to reach different parts of the country to discover new voices in Nazrul Sangeet,” she said. “This initiative is dedicated to keeping Nazrul’s songs alive among young people through proper practice and presentation.”

Renowned Nazrul Sangeet exponent Yasmin Mushtari highlighted the importance of disciplined training and intergenerational learning in preserving the genre.

“Nazrul Sangeet is not easy to learn and practise. It requires guidance from senior artistes, and this initiative is encouraging that continuity,” she said.

According to organisers, the competition will be held across eight regional zones — Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet and Mymensingh. Participants will be required to submit unedited video performances accompanied only by harmonium and tabla, based on original notation or recordings.

Three contestants from each region will advance to the national finale in Dhaka. Applicants must be between 15 and 25 years old as of May 24, 2026. Registration will continue until June 30, while regional results are scheduled to be announced on July 30. The national finale will begin on August 10.

The champion will receive Tk 20,000 along with a certificate and crest. Cash prizes, certificates and crests will also be awarded to runners-up and other finalists.

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