I don’t mind being called an ‘influencer’: Masha
Three months ago, an email dropped into Masha Islam’s inbox that would shift the trajectory of her creative career: Deutsche Welle (DW), the German state-funded international broadcaster, wanted to collaborate.
What resulted was a 10-episode travel documentary/vlog, the teaser of which was available to everyone through the DW Travel page. Immediately apparent was her chemistry with host Emma Kremer, while the two made inroads into various bustling places of Dhaka at its liveliest.
It marks the first time the global network has partnered with a Bangladeshi influencer and artist. Brought on board to film and host a multi-part travel series for both their DW Travel and DW Bengali wings, Masha found herself at the helm of a landmark cultural project alongside the German correspondent.
“It wasn’t easy in the slightest,” said Masha. “Filming publicly in a crowded city like Dhaka was always going to be a challenge, especially when there was only a two-person on-ground crew with me. Emma only had the videographer with her, even though we had corresponded with their core team in Germany.”
Despite that, the artiste handled the grueling production entirely on her own terms—foregoing the safety net of a glam squad. "Without makeup and hair done, without any stylist, I am proud to have pulled it off," she said with a defiant smirk.
Despite the difficulties, the shots that Masha and company got of heritage sites, including Ahsan Manzil and the Lalbagh Fort, were sublime.
Together, they mapped out ten distinct stories diving deep into the history, shades, and heartbeat of Bangladesh, journeying from the lush tea gardens of Sylhet and Sreemangal to the sweeping coastline of Cox’s Bazar.
Hosting a bilingual production in both English and Bangla across chaotic urban centers and remote fields was no small feat for the fluently bilingual artiste.
Does it bother Masha when she is called an ‘influencer’ by organizations, even though she came to the fray through her mellifluous voice? “Not at all,” answered the confident artiste. “I used to think of it as a derogatory term, but I’ve come to realize that influencers are doing the most to convey positive messages to the audience. I am both a singer and influencer in that regard.”
However, music remains her true north. Between grueling production days, she has been quietly pouring her energy into a forthcoming album of original tracks, with two songs already polished and ready for release.
Travel vlogging on her own YouTube channel is also on the horizon once her schedule permits, fueled by a lifestyle that already keeps her constantly on the move for work. “I had started vlogging before, but could not continue it to that effect,” said Masha.
The collab is evidence that life has a way of putting things together for those who try. For the young singer, this opens the door to endless possibilities.
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