rushprint blog: 'Baul Samrat' Shah Abdul Karim

'Baul Samrat' Shah Abdul Karim (February 15, 1916 - September 12, 2009) was one of the most famous legends of Bangladeshi folk music. He specialized in Bengali Baul music. Born and brought up in the the village of Ujan Dhol, in Derai Upazila(Thana) of Sunamganj, he lived there until his death. He died in Sylhet on 12th September, 2009 at 7:58 am Bangladesh time due to respiratory problems.
When he was growing up, he received training on spiritual and baul music from Kamal Uddin, Shadhak Rashid Uddin, Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh. His versatility ranged from Baul song, Spiritual song to Bhatiali. He went on learning all the exclusive modules of Baul song afterwards along with Shariatti, Marfatti, Nabuot, Belaya, the various devout form of music. He was motivated by philosophy of renowned Lalan Shah, Panju Shah and Duddu Shah.

Baul Shah Abdul Karim has written and composed over 1600 songs. These songs are organized in six books, like: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dheu, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi and Kalnir Kooley. Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into English language.Though much belated, his contributions to Bengali Music has now been officially recognized by the State and its people.