In May 2024, the song Ma Lo Ma from the third season of Coke Studio Bangla was released. The song, which causes you to reflect on your decisions, the path of life and the paradoxical nature of maturing with age, has captivated audiences all over. Featuring rapper Aly Hasan and singers Pritom Hasan, Shagor Dewan and Arif Dewan, it combines modern and traditional folk elements.
The song has been co-produced by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Pritom Hasan for Coke Studio Bangla.
In an interview with Indian Express, providing a novel interpretation of Bangladesh’s musical heritage, Hasan gave an explanation of the song Ma Lo Ma and revealed how he blended the folk and rap styles for this popular track.
According to Hasan, the song examines the fine line that separates nostalgia and adulthood.
“Everyone finds a connection with this song as they mature,” Hasan stated in response to a question concerning the song’s allegorical depiction of life’s struggles through a broken boat and a river. Hasan talked about how his inspiration to pursue music came from his father and brother, who were committed to it.
Hasan said that he had difficulties at first but later discovered “joy in it”. He claimed that the song captures his humble beginnings.
“This journey mirrors the essence of the song,” Hasan added.
However, the production choices of the single were heavily influenced by the legendary musical tradition of the Dewan family.
Hasan expressed his desire that by sharing his thoughts and feelings, listeners will get an understanding of adulthood, growth and the pains of ageing. When questioned about how the song included the rhythmic beats of paddles, Hasan said that the idea originated from a distantly recorded video featuring Chhaad Petano Gaan from Behula Lakhindar.
The Mughal-era custom of “Jol Chhaad”, which is practised today in Rajbari, Faridpur, was captured in a video that Arnob discovered and uploaded.
He went on to say that finding this performance on the internet was like unearthing a long-lost treasure. It was easy to get everyone together and record the entrancing rhythmic sounds, he told the news outlet.
In response to the question of how he and Arnob balanced their creative contributions to make Ma Lo Ma a reality, he said, “Arnob bhai has been fantastic to work with.”
Hasan mentioned that they have previously worked together on a project called Deora from Coke Studio Bangla Season 2.
Hasan said that there are a lot of lessons one might acquire through him and that he is always up for trying out new musical concepts.
Speaking about how the lively setting of Coke Studio Bangla enhanced the final product, he characterised it as a bustling centre where a variety of gifted musicians and artists gather, each contributing their own distinctive aesthetic.
Finally, he stated that in order to bring Bangladeshi music and Bangla music to a wider audience, he hopes to work with legendary figures in their own industries as well as with musicians and artists from other countries.
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