'Baji': Coke Studio Bangla resumes season 3, blending love with cultural diversity

Coke Studio Bangla released its latest track 'Baji' on Saturday, a fusion of urban folk and indigenous music that celebrates the cultural diversity of Bangladesh.

Featuring renowned musician and composer Emon Chowdhury as both lead vocalist and music director, alongside urban poet-singer Hashim Mahmud, the song marks the fourth release of the platform’s much-anticipated Season 3.

Penned by Hashim Mahmud, 'Baji' tells a tender story of innocent love, inspired by the charm of a simple girl from Bangladesh. The lyrics are enriched by the voices and sounds drawn from different regions of the country, while Emon Chowdhury’s composition blends traditional instruments like the sarod with modern arrangements to create a cinematic soundscape.

The song features contributions from several traditional groups and communities, highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse heritage. Among them are Tangail’s Dhowa Gaan-er Dol, known for their century-old tradition of singing while dancing in circular formations. Flautist Kyo U Prue Marma from Bandarban performs alongside his grandmother, Mrakoiching Marma, who sings in the Marma language — preserving songs that are at risk of fading away.

The Bawm community of the Chittagong Hill Tracts adds a tribal dance performance, incorporating bamboo sticks to create percussive rhythms, while Manipuri pung drummers showcase the acrobatic Pung Cholom, adding another layer of cultural depth.

Expressing his excitement, Emon Chowdhury said, “It is great to have Coke Studio Bangla return, and we are excited to present ‘Baji’ to our incredible audience. This is a truly special song, one where every artist poured their heart into the recording. It feels like a harmonious blend of everything that represents Bangladesh, encapsulated in a single song.”

'Baji' is now available on Spotify and the official YouTube channel of Coke Studio Bangla.