Full name: Shah Abdul Karim
Birth date: February 15, 1916
Birthplace: Ujan Dhol, Derai, Sunamganj
Education: Self-Educated
Occupation: Musician
Spouse (s): Altafbunessa
Religion: Islam
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
I am fortunate! met the Baul legend Shah Abdul Karim in the last moment of his life, during his treatment period in 2009 at Noorjahan hospital, Sylhet nearby Hazrat Shah Jalal Mazar.
Shah Abdul Karim is a legendary Baul musician in Bangladesh. He is a very popular musician around the country, especially in the Bhati area. Abdul Karim is famous in the remote village area for a very long time but gets popularity in the city area only a few years ago when some newcomer singers established themselves by singing his song.
Before his death, he wrote more than 1500 songs, which is a rare case in the life of a musician. He won Ekushey Padak in 2001 for his outstanding song writings.
Early Life:
Shah Abdul Karim was born on February 15, 1916, in a remote area of Ujan Dhol village, Derai, Sunamganj. The legendary musician grew up amid the financial crisis and faced struggles from early childhood. Karim used to spend his labor in the agriculture field for livelihood, but nothing did can stop him from creating music.
Karim was passionate about music from early childhood and started researching singing and writing even though being a little literate. He mostly got inspiration from his wife Altafbunessa, whom he affectionately called Sarola. He has a son named Shah Nur Jalal, he is also a singer.
Career:
Shah Abdul Karim wrote more than 1500 songs in his career and composed songs. He holds a voice against Unfair, injustice, prejudice, and communalism through his writings. Karim portrays Bhati area’s people’s love, wishes, and happiness in the writings.
He got inspiration from another legendary musician Fakir Lalon Shah. Karim wrote lots of spiritual songs including Marfati or Dehatatta. Bangla Academy has translated ten songs of his into The English language. Karim wrote lots of spiritual songs including Marfati or Dehatatta. Bangla Academy has translated ten songs of his into The English language.
Personal Life:
Karim got married to Altafbunessa, they have a son named Shah Nur Jalal. On September 12, 2009, he passed away from the physical world of respiratory problems in a hospital in Sylhet.
Notable songs of Abdul Karim
- Bonde Maya Lagaise
- Ashi Bole Gelo Bondhu
- Jil Mil Jil Mil Kore
- Kano Piritee Barailarey Bondhu
- Ami Koolhara Kolonkini
- Agey Ki Shundor Din Kataitham
- Gari Cholena Cholena
- Ami Tomar Koler Gari
- Shokhi Kunjo Shajao
- Ailai Na Ailai Na
- Boshonto Batashey
- Krishno Aila Radhar Kunje
- Ager Bahaduri Ekhon Gelo Koi