Our state, full of musical traditions, has many singers who are famous worldwide for their sweet voices. These are the top 5 Assamese singers who are not only popular now but have been popular for a long time.
1. Dr. BHUPEN HAZARIKA: The legendary voice of Assam.
Assamese singers’ list is incomplete without Bhupen Hazarika bard of the Brahmaputra.
Bhupen Hazarika, also known as Sudhakanth, was a popular artist in neighboring Bangladesh and Assam, West Bengal, and other states of India. He was a singer, composer, lyricist, and music director of Assam and India.
His songs, such as ‘Manuhe Manuh r Babe, Bisw Bijoy, ‘socially inspired the new generation. He was born in 8 sept 1926 in Assam , and died in 5 nov 2011. Bhupen Hazarika won many awards including:
- Padma Shri : Awarded in 1977,
- Padma Bhushan : Awarded in 2001
- Padma Vibhushan : Awarded in 2012 after his death.
- Bharat Ratna : Awared in 2019.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award : Awarded in 1992.
- Asom Ratna : Awarded in 2009 .
2. Zubeen Garg – Best Assamese Singer of Bihu song
Zubeen Garg is the most popular singer, music composer, and filmmaker of contemporary Assam. He has released many albums in various musical styles, such as folk music, bihu, Assamese modern songs, and Baganiya songs. His amazing voice made him the favorite among all Assamese artists.
His first song was Anamika, and songs like Mayabini and Mon Julon have established his place as a music legend in Assam.
Zubeen Garg born in 18 nov 1972, his contributions are mostly attributed in Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi films and music. Zubeen Garg won many Award including :
- National Film Award for Best Music Direction 2009.
- Stardust Award for New musical Sensation (male) 2007
3. Papon – The soulful Voice of Assam
Angaraag mahanta who is popularly known as Papon. He has taken his audience Assamese to global with his mesmerizing intense voice. His hits songs like” Moh moh ke Dhaage”, “Bulleya”, and ” Kyun”, established his place in Bollywood. His contribution to folk fusion and Bollywood makes him a prominent figure in Indian music.
Papon born in 24 nov 1975. Some of his notable awards including :
- GiMA Award (Global Indian Music Academy Award).
- Mirchi Music Award.
- Filmfare Award.
- National Film Award.
4. Pratima Barua Pandey – The Queen of Assamese Folk Music (Goalpara)
She was a queen of Goalparia lokgeet. She became famous for her soulful music, which brought the folk songs of the Goalpara region back into public consciousness. Her most popular songs like “Hastir Kanya and Mur Mahut Bandhure”, made her an icon of Assamese folk tradition.
Pratime Panday Barua was born in 3rd Oct 1934 and died in 27th Dec 2002. She was awarded the Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademy for pioneering efforts in popularising Goalpariya lokageet.
5. Dipali Barthakur- the Nightingale of Assam
Dipali Barthakur was an Assamese singer. She was able to take place at the heart of Assam’s people with her “Kokilkantha” Known as Nightingale of Assam. She started her career to sang the song ‘ mur bopai lahori’ on all india guwahati station. Her hits are ‘sonar kharu nalage muk, joubone amoni kore’, etc.
She was born in 30 Jan 1941 and died in 21 Dec 2018. She received the fourth-highest civilian award of india, the Padma Shri, in the year 1998 and Aideu Handique Silpi Award in 2012. She sang the song joubane Amoni kore Chenaidhon for film Lachit Borphukan in 1959.
These 5 singers have shaped Assamese music in unique ways, from folk traditions to modern fusion. their contributions have not only enriched assamese culture but have also brought regional music to the national and international stage.
Also read: Assam State Symbol
