Armeen Musa Brings Bengali Music to Shanghai Stage

Shanghai’s prominent live music venue, The Pearl, celebrated for its eclectic cultural programming and international artist performances, will host Bangladeshi singer and composer Armeen Musa on 26 March. Known for blending traditional Bengali music with contemporary fusion, Musa is set to deliver a performance that combines her original compositions with a special tribute to the legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed.

The evening will commence with Armeen’s solo piano recital, highlighting her skill as a composer and musician. She will then join The Pearl Red Stars band for a collaborative segment, presenting an engaging mix of her repertoire. The concert will feature a dedicated piece in memory of Abbasuddin Ahmed, underlining Musa’s commitment to celebrating Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage.

Armeen Musa shared her excitement, stating, “I will perform some of my original songs in Bengali and English, and one piece will be a tribute to Abbasuddin Ahmed. It is an honour to present this to an international audience and connect with people through music.”

Musa has previously performed in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Malta, and India, and China marks the latest addition to her growing list of international appearances. She chooses venues where she can engage audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds, bridging musical traditions with contemporary expressions.

The Shanghai concert carries additional personal significance. Armeen’s grandmother, the celebrated singer Ferdousi Rahman, toured China in 1966 and performed Bengali songs in several concerts. She later recounted this experience in her memoir Gaan Geye Elam Chine (“I Came to China Singing”). For Armeen, performing in Shanghai continues this familial legacy, blending personal history with her contemporary musical journey.

Armeen Musa is widely recognised as Bangladesh’s first Grammy-nominated composer and has gained acclaim for her innovative approach to Bengali music. In a recent interview with That’s Shanghai magazine, her efforts to introduce Bengali music to international audiences were highlighted as a pioneering step in global cultural exchange.

Armeen Musa: Selected International Performances

By performing in Shanghai, Armeen Musa continues to elevate Bengali music on the global stage, honouring the past while inspiring audiences across cultures.