Bangladeshi rock legend Nagar Baul James, widely known to his fans as “Guru”, has encouraged young musicians to pursue music for their love of the art rather than for fame, money or personal rewards.
Speaking at a press conference in Sweden ahead of a concert for the Bangladeshi community, James said genuine music should emerge from passion and provide personal fulfilment. He cautioned aspiring musicians against entering the profession primarily with expectations of financial success or recognition.
“Music has to come purely from passion, from an addiction to it,” he said. “If anyone is making music expecting to gain something from it, I would say—stop right now.”
James has been travelling across Europe for almost two months as part of an extended music tour. His performances have taken him to Portugal, England, Cyprus and Italy, before his arrival in Sweden. The Swedish concert is scheduled to bring the European leg of the tour to an end.
Reflecting on his own career, James said he had never approached music as a means of achieving wealth, status or any other reward. Instead, he described love, emotion and an enduring attachment to music as the forces that have kept him performing for decades.
“I don’t think music should be made to achieve something,” he said. “You should make music for your own peace of mind. If something comes as a result, that is a different matter. Even if I had received nothing in life, I would still have continued singing.”
James’ own career reflects that philosophy. Drawn to music from an early age, he left home while still young to pursue his passion. He began his musical journey in Chattogram in the early 1980s as guitarist and vocalist of the band Feelings, which went on to become an influential name in Bangladesh’s rock music scene.
Feelings released its debut album, Station Road, in 1987. Over the years, James established himself as one of the country’s most prominent rock performers, developing a distinctive musical identity and building a following that has remained strong across generations.
For James, the passage of time has become particularly visible through his audiences. Songs that first connected with young listeners decades ago continue to attract successive generations, allowing him to maintain a rare connection with audiences over a lengthy career.
“I hardly noticed how time passed and generations changed,” he said. “Now I realise that perhaps I have been able to sing for several generations.”
Despite his long career and status as one of Bangladesh’s best-known rock musicians, James said he has no intention of stepping away from the stage. He wants to continue singing for as long as he is able, regardless of the size of the audience.
“Even if, at the end, there is only one person in the audience, I will sing for that person too,” he said.
Following the completion of his European tour in Sweden, James is scheduled to travel to Australia for another international performance. On 12 September, he is due to perform at a special concert in New South Wales alongside Rupam Islam, vocalist of West Bengal’s popular rock band Fossils.
James’ comments in Sweden underline a principle that has remained central to his musical journey: for him, music is not simply a profession or a route to recognition, but a lifelong pursuit driven by passion and a deep personal connection with the art.
