Music is what feeds your soul. The music industry of Bangladeshi bands has been a vibrant scene thriving with young and talented musicians, both from the golden eras as well as the modern times. One such legendary icon is Oni Hasan, the former lead guitarist of the alternative rock band, Vibe, and later of the heavy metal band, Warfaze. A renowned guitarist, composer, and musician, he has been an idolized inspiration for aspiring musicians across Bangladesh and beyond borders. Revisiting his home country after a decade, despite his busy schedule of numerous shows and performances, he graciously accepted the invitation to share a few valuable moments with his fans at the American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB). On the 12th of May 2024, an exclusive “Meet & Greet with Oni Hasan” for the members of AIUB’s student organizations was organized by the AIUB Performing Arts Club (APAC), facilitated by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).
Drawing in a crowd of over 300 students, the interactive session buzzed with excitement as Oni Hasan shared captivating anecdotes and invaluable life lessons from his remarkable music career. He answered numerous queries of students about his initial struggles, band memories, and stories behind his achievements, offering insights into his journey as one of the country's finest guitarists. Students were enthralled with his incredible skills as Oni Hasan took the stage with an impromptu jamming performance with members of APAC, as the audience sang along with all the classic hits from his albums, echoing in the Multipurpose Hall for encores. His willingness to share his expertise and engage with the AIUB student community, from explaining his creative process to signing autographs and taking countless photos, exemplifies his commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation of musicians. The collaborative performance with APAC brought the entire audience together to create an unforgettably memorable experience. Together with his wife, Cui Lily, his manager, A Z Ishraque, and the rest of his team, Oni Hasan reminisced his own student life and relived his passion for music through the love and respect of the countless fans amongst the AIUB student community, promising to come back to campus with a plan to arrange a concert for the students.
The event provided an amazing opportunity for students to interact with such an iconic musician that many grew up listening to throughout their childhood, but it transcended a simple fanfare moment for both Oni Hasan and his fans. His pursuit of a career in music, representing Bangladesh around the world in the creative landscape, despite being away from home, is indeed an awe-inspiring tale. One that has ignited the young talents and bright minds of AIUB to preserve in their own endeavors to chase a bigger dream, undoubtedly resonating as a testament to the enduring power of music.
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