They say talents are not made but born. It can’t be taught. But it can certainly be awakened. Talents are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, they just need an opportunity. And it is our responsibility to explore and encourage the younger generations to pursue their talents. “Rhythms of Tomorrow 2022, Season 1”, an inter-college music competition for aspiring young bands, organized by the AIUB Performing Arts Club (APAC) and supported by the American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) was a humble initiative with the aim of nurturing that very notion. APAC, one of the oldest student organizations at AIUB, reached out to numerous schools and colleges across the country throughout the month of November, inviting them to register and participate in the event.
Over 35 bands from around 40 different schools and colleges submitted their video performances online for the Preliminary Round: Virtual Open Mic. The submissions were rigorously evaluated by the ‘Tri-Gen’ judge panel comprised of APAC alumni members - Sarwar Alam Shakil (Musician & Lead Guitarist, 2012-14), Sajid Rahman (Musician & President, 2014-16), and Anik Das (Musician & President, 2016-17). 10 bands were selected for the Knockout Round: Rise of Music, held on the 8th of December 2022 at the Multipurpose Hall of AIUB, where the participants were welcomed on campus to audition their original or cover songs before the ‘Tri-Star’ judge panel of renowned icons of the Bangladesh music industry – Sheikh Ishtiaque (Vocalist, Musician, & Band Member, Shironamhin), Shishir Ahmed (Guitarist, Keyboardist, Music Composer-Producer, & Band Member, Aurthohin), and Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal (Guitarist, Music Composer-Director-Producer, Teacher, and Founder Member, Warfaze), who shared their thoughts on the program and even put up some amazing impromptu performances at the students’ requests. After diverse performances, constructive feedback, and careful consideration, the Top 5 were announced for the Final Showcase: Tribute to the Bands.
On the 26th of December 2022, each band took the stage at the AIUB Amphitheatre, where they put up incredible performances that echoed with beautiful melodies, resounding energy, and the drive to prove themselves as the music maestros of the future! Every band received praise and applause from the judges and the crowd alike. The live session was judged by Sheikh Ishtiaque and Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, along with Bappa Mazumder (Singer, Lyricist, Composer, & Founding Member, Dalchhut) as the Special Guest Panelist. Together they not only provided valuable guidance and insight to the participating bands, but also took the stage themselves with an impromptu jamming followed by a series of brilliant performances covering some of their legendary songs that had the crowd cheering for encores. Finally, they announced the winners, presenting them with the crest, medals, and prize money. ‘Rockfish’ from Notre Dame College and Rajuk Uttara Model College became the 2nd Runners-Up, while ‘Moonshine’ from Dhaka Imperial College became the 1st Runners-Up, and ‘Auvro’ from SOS Hermann Gmeiner College took the title as the Champions. ‘Bishorgo’ from Dhaka Residential Model College and ‘Protocol’ from Dhaka City College were presented with medals as the Finalists in the competition. All participating bands, along with the finalists and winners were provided with certificates as well.
On behalf of AIUB, Mr. Manzur H. Khan, Director of Student Affairs, presented the judges with tokens of appreciation for their contribution and support in making the humble initiative of students such a grand success. They expressed their commendations towards the university and the young talented and hard-working students who organized and participated in the event, looking forward to another season in the near future. In their honor, the members of APAC put up a mash-up performance, covering various iconic songs of Bangladesh band music, bringing the program to a close, reverberating with passion, dedication, and love for music.
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