F Minor’s fusion of ethnic and folk music
The band intends to represent the music and culture of ethnic communities living in Bangladesh, as well as to cover other genres of music
F Minor, an all-female ethnic community band of Bangladesh, is the first of its kind in the country. Launched in October 2016, F Minor has already become popular with music lovers.
The band intends to represent the music and culture of ethnic communities living in Bangladesh, as well as to cover other genres of music. Folk music of ethnic communities works as one of the foremost influences for the band.
The band consists of five girls — Pinky Chiran (vocals), Nadia Ritchil (guitar and vocals), Gendaria Manda (lead guitar), Diba Chicham (cajon and drums), and Akiu Marma (keyboards) – all are members of the Garo and the Marma communities. All are young, and some still study in school or college.
They were born in the hilly areas but all of them now live in Dhaka.
In a recent interview with some of the band members at a studio at Segunbagicha in the capital, Pinky Chiran, who is studying music at Jagannath University, said the band was launched in 2016 on the initiative of Jadu Ritchil, the coordinator of F Minor. "Dada decided to start a group with female members, and we started our journey from then," she said.
Nadia, who is from Haluaghat, started a job recently after completing her studies. About the band, she said, "We not only represent the music of ethnic communities, we also cover other folk music. We have already proven that at different stage programmes."
She expressed a wish to work on a solo album in the future.
The other members, who are students, said they will continue to perform while they study with the support of their families.
F Minor has performed many songs and is now busy with three new ones. Several songs of the band have been released on You Tube. The band has also appeared on television.
"With the love of our audience, it is possible to become famous," said the band members.
"People talk about us, share our songs – these are our achievements. We will try to come out with better songs in the future. We want to represent our culture on the global stage", they said.
