BBC Asian Network is celebrating the world of Bangladeshi music next month.

The special week is part of a broader BBC Asian Network series focusing on regional music scenes including Pakistan, Punjabi, Gujarati and more.


Championing the project is the Network’s British-Bangladeshi presenter, Nadia Ali. Nadia will be kicking off this special week of programming on her show on Sunday 1 December with a range of guests including Bangladeshi singers, Tipu and FA Sumon. 

Mark Strippel, Head of Programmes for Asian Network, said, “BBC Asian Network has developed a strong platform for Bangladeshi music and culture over recent years, from our partnerships with the Boishakhi Mela, Oitij-Jo festival, Bangla Power 100 and a Season of Bangladeshi Drama.

"We are witnessing a resurgence in British-Bangladeshi creativity, with artists supported every week on BBC Asian Network by Nadia Ali, and we aim to showcase the ambition and distinctiveness of artists of Bangladeshi origin in the biggest way possible.”

Presenter Nadia Ali said, “I'm so proud to be Bangladeshi - and this week really gives Bangladesh and the artists a proper chance to shine! I'm really excited!”

One of the highlights of the week is a visit to an East London school by presenter Nadia Ali and massive UK star, Mumzy Stranger, who will be talking to 14 and 15 year olds about how they got into their respective careers.

Afterwards they will visit the music department, which has an amazing array of Bangladeshi instruments, and may even be doing bit of jamming.

Throughout the rest of the week a whole host of great names from the Bangladeshi music scene will be joining presenters live in the studio including Mumzy Stranger, Jernade Miah, Zoe Rahman, Runa Laila and Salique.

Monday 2 December
Tommy Sandhu (6am-10am) is joined live in the studio by folk singer Sohini Alam and he speaks to Kona who picks her favourite music in this week's Desi Island Discs.

Tuesday 3 December
Nihal (10am-1pm) welcomes the first artist of Bangladeshi descent to have entered the mainstream music industry, Mumzy Stranger.
Bobby Friction (5.30pm-9pm) speaks to singer Habib live in the studio.

Wednesday 4 December
Noreen Khan (1.30pm-5pm) is joined in the studio by hit singer Shireen Jawad.

Thursday 5 December 
Tommy Sandhu (6am-10am) is joined live in the studio by Jernade Miah.
Ray Khan (9pm-Midnight) catches up with singer Shahin Badar in Mera Safar

Friday 6 December
Bobby Friction (5.30pm-9pm) is joined by the vibrant and highly individual jazz composer and pianist, Zoe Rahman, who performs a live session on the show.
Yasser (9pm) gets some lessons on how to be Bangladeshi from YouTube phenomenon ‘Ali Official’. Up and coming artist Habib UK celebrates being Bangladeshi through a specially made track, and electronic music maker Badeshi puts his spin on traditional folk music.

Saturday 7th December
Gagan Grewal (6am-10am) kicks off the morning with Sitar-playing Shama Rahman
Kan D Man and DJ Limelight (9pm-Midnight) are joined by East London rapper and producer, Naga MC.

Sunday 8 December
Gagan Grewal (6am-10am) speaks to singer Salique about his collaboration with Mumzy.
Saima Ajram (4pm-6pm) is joined by singer and actress, Suzana Ansar.
Nadia Ali (8pm-10pm) ends Bangladesh Music Week by speaking to Bangladeshi composer and singer Fuad