Kazi Md. Ali Jahangir, mononymously known as Balam,[1] (born 24 December 1976) is a Bangladeshi singer, guitarist, composer, and music producer. He was born in Dhamaron village in Tongibari Upazila of Munshiganj (Bikrampur) district.[2] He used to be the lead guitarist/vocalist for the band Warfaze.[3] Later he introduced himself as a solo singer.
Career
Balam started his career by forming the band Renegades after graduating from secondary school in 1995. He was the lead guitarist and main vocalist. The band published two albums - Onno Bhubon and Firiye Dao. Balam also worked as a guest artist in bands like Ark and Pentagon.[4]
Three years later, he joined Warfaze as the lead guitarist and the second vocalist. In 2002, Sunjoy and Babna left the band for personal reasons. Balam then became the lead vocalist. He produced singles like "Jotodure" (a tremendously popular song), "Nei Tumi", and "Somoy" as a part of the band. Maharaj is one of the band's hit albums during this time period, of which Balam produced. Balam published his first featured album, Prem Shikari, in 2005 which gained him recognition.[5][6]
In 2007, he left Warfaze and pursued a solo career. His debut solo album was self-titled. He continued with two consecutive albums Balam II and Balam III. During this period he also published two duet albums on which his sister Julee sang in his composition.[7]
In 2013, his fourth solo album Bhubon was released. Afterward, Balam stopped working on new songs after facing rejection for his fourth album. Balam came back with his first HD music video "Meghey Dhaaka"in collaboration with Gaan Bangla Tv.. It received a huge response, and he started working regularly.[8] "Koto Je Khujechi Tomay"[9] was another duet music video.[10]
In 2017, Balam published his fifth solo album, Golper Shohor.[11]
Balam has also acted on two TV dramas and hosted a number of TV programs. He has also worked with various production houses and collaborated with the likes of Adit Rahman and other revered musical personalities.[12] In 2023, he came back after almost 10 year with a playback for the highest grossing Bangladeshi film of all timePriyotoma named "O Priyotoma" with a Akassh composition, starring Shakib Khan and Idhika Paul.[13][14][15]
