IEFO:
The Inner Eyes Family Orchestra (IEFO) stands out as one of Bangladesh's most unique and long-standing classical family bands. What makes them truly special is that all the core members are visually impaired and incredibly talented musicians, and they all come from the same family. Led by their founder and chief maestro, Afzalur Rahman, IEFO has been carrying on their musical legacy with de
dication and passion. The family team comprises the father, Maestro Afzalur Rahman, a famous Sarod Maestro and master creator of ragas such as "Rubabati," "Meghawaty,” and "Lolita," along with his two daughters, Mohoua Rahman Ruba and Antara Rahman Tungtang, and his only son, AK Ashikur Rahman, who have acquired an international reputation for their stunning vocal and instrumental performances in many countries in Asia and Europe. Their mother, Anwara Rahman, is the first female sarod player in Bangladesh. Besides this, the two sisters and one brother (Ruba, Tungtang, and Ashik) of the band are equally capable of performing pop music in many languages, such as English, Hindi, Urdu, Japanese, Spanish, and Bengali. The two sisters are used to writing lyrics and composing tunes, and they all play instruments like the sarod, sitar, violin, tabla, Pakhawaj guitar, and keyboard. The father passed away in 2009, but the children continue the legacy of the father, enthralling Bangladeshi and global audiences and media with their performances. The members of IEFO have not only performed extensively both nationally and internationally but have also been honored with various awards both in their own country and abroad. In this article, we'll explore their remarkable achievements and provide a brief overview of the talented members of IEFO. Maestro Afzalur Rahman:
The world's first blind Sarod player and founder of the Inner Eyes Family Orchestra, Maestro Afzalur Rahman's life journey is like a symphony, filled with highs and lows but always resonating with the beautiful melodies of music. Born on April 9, 1935, he faced a significant challenge early on when he lost his sight at the tender age of nine due to typhoid. Despite this setback, he found solace in the enchanting rhythms of ragas, which became his guiding light through the darkness. Driven by his passion for music, Afzalur Rahman required guidance from musical legends like Ustad Ayet Ali Khan and Ustad Baba Alauddin Khan. Their mentorship nurtured his talent, igniting a lifelong love affair with the sarod and violin. Despite the hurdles of blindness, Afzalur Rahman's dedication to his craft never wavered. His talent flourished, earning him accolades and awards both at home and abroad. His performances, broadcast on national radio and television, captivated audiences and cemented his reputation as a master musician. But Afzalur Rahman's contribution to music extended beyond his individual achievements. He was the former head of the instrumental department of the Alauddin Sangeetangon. However, his most cherished legacy was the creation of the Inner Eyes Family Orchestra, where he, along with his family members, shared their passion for music with the world. Maestro Afzalur Rahman's influence extends far beyond his own performances. With a heart full of warmth and wisdom, he has nurtured numerous talented disciples from around the globe, including Mosharat Khan Akmal, Nur Mahmud, Tapan Madak, Ashish Kumar Dhar, AKM Mohsin, Sawako Kanzaki, Umiko Minami, Sali Payes, and many more. His teaching style is characterized by tenderness and motivation, guiding his students with a deep understanding of the pure essence of classical music. Under his mentorship, these disciples have blossomed into accomplished musicians, spreading their wings and establishing themselves on the global stage. Their success stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Maestro Afzalur Rahman's teachings and the profound depth of his musical knowledge. Supported by his loving wife, Anwara Rahman, and inspired by his talented daughters Mohua Rahman Ruba and Antara Rahman Tungtang, as well as his son AK Ashikur Rahman, Afzalur Rahman's family became his musical companions, overcoming their own visual impairments to create beautiful music together. On December 26, 2009, the world bid farewell to Maestro Afzalur Rahman. Though he may have left us, his music continues to echo in the hearts of those who were touched by its beauty. His life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite us all. Maestro Anwara Rahman:
Anwara Rahman's life journey is a harmonious blend of passion, dedication, and breaking barriers in the world of music. Born on April 27, 1959, in the cultural hub of Sorail Thana in Brahmanbaria district, Bangladesh, she was destined to leave her mark on the musical landscape of her country. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in art and culture, Anwara Rahman's musical journey began under the loving guidance of her father, Matiur Rahman, a renowned folk singer in Bangladesh. It was here that she first developed her love for music, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong devotion. Anwara Rahman's path to becoming the first female sarod player in Bangladesh was an unconventional one, shaped by her love and admiration for her husband, Maestro Afzalur Rahman. Despite being visually impaired, Afzalur Rahman was a celebrated sarod player and pupil of the esteemed Ustad Ayat Ali Khan, serving as Anwara Rahman's primary guru and inspiration. Encouraged by her husband, Anwara Rahman initially ventured into the world of music through the guitar, but it was the captivating allure of the sarod that truly captured her heart. Over the course of five decades, she honed her craft, mastering the intricacies of this majestic instrument. Anwara Rahman's talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Since 1988, she has graced the airwaves of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television with her mesmerizing sarod performances, captivating audiences with her skill and passion. She has been awarded the district Shilpakala Academy Award for her excellence in Sarod playing in 2013. Also, she was a former teacher of the female section in the Alauddin Sangitangan. However, Anwara Rahman's contributions to music extend far beyond her performances. In a heartfelt gesture of generosity and inclusivity, she established a music school where children with physical disabilities can learn to create music free of charge. This act of kindness embodies her belief in the transformative power of music to uplift and inspire, regardless of one's physical limitations. Anwara Rahman's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of music to transcend barriers and touch the lives of others. Her legacy as the first female sarod player in Bangladesh will continue to inspire generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Bangladeshi music and culture. Mohoua Rahman Ruba:
Mohoua Rahman Ruba, the eldest daughter of Maestro Afzalur Rahman and Anwara Rahman, is a versatile artist whose talent knows no bounds. She is a sarod, sitar, tabla player, and classical vocalist, as well as a western pop and eastern singer. Born on April 2, 1981, in the musical town of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, Ruba inherited not only her father's musical skills but also his passion for creativity. From a young age, Ruba immersed herself in the world of music, learning from her parents and renowned artists such as PT Gajendra Lal Roy, Ustad Wahidul Huq, and Ustad Nilufar Yasmin. Her educational journey took her through local schools and colleges. Ruba's dedication to music has been recognized through numerous national awards and 12 medals, including 5 gold medals, for her exceptional performances in various genres. As an enlisted artist from Bangladesh, Betar has graced the airwaves with her captivating voice. Beyond music, Ruba is also a talented writer, penning stories and poems in many languages, such as Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu, Japanese, and Spanish. Her literary works have been published in renowned publications. Alongside her younger sister, Tungtang, Ruba has collaborated on various creative projects, including their debut album Sing in Solidarity, their storybook Andhokare Alor Dana, and 3014 Shale Eurekar Prottabarton. Ruba's linguistic abilities extend beyond Bengali and English, as she is proficient in languages such as Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and more. Her passion for education and social work shines through her role as a teacher, providing free education in music and English to blind students at the Inner Eyes Hostel for Blind Girls, an institution founded by her parents. Ruba's remarkable journey has been documented by international news channels, highlighting her dedication to music and her family's inspiring story. Through her talents and tireless efforts, Ruba continues to uplift and inspire others, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. Antara Rahman Tungtang:
Antara Rahman Tungtang, the younger daughter of Maestro Afzalur Rahman and Anwara Rahman, shines brightly in the world of music and creativity. She is a violinist, keyboardist, harmonizer, Pakhawj player, and composer. Born on July 13, 1982, in the musical town of Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, Tungtang inherited her father's musical talents and her mother's unwavering support. From her early years, Tungtang delved into the world of music under the guidance of her parents and renowned artists such as Ustad Wahidul Huq and Dr. Sanjida Khatun. Her education journey took her through various institutions, where she excelled in both academics and music. Tungtang's musical prowess has been recognized through awards and honors, including the National Nutan Kuri Award for violin. Her talent has been celebrated internationally, with honors from organizations such as Singtel in Singapore and Adita Malla Barman Parishad. She is also an enlisted artist of Bangladesh Betar. Beyond her musical abilities, Tungtang is a talented composer, creating compositions ranging from Indian classical to Western classics. Her creations reflect a deep understanding of diverse musical genres and emotions. Together with her sister, Ruba, Tungtang has embarked on various creative ventures, including albums, storybooks, and international performances. Their collaborative efforts have garnered praise and recognition, showcasing their versatility and talent. In addition to her musical endeavors, Tungtang is dedicated to education and social work. She provides free education in braille, computer literacy, and music to blind students at the Inner Eyes Hostel for Blind Girls, an institution founded by her parents. Tungtang's inspiring journey has been documented by international news channels, highlighting her commitment to music and education. Through her talents and contributions, she continues to uplift and inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on the world around her. AK Ashikur Rahman:
Ashikur Rahman, also known as Abul Kasem, comes from a family deeply rooted in classical music and has faced life's challenges with determination and support. He was born on March 27th, 2002, in Brahmanbaria district, the cultural capital of Bangladesh. He plays sarod, sitar, and violin and composes music, writing as if he were his two sisters. His mother, Anwara Rahman, holds the distinction of being the first female sarod player in their nation, while his late father, maestro Afzalur Rahman, was renowned as one of the world's top sarod musicians. Raised alongside his two devoted sisters, who are also visually impaired, Ashikur recognizes their significant contribution as the sole breadwinners in their family. Supported by his family's efforts, Ashikur delved into learning the sarod, the most demanding instrument in classical music, from an early age. His dedication bore fruit when he clinched the National Children Award in 2014 and received special recognition from the Shilpakala Academy for his exceptional Sarod performances in 2018. Ashikur's musical journey has taken him to various platforms, including appearances on Bangladesh television, CTV, MYTV, Nexus TV, and Bangladesh Betar Comilla. He has graced prestigious events like the National Instrumental Festival and performed internationally at venues like the National Art Gallery of Singapore and Radio Masti Singapore. Notably, his remarkable talent earned him the Oikko Channel I Music Award in 2022. Despite these accolades, Ashikur remains steadfast in his belief that education serves as the cornerstone for his future endeavors. Supported by his family's unwavering commitment, he continues to strive for excellence in both his musical pursuits and academic pursuits. The former members of IEFO:
Angura Rahman was a sitar player. AKM Mohsin was a Sarod and Tanpura player in the group. Also, he was a student of Maestro Afzalur Rahman. Sruti was a violin player.
