In the vibrant landscape of Bangladesh’s cultural scene, Masha Islam stands out as a beacon of artistic excellence and social awareness. The young singer has enchanted audiences both domestically and internationally with her exceptional vocal talent and commitment to advocacy.
With a YouTube following of over 277,000 subscribers, Masha’s reach extends across digital platforms, enabling her to connect with a diverse fanbase through her multilingual song covers. Her Instagram account, boasting over 63,000 followers, offers an intimate look into her musical journey and personal life.
Having spent a decade at Chhayanaut, specialising in Nazrul Sangeet before graduating in 2017, Masha’s devotion to music has been unwavering. Although her roots are deeply connected to classical music, she refuses to limit herself to any single genre, allowing her artistic expression to flourish without constraints.
With a YouTube following of over 277,000 subscribers, Masha’s reach extends across digital platforms, enabling her to connect with a diverse fanbase through her multilingual song covers.
Masha’s musical odyssey began in an environment that fostered her innate passion for diverse musical genres. Her first encounter with the limelight was at the tender age of eight, performing before thousands at one of her father’s company events.This experience was not just a display of her nascent talent but the genesis of her lifelong commitment to vocal excellence. Her initial performances at cultural functions and sporadic gigs gradually transformed with the launch of her YouTube channel, a platform that brought her increased recognition and opened doors to more professional opportunities.
“Music has always been a part of my life, but I never imagined it would become my career. As a child, I worked as a voice and jingle artiste for several years, and over time, developed a distinctive artistic identity. My love for pop, rock, and fusion, combined with my classical training, allowed my passion for music to blossom into a fulfilling profession,” says Masha.
When asked about her biggest musical idols, she finds it challenging to name just one artiste. Her wide-ranging influences include renowned Indian and Bangladeshi artistes alike, such as Lata Mangeshkar, Salim-Sulaiman, Sabina Yasmin, and Shreya Ghoshal. This versatility enables her to traverse an array of musical landscapes with remarkable ease, a testament to her artistic flexibility and superlative talent.
Masha’s approach to her future is as organic as her music. While she holds onto aspirations of touring globally with her own album someday, a dream of every musician, she remains steadfast in her role as an agent of positive change.
Masha’s linguistic versatility is particularly striking, as she masterfully transcends her native Bangla to deliver emotive performances in multiple languages. This ability not only highlights her expansive musical range but also serves as a bridge, uniting diverse audiences and cultures through the universal language of music.
“Throughout my journey, I have faced challenges common to women in Bangladesh’s male-dominated music industry,” she admits. “However, my determination and skill have allowed me to overcome these obstacles and earn the support of both my family and the industry. This slow, steady progress has ultimately led to my success.”
Her early struggles with biases gradually gave way to recognition and respect, culminating in her virtual participation in the coronation choir for King Charles III, further solidifying her stature as a musician of international caliber.
Masha has made her mark with original content, such as the music video of Tomay Khuje Jabo, which illustrates her creative versatility and her ability to weave compelling stories through music. She was featured in the promotional video of Coke Studio Bangla’s first season, where her live performance of Ekla Cholo, alongside many other renowned artistes, drew significant praise. As she basks in this rising fame, Masha strives to stay grounded by taking reflective pauses amidst juggling music, advocacy, and personal growth.
Besides her musical accomplishments, Masha is an advocate for sustainable development, working as a UNDP SDG Socializer with issues of global importance, particularly among the youth. Her commitment to social and environmental causes is reflective of her belief that her responsibilities extend far beyond entertainment.
Masha’s approach to her future is as organic as her music. While she holds onto aspirations of touring globally with her own album someday, a dream of every musician, she remains steadfast in her role as an agent of positive change. As a public personality, she emphasises the importance of empathy and collective upliftment.
“To young girls facing societal limitations, I say believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Always be hopeful and patient,” says Masha. Her ambition is not confined to the accolades of the music industry; she dedicates herself as a catalyst for transformative social change, aspiring to unite hearts and minds through the universal language of music.
Photograph: Courtesy of Masha Islam