Sultana Yeasmin Laila is a leading figure in Bangladeshi folk music, renowned for her captivating and melodious voice. She recently embarked on a US tour, delivering standout performances at several prestigious events. Laila mentioned her participation in several events, including Ananda Mela, Dallywood Film & Music Awards, Bangladesh Convention, Bangladesh Festival 2024, Lalon Mela USA 2024 and 38th FOBANA Convention. She performed in cities such as New York, Michigan, Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Buffalo. All of these were charity events.
She remarked, “As a folk singer, I’ve noticed a growing enthusiasm for folk music across America. Bengali-Americans have a deep-rooted connection to these traditional songs, and the younger generation, growing up in this diverse environment, is increasingly engaging with our cultural heritage. Through my performances, I’ve been privileged to present and promote our traditions on a global scale, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Bengali culture worldwide.”
Laila shared her future aspirations for folk music, stating- “Folk songs embody the essence of our motherland and should be sung with a pure heart. As long as I live, I hope to keep these songs close to my heart and InshaAllah, spread the richness of Bengali folk music with the world.
“Laila, born on August 24, 1993, in Bonpara, Natore district, Rajshahi Division. She Crowned the NTV CloseUp-1 Champion in 2012, with the most the highest judge scores and secured the most audience votes through SMS. She passed her SSC in 2010 from Moukhara Girls High School and her HSC in 2012 from Bonpara Degree College, Baraigram, Natore. She completed her Bachelor of Music in 2017 and her Master of Music in 2019 from the University of Development Alternative (UODA), Dhaka.
Since winning the Close-Up 1 Championship on NTV’s popular reality show, Laila has delighted audiences with a succession of hit songs, including: — Sokhi Go Amar Mon Vala Na, Mon Pakhi, Ontorete Dag Lagaiya, Ek Khan Pan Chailam Pan Dilana, Noya Bari, Amar Bondhur Mon Vala Na, Age Ki Sundor Din Kataitam, Tumi Mano Ar Na Mano, Oi Parete Bondhur Bari among others.
She serves as the Cultural Secretary on the executive committee of Bangladesh Baul and Lakoshilpi Sangstha, an organization dedicated to supporting Baul and folk music artists.
