From Reality Show winner to folk music Icon
Staff Correspondent :
Sultana Yeasmin Laila, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated folk musicians, continues to inspire with her powerful voice and dedication to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. Laila’s breakthrough moment came in 2012 when she won Close Up-1: Tomakei Khujchhe Bangladesh (Season 4), a popular reality show on NTV. Her victory, marked by top scores from both the judges and public votes, launched her into the spotlight, cementing her place as one of the leading voices in Bengali folk music.
Born in Natore, Rajshahi, Laila was immersed in music from a young age, growing up under the guidance of her father, Md. Shafiqul Islam Mridha, a celebrated folk singer. Her deep connection with traditional music began when she accompanied her father on performances across the country. Laila’s formal training in Lalon and spiritual songs was shaped by Ustad Shafi Mondol, a revered Baul singer, whose mentorship played a key role in her development as an artist.
In 2010, Laila became an enlisted singer with Rajshahi Betar, but it was her Close Up-1 win that propelled her to national fame. Over the course of the nine-month competition, she captivated audiences and demonstrated her exceptional talent, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music scene.
Laila’s music has since become a staple in Bengali folk, with songs like Sokhi Go Amar Mon Vala Na, Mon Pakhi, Ontorete Dag Lagaiya Re, Ek Khan Pan Chailam Pan Dilana, and Apon Manush Chena Boro Day earning widespread acclaim. Her song Sokhi Go Amar Mon Vala Na won the RTV Music Award for Best YouTube Music Video in 2020, further solidifying her reputation as a leading artist.
In addition to her success in Bangladesh, Laila represented the country at the 2022 Riyadh Season, an international cultural event celebrating global diversity. There, she and her team, Monpabon, showcased the vibrant essence of Bengali folk music to a global audience, earning recognition on the world stage.
Throughout her career, Laila has received numerous awards, including the Bari Siddiqui Award in 2020 for Best Folk Singer, the Ananda Lahori Award in 2023, and the Dallywood Film & Music Award in 2024. She continues to perform both nationally and internationally, captivating audiences with her emotive and powerful performances.
An enlisted artist with Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and Bangladesh Shilpakola Academy, Laila also serves as the cultural secretary for Bangladesh Baul O Lokosangeet Sangsha’s executive committee, further contributing to the preservation and promotion of folk music.
Through her exceptional work and unwavering dedication, Sultana Yeasmin Laila has become a key figure in preserving and popularizing Bengali folk music, ensuring its timeless beauty continues to inspire new generations around the world.