Shah Abdul Karim

Shah Abdul Karim (15 February 1916 — 12 September 2009) was a Bangladeshi Baul musician. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001 by the Government of Bangladesh. Some of his notable songs include Keno Piriti Baraila Re Bondhu, Murshid Dhono He Kemone Chinibo Tomare, Nao Banailo Banailo Re Kon Mestori, Ashi Bole Gelo Bondhu and Mon Mojale Ore Bawla Gaan. He referred to his compositions as Baul Gaan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bengali musicians

Andconsidered as greatest Baul musician. He is popularly referred as Baul Saamrat (transl. Emporer of Baul song).

Karim was born on 15 February 1916 in Derai Thana, in Sylhet. He first learnt music from Baul Shah Ibrahim Mastan Baksh. In 1957, Karim had started living in Ujan Dhol, a village near his home, with his wife, Sarala Bibi.

Karim had a son named Shah Nur Jalal.

Karim died in Sylhet on 12 September 2009 due to respiratory problems.

Karim wrote and composed over 1600 songs. The Bangla Academy has translated ten of his songs into the English language.

Karim's songs are organized in six books:

• Aftab Sangeet (1948)
• Gano Sangeet (1957)
• Kalnir Dheu (1981)
• Dholmela (1990)
• Bhatir Chithi (1998)
• Kalnir Kooley (2001)

Notable songs