Penoa, meaning ‘yellow flower’, reflects a forgotten era when Cox’s Bazar was a kingdom of yellow blossoms.
This band, however, is not merely about music; it is a profound endeavor to rediscover the region’s philosophy, heritage, folklore, and cultural narratives while also seeking connections with the world’s diverse languages.
Yeaseer Arafat, Penoa’s chief lyricist and lead vocalist, said that they seek to follow the fragrance of the extraordinary flower that blooms among the world’s diverse languages.
“In both words and melody, Penoa aims to float a raft in the vast ocean of Bengali and global music,” he added.
Vogoban Rudra is the band’s primary composer and vocalist, while Rathin Paul is also a composer and key vocalist. Mohammad Zakir Hossain Limon, a musician, instrumentalist, researcher, and producer, also contributes his talents to Penoa.
Anindya Paul Jeet, the youngest member, is the band’s vibrant drummer, embodying youthful energy.
Pankaj Chowdhury Rony, an artist, researcher, filmmaker, stage actor, and poet, brings his multifaceted experience to Penoa, overseeing the visual section.
Samudra Santan, a poet and lyricist, manages the band’s branding, while Rafayet Newaz, a music producer, is the visual director of Penoa.
In the past two years, Penoa has composed over 30 songs. Last Falgun, Penoa released their debut album, “E Ruher Tole,” which showcased 13 tracks and introduced their musical journey to the world. Farmin Faisal was the music producer of this album.
Five of these songs have already been shared through YouTube and Facebook, with plans to release the remaining tracks within the next two months. After that, a second album containing 13 songs is in the works.
Penoa’s creative focus lies in composing new music, constantly seeking ways to present it through various mediums.
The band aspires to connect with countless music lovers worldwide, enriching its identity with each new interaction and creation.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
