Once a regular and active presence in Bangladesh’s music scene, Md. Abu Zubayer Ibn Abul Jiko (popularly known as Jiko) is now spending his time in silence. Born on August 1, 1989, Jiko grew up in Mirpur, where he attended Mirpur Government Primary School and later studied at Qaumi Jute Mills High School. He enrolled in Pabna Cadet College in the seventh grade, where his personal and cultural foundation was solidified.
After completing his higher secondary education at Cadet College, Jiko pursued a degree in English at East West University, where he earned both an honours and a master’s degree. Despite his academic achievements, it was music that became his true identity.
Jiko’s musical journey began with a small incident during a school cultural programme. Unable to play the harmonium, he missed out on singing, which sparked his interest in learning music. He took his first music lessons from Ustad Bansharam Sarkar and later received extensive classical training under Ustad Sattar, Milon Mondal, Pradip Kumar Sutradhaar, and finally Ustad Aminul Islam.
From an early age, Jiko was an active participant in competitions, winning a gold medal in the Hamd-Naat-e-Rasul competition in 1999 and another gold in Nazrul Sangeet in 2000. He also regularly won prizes at various competitions while at Pabna Cadet College.
A major turning point in Jiko’s music career came in 2008, when he participated in Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa World’s Best competition. His performances earned him widespread acclaim as a young Bangladeshi artist on the international stage. Over the following years, he performed in 17 countries, at expatriate events and cultural programmes, and became a well-known figure in television shows, stage performances, and special day celebrations.
However, in recent years, his music career has stalled. His presence on television has diminished, and his stage performances have become infrequent. Once a regular performer across the capital, various districts of Bangladesh, and even abroad, Jiko is now largely in the background.
This silence has raised questions among his fans and followers: Why has such a talented artist faded from the spotlight? Despite this, Jiko has not stopped practising music. He still trains daily, continuing his studies under Ustad Aminul Islam, a classical music teacher. He remains committed to his personal growth, regularly practising, exercising, and learning new songs.
For Jiko, music is not merely a profession but a spiritual pursuit. He believes that true music never fades from a person’s destiny and that with patience, new opportunities will come.
Music experts believe that Jiko is a highly trained artist, capable of confidently performing a range of songs, from classical and modern to Nazrul Sangeet. They argue that it is time for such an artist to return to the stage.
Will this artist, who once carried the flag of Bangladesh on international stages, make a comeback? Will stage shows and TV programmes once again call upon him?
Jiko himself reveals that he is working on some new projects, though he has yet to disclose any details. His goal is clear: to be a regular presence for his audience once again.
“I haven’t disappeared. I am taking my time,” he says. “When the audience calls again, I will return stronger. That is my promise.”