At a time when album releases have become increasingly rare and initiatives focused on children’s content even more so, Enamul Karim Nirjhar, the multifaceted architect, filmmaker, lyricist, and composer, continues to buck the trend. His latest project, Hao Mao Khao, is a children’s music album that features five original tracks penned and composed by Nirjhar himself. The album’s musical arrangements were done by Autumnal Moon, and it has been produced with funding from Sheltech through a joint CSR–ISR process.
In keeping with the CSR–ISR collaborative model, the album showcases vocal performances from a talented group of young artists, including Mrinmoyee Megha, Aroni Kathleen Murmu, Samah Fatiha Said, Prafulla Anshuman, and Tanvir Alam Sajib. The songs explore a wide range of emotions experienced by children, from their imagination and curiosity to their complaints, wonder, and the complex expectations they have from adults—along with the adults’ own perceptions of the younger generation.
Nirjhar, who is known for his creative approach, commented on the project, explaining that the songs delve deep into the diverse emotional world of children. He said, “The album reflects the different aspects of childhood—its joys, questions, and dreams. It captures their view of the world, their interactions with nature, and the complexities of adult-child relationships.”
Seasoned singer Tanvir Alam Sajib, who contributes his voice to one of the tracks, described the process as an opportunity to step outside of his usual musical style. “Recording this song meant stepping out of my own character. Nirjhar bhai, as always, is wonderfully eccentric—if something unusual is happening, he calls, and then a whole workshop begins. Each song becomes a separate exercise. That’s why working with him is always such a varied experience,” he said. Sajib added that he believes listeners will enjoy the unique tracks.
The album’s first song, Hao Mao Khao, sung by Mrinmoyee Megha, was released yesterday on the GaanShala YouTube channel. The remaining tracks—Hattimatim Tim, Tiring Biring Foringtake, Chhotoder Gaan Niye, and Ei Tui Ki Korchis?—will be released sequentially in the coming weeks.
For Megha, the album marks her debut in both singing and appearing in a music video. She shared her excitement about the project, saying, “I had recorded a studio version earlier at Moon uncle’s studio, but this process was completely different. I couldn’t believe how much preparation went into it. I was excited and scared at the same time, but I tried to give my best.”
The CSR–ISR model, which seeks to create sustainable earning opportunities for music professionals, continues to thrive, and GaanShala is actively working to further strengthen this initiative. Several music projects have already been released under this process, demonstrating its potential for fostering creative growth in the music industry.