The 20th edition of the TMSS Channel i Music Awards was held in a lively open-air setting at the Momo Inn Five Star Hotel and Resort in Bogura, bringing together leading figures from Bangladesh’s contemporary and traditional music industries. The prestigious ceremony, staged on Tuesday evening (7 April), reaffirmed its reputation as one of the country’s most respected platforms for recognising excellence in music.
This year’s edition honoured outstanding musical works released in 2024, with a particular focus on compositions created for television dramas and other popular media productions. One of the most notable moments of the evening was the joint award presented to celebrated playback singer Imran Mahmudul and vocalist Sinthi Saha for their rendition of the song “Prem Bujhi”, featured in the television drama Tilottoma.
The song gained significant popularity following its release, earning praise for its emotive lyrics, polished arrangement, and melodic depth. It was written, composed, and arranged by Syed Nafis, whose creative direction played a defining role in shaping the track’s overall identity and success. His contribution was widely acknowledged within the industry as central to the song’s impact.
Speaking after the announcement, Nafis expressed his gratitude, saying he felt deeply honoured by the recognition. Although he was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he described the award as a source of great personal satisfaction. He also credited both singers and the drama’s director for their collaborative effort, adding that the audience response at the time of release had been overwhelmingly positive.
Major Award Winners – 20th TMSS Channel i Music Awards
| Category | Recipient | Contribution / Work |
|---|---|---|
| Song Award | Imran Mahmudul & Sinthi Saha | “Prem Bujhi” (Tilottoma) |
| Composer / Lyricist | Syed Nafis | Lyrics, composition, arrangement |
| Lifetime Achievement | Rumana Morshed Konka Chhapa | Lifetime contribution to Bangladeshi music |
| Special Honour | Kangalini Sufia | Contribution to folk and cultural heritage |
The ceremony also paid tribute to some of the most influential figures in Bangladeshi music. Veteran singer Rumana Morshed Konka Chhapa was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her long-standing contribution to the country’s musical heritage. In addition, folk music legend Kangalini Sufia received a special honour celebrating her role in preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s rich folk traditions.
Distinguished Guests and Industry Presence
The event was attended by several prominent personalities from Bangladesh’s media and cultural sectors. Among them were Faridur Reza Sagar, Managing Director of Channel i, news chief Shaikh Siraj, founding Executive Director of TMSS Dr Hosne Ara Begum, and Impress Channel i Chairman Abdur Rashid Mazumder, alongside other distinguished guests.
Their presence underlined the awards’ wider cultural significance, highlighting its role not only in celebrating musical excellence but also in showcasing the continued growth and diversity of Bangladesh’s creative industries.
Celebrating Musical Diversity and Heritage
The 20th edition of the TMSS Channel i Music Awards once again reflected the richness and diversity of Bangladesh’s musical landscape. While contemporary playback songs such as “Prem Bujhi” highlighted the evolving sophistication of drama-based music production, honours for veteran artists reaffirmed the importance of preserving cultural and folk traditions.
Organisers described the ceremony as a symbolic bridge between generations of musicians, where emerging talents and established icons were recognised on the same platform. The evening concluded with a strong message of artistic unity, celebrating both innovation and heritage within Bangladesh’s enduring musical tradition.