Jul 28, 2018

Feroza Begum’s 88th Birthday

This Doodle’s Key Themes

Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and legacy of Bangladeshi singer Feroza Begum. During her lifetime, Begum achieved what many in society thought unthinkable for a female - becoming professionally trained in music, achieving a level of stardom and notoriety that was previously reserved for only male musicians.

Born to a Muslim family in 1930, Begum was drawn to music almost immediately as a child. At 10 years old, she became a student of Kazi Nazrul Islam, a poet who eventually went on to be the national poet of Bangladesh. Feroza’s voice and ability to convey deep emotion played an important role in popularizing Nazrul Sangeet (the songs written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam) throughout the country.

Begum released her first album at the age of 12 and went on to tour the world, performing in over 300 solo shows. Beloved by many, Feroza was awarded Bangladesh’s Independence Day Award in 1979, the highest honor an individual could receive in the newly independent country.

Today’s Doodle, painted on watercolor paper with colored inks by Doodler Olivia When, depicts Begum sharing her voice with her audience, surrounded by gold patterning commonly found on her album covers.

Happy 88th Birthday, Feroza Begum!

Photos of Feroza Begum throughout her life below, courtesy of her family.