Latiful Azam, Kishoregonj (Nilphamari)
From the quiet town of Bhuyapur in Tangail to the vibrant musical stages of Dhaka this is the inspiring journey of Kaniz Rumki Tithi. Her connection with music began in childhood, not out of passion, but through her father’s wishes. Tithi’s first steps into music were taken at the Bhuyapur Shilpakala Academy, where she began training under her mentor, Shahidul Islam. Tithi spent her early life in Bhuyapur, Tangail. She completed her schooling and college education there, finishing higher secondary studies from Ibrahim Khan Government College. Initially, she had no deep attraction toward music. However, her mother played a pivotal role in encouraging her. It was her mother who urged her to participate in national education week competitions and youth music contests. Even when Tithi didn’t win, her mother’s tears never turned into surrender. That emotional support, along with her father’s dreams, gradually made Tithi realize that music was her true path. On September 10, 2019, Tithi lost her father. He had always believed that his daughter should become a good human being before becoming an artist. With his dreams in her heart, Tithi began her journey against all odds. Facing her father’s death, societal criticisms, and family pressure, she moved to Dhaka and enrolled in the Government Music College. She is currently in her third year of undergraduate studies in the Folk Music Department. After arriving in Dhaka, Tithi’s world of music slowly began to expand. Today, she is a registered artist with Bangladesh Television (BTV) in the folk category and performs there regularly. She has also done some studio work over the years. Tithi has released two original songs. The first was nearly four years ago, a duet with the popular folk artist Gamcha Palash. Recently, her latest song was released by G-Series, one of the top music labels in the country. The song was arranged by Kazi Hablu of the legendary Renaissance band, and composed by a former director of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s music, recitation, and dance department. The song is titled “Ore Dardiya.” “Music is sacred to me,” says Tithi. “Through music, I find my father. My mother has fought to keep this dream alive. As long as I breathe, music will stay with me. I will try my best to do something meaningful with it.” Tithi’s story reminds us that more important than talent is perseverance and the love of those who believe in us. With the dreams of her parents, a determined heart, and an unyielding spirit, a girl from a small town can indeed find her place in the world of music in the capital city.