Maqsoodul Haque, known to the world as Mac, defies the stereotype of a rockstar. His music doesn’t just entertain; it transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending the cultural notes of Assam and Bangladesh into a harmonious symphony.
Tracing his roots to Borholla and Jorhat in Upper Assam, Mac proudly identifies as an Assamese Bangladeshi, a trailblazer in the realms of Bangla rock, jazz, and fusion.
His musical prowess has granted him cult status in neighbouring Bangladesh, making him a luminary in the country’s vibrant music scene.
LISTEN – Prapto Boyoshker Nishiddho
Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Assam, Mac’s music draws inspiration from the reformist icon Sankardev and the revered Sufi poet Ajan Fakir.
Despite the geographical distance, Assam remains an integral part of Mac’s identity. In a 2006 interview, he expressed, “If there’s a contradiction anywhere, I can’t see it.” For Mac, Bangladesh is equally home, navigating the dichotomy with grace.
The partition of 1947 saw his parents, like many Assamese Muslims, migrate to then East Pakistan, thriving in their new surroundings.
However, Mac’s connection to Assam never waned. Reflecting on the past, he fondly reminisces about the train journeys that once brought him to the embrace of his ghorole (home).
LISTEN – Bidrohi
The son of Abu Nasser Ziaul Haque, a sailor in the Royal Indian Navy during World War II, Mac imbibed his father’s philosophy of life—secularism.
In 2020, he declared, “Secularism isn’t a philosophy. It has to be embedded in one’s genetics,” emphasising the inherent secular nature of Assamese people.
An accomplished author in both English and Bengali, Mac champions the narrative that immigrants are an indispensable part of Assam’s diverse tapestry.
He advocates for a global perspective, urging Assam to shed its victimhood mentality and transcend the confines of ultra-nationalism to preserve its unique identity.
LISTEN – Rai jago by Maqsoodul Haque
Mac’s musical journey, documented in a remarkable discography, showcases his versatility as a lyricist, composer, and singer.
From his band Feedback’s inaugural album in 1987 to the present, each note echoes a symphony of cultural influences.
Weaving elements of kirtan, baul, fakiri, and rural heritage, his music is a testament to the timeless connection between Assam and Bangladesh—a melody that transcends borders and resonates with cultural richness.
