Everybody is well aware of Momtaz Begum's presence in the Bangladeshi folk music scene. Widely loved in both rural and urban Bangladesh for her music for over two decades, Momtaz has emerged as an icon. Yet somehow, the persnickety high art connoisseurs remain largely ignorant and unappreciative of her talent and are even judgmental at times, because her songs [particularly the lyrics] are considered “crude” according to their standards. And even for some who like Momtaz's music, it remains a guilty pleasure, as they aren't willing to be made fun of by others.

Momtaz, born in Manikganj, had an early start to her musical career; she took lessons from her father Modhu Boyati, who was also a singer, and accompanied him on tours. She later took lessons from Razzak Dewan and Abdur Rashid Sorkar. She has revealed that her first few albums were self-financed, but soon after she gained recognition, producers would approach her with contracts, but at low fees. The listeners bought her albums regularly and liked her songs. She has recorded about 700 albums, at times recording as many as two albums in a day due to her compact schedule. In a previous interview with The Daily Star, Momtaz expressed that she used to be handed the lyrics minutes before the recording, and had to record at a go.
But the reason she's so widely loved is also her unconventional lyrics and unique style of delivery. Momtaz's songs mostly speak of romance and heartbreak in simple but bold ways that can be relatable by a large portion of the audience. Add her uncharacteristically powerful, unabashed [considering the demure style of singing that has been the norm for female singers here], well-tuned vocals to the catchy tunes, and you have a winning combination.
One of Momtaz's biggest hits would be “Nantu Ghotok”, where the singer compares her fiancé with a ball of fire, loved by all, and approved of by seniors. I'll admit, when I hear this song, I feel this overpowering urge to get up and boogie; I'll bet I'm not the only one. This track remains a popular choice for the dance segments at Holud programmes for obvious reasons.
Several of Momtaz's songs, including the discussed ones, were re-made into jingles for commercials -- a strategy used by brands to attract her huge fan base.
Momtaz's stage presence is grandiose. She interacts with the crowd quite a bit. Often she stops dead right in the middle of her songs to talk to her audience, crack a joke or two, ask for feedback, and to encourage them to sing along with her, causing the audience to go wild. Momtaz frequently makes trips overseas to perform for the expat Bangladeshi communities and all her shows are sold out in advance -- such is the demand for this prolific artist, who is also known as the Uncrowned Queen of Bangladeshi Folk Music.
But for a person of her stature, Momtaz is very down-to-earth, as reported by many who have had the opportunity to interact with her. A philanthropist, Momtaz has funded two hospitals at her village, and regularly campaigns for social issues. She was elected a Member of Parliament in 2009, and has been the recipient of multiple awards for her social and musical endeavours. Moreover, a biopic on her was made in 2006.
Momtaz is not just a celebrated artiste, but also an inspirational figure who has carved a niche for herself, and made it all the way to the top with one of the largest fan bases at home and abroad. She might be sneered at by many for her unconventional songs, but she tells the tales of honest, working class Bangladeshis in her own gripping style. When our playlists are filled with foreign music, Momtaz carries on her musical movement, unifying Bangladeshis around the globe, and giving them a reason to retain the Bangladeshi folk ethos.