‘I love experimenting with my songs’: Oyshee

Versatile singer Fatima Tuz Zahra Oyshee has carved out a strong position in contemporary Bangladeshi music with her distinctive voice and willingness to explore different musical styles. She has won widespread appreciation for songs including “Dillite Nizamuddin Awolia”, “Maya” and “Dehobazi”. Her performance of “Maya” earned her the National Film Award in 2019. More recently, her collaboration with rapper Black Zang on “Noakhailla Maiya” has received an enthusiastic response from listeners.

Oyshee recently spoke to Anindita Naheen of the Daily Sun about her latest musical projects, experimentation, criticism, and the challenges of balancing her career as a singer with her profession as a doctor.

Your latest song, ‘Noakhailla Maiya’, has received a positive response. What projects are you currently working on?

“Noakhailla Maiya” was an experimental project for me, and I’m happy that listeners have responded so positively. I also received a good response to “Amare Nao” from the web film “Life Line”. The two songs are completely different in mood and style—one is energetic and commercial, while the other is soulful and emotional.

At present, I’m working on several singles, including a Sufi-inspired song, a contemporary commercial track and a fusion project. I want to explore different musical styles while creating songs that people can connect with and relate to.

Which of your songs is closest to your heart, and why?

I consider every song to be like my child, so choosing just one is difficult. However, my current favourite is “Amare Nao”. The soulful song revolves around the relationship between a father and his daughter, and it touched me deeply. I became quite emotional while recording it.

Some songs become especially meaningful because of the memories and emotions associated with their creation, and “Amare Nao” is one of those songs for me.

You are also a doctor by profession. How do you balance your medical career and music?

It is certainly challenging, but I have learned to accept it. Both professions are important to me, and I try to remain sincere and dedicated to each of them. One is demanding, while the other allows me to express my creativity. Both require continuous learning, commitment and passion.

Managing time can sometimes be difficult, but when you genuinely love what you do, you find a way to pursue both.

How do you deal with criticism from audiences and on social media?

I don’t spend much time on social media apart from sharing updates about my work. I welcome constructive criticism because it helps me identify my weaknesses and improve as an artiste.

However, criticism and trolling are two different things, and unfortunately, social media often leans towards the latter. I also dislike misleading videos and sensational headlines involving celebrities. Sometimes, pages use a small portion of a longer video and present it in a way that completely changes the original context.

I believe people should consume and share information responsibly and understand the full context before forming an opinion or reacting.

Is there any particular genre you would like to explore more in the future?

I have experimented with different genres since childhood because I have always wanted to become a versatile singer. I enjoy folk music, but I also love performing Nazrul Sangeet, modern songs and various other styles.

My debut album, “Oyshee Express”, was released in 2015, and I have continued exploring different forms of music throughout my career. I particularly enjoy experimenting with my songs. “Noakhailla Maiya” was created from the same mindset. It is an Afro-fusion track that also incorporates elements of hip-hop.

I definitely want to continue creating more experimental music in the future.

We haven’t seen you doing much playback singing recently. Why is that?

Since winning the National Film Award, I have become more selective about playback projects. After nearly a decade in the music industry, I now prefer quality over quantity.

I want to take on songs that inspire me creatively and give me opportunities to grow as a singer. I am currently in discussions about a few projects and hope to announce them soon.