Bondhu Bajao Sur (play the melody my friend) with Arzeen Kamal and Friends

Arzeen Kamal is thrilled to be joined by an incredible lineup of musicians: Joel Van Dijk (guitar), EMAEL (cello), Leah Van King (vocals), and Neel Agarwal (percussion). Together, we’ll take you on a musical journey through classic Bengali songs and newly composed folk melodies. Sing along and be part of the experience!

Arzeen Mohammad Kamal is a highly accomplished Bengali singer, songwriter, lyricist and filmmaker specializing in folk and classical music. Born in Bangladesh, Kamal has been living in the United States for the past six years and has continued to explore his love of Bengali folk music in his new home.


0:00 The Frame - The One Within, Fahad Siadat
8:00 - Arzeen Kamal

Arzeen Kamal’s connection with Bengali music is evident in everything he puts out into the world, from his work with recording project Pinkturban to his live performances around Los Angeles. Kamal’s artistry adds to the richness of Bengali culture. His singing and performing comes from the soul and is quick to get listeners on their feet as he is, dancing and moving to the rhythm. His music is not only meant for the Bengali community, but to speak to anyone willing to listen. Kamal strives to interact with his audience in a way that makes them a necessary part of his performance. He does not just sing to his audience, but he encourages their participation in order to make the most of their time together. Arzeen Kamal and his work are helping spread the beauty and legacy of the Bengali community in Los Angeles, keeping the tradition of folk music alive.

Joel is a Los Angeles based Artist, Guitarist, Songwriter, Record Producer and singer. He performs regularly with his band Mystical Joyride as well as Artists like pop/soul artist Aloe Blacc, reggae artist Rocky Dawuni and more. Joel is also a solo artist with multiple albums under his own name.

Emmanuel Ventura-Cruess (EMÆL) is a Los Angeles based artist, cellist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Emmanuel integrates many different styles into his music blending elements of pop, rock, edm, and jazz with his classical background. He’s played on records by Beyonce, Jean Dawson, Halle Bailey, and Anderson Paak to name a few. Currently he plays live with Rose Betts and Arzeen. He also tours with his band as EMÆL with multiple releases under this project and many more to come.

Leah was born and raised in Beverly Hills, CA into a musical family. The daughter of original Commodores member William King and Shirley Hanna (writer of Brickhouse and more) Leah has been singing and writing songs since she was 9 years old. Her artistic endeavors continually seek to empower herself and others to be authentic, expressive, and live their best lives with respect, boldness and pride. Overcoming an early bout with stage-fright Leah is has become a powerhouse performer transforming from Judy Garland-esque melodies to soul-piercing crooning, to spiritual-gangster rapper with ecstatic energy. This has led her to singing backgrounds with Aloe Blacc on the Soultrain Awards, performing at the Dhali Lama’s birthday celebration and front her band Mystical Joyride with her husband Joel. As a songwriter Leah has released a full length album “Letting Go” as well as an EP and numerous singles as well as having her songs “Dreamin” and “Miracle” featured in 2012 indie movie “Leaving Limbo.” Leah continues to perform and write with Mystical Joyride and for TV and Movies.


Neel Agrawal, percussionist, has performed with leading musicians including L. Shankar, Lord Huron, and Young the Giant. In 2022, Neel was recognized by former Mayor of LA Eric Garcetti for his work in South Asian arts, education, and advocacy. Neel received the 2021 COLA Individual Artist Fellowship from the LA Department of Cultural Affairs as well as a grant from the Center for Cultural Innovation. He completed a fellowship at the Harvard Library Innovation Lab for his groundbreaking research on African Drumming Laws and participated in an urban arts and education tour of India sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Additionally, Neel was the section leader of the Michigan State University Drumline and currently serves as Director of Percussion at the Los Angeles International Music and Arts Academy (LAIMA).