Shapla Salique

Farzana Salique , better known as Shapla Salique, is a Bangladeshi-born British singer-songwriter and harmonium player.

Early life Salique was born in Bangladesh and grew up in Tajpur, Osmani Nagar, Sylhet District, where she would often go to watch her father, uncle and grandparents perform in functions. They were renowned folk singers in the Sylhet region. Her grandfather, Azfar Ali, was immensely into music and passed his interest onto the family. Her brother Uchchall plays the tabla.

In February 1970, Salique's father, Abdus Salique (born 1952), came to the United Kingdom. In 1981, at the age of five, Salique came to the United Kingdom to join her father. She came with her mother, Hasna Salique, and two brothers, Uchchall (born 1973) and Shochall (born 1978). They settled in London's East End,

Career Early career Since the age of three, Salique has been singing and performing. a group founded by her father in 1979 and was based in Shadwell, London.

The group specialised in Sylheti folk songs and the work of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Salique fronted Dishari on numerous albums and television appearances, as well as performances in the UK and abroad including performing in front of royalty at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Save the Children. It was followed by two solo albums; Siyono na Siyona in 1997, a traditional folk oriented Bengali album, and in 2002, the Hindi pop album Lai Lai, produced and composed by Bappi Lahiri.

Salique has appeared on television programmes including, Eastern Eye, Breaking Through and Flame in My Heart. In February 2013, she was interviewed by Jumoke Fashola on BBC London 94.9. In the same month, she performed at London's South Bank and at the Houses of Parliament, organised by Oitij-jo.

Salique is the singer, songwriter and harmonium player for her band, the other members include Alok Verma (tabla and percussion), Dion Palumbo (acoustic guitar), Mak Murtic (saxophone), alongside her band as part of BanglaFest. In June 2013, she performed at Wilton's Music Hall alongside her band In the same month, she performed at TEDx Houses of Parliament. In November 2013, she performed at The British Curry Awards.

Salique has also performed at venues including, Royal Albert Hall, Hammersmith Apollo, Royal Ascot and Barbican Centre.

In April 2016 Salique's third album No Boundaries was released which launched at Wilton's Music Hall, followed by a concert at the Southbank Centre.

Discography Albums Title Album details Chart positions Certifications Siyono na SiyonaReleased: 1997 Label: MIY Publishing Formats: CD Lai LaiReleased: 2002 Label: MIY Publishing Formats: CD