Paterson City Council Recognizes Sultana Yesmin Laila for Outstanding Contributions to Folk Music

The Paterson City Council has honored Sultana Yesmin Laila for her exceptional contributions to folk music and her dedication to preserving and promoting Bengali cultural heritage. In a formal resolution, the council acknowledged Laila's artistry and her significant impact both in Bangladesh and on the international stage.

Sultana Yesmin Laila's musical journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music from the University of Development Alternative in Dhaka, where she focused on folk traditions. Her lifelong commitment to preserving and elevating the folk music genre has earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her reputation as a cultural icon.

Laila first gained nationwide recognition after winning NTV's popular reality program Close Up-I: ToinakelKhujchhe Bangladesh in 2012. Her stellar performances, which garnered the highest scores from judges and overwhelming audience votes, marked a turning point in her career and firmly established her place in Bangladesh’s music industry.

Over the years, Laila has received numerous accolades for her contributions to both folk and modern Bengali music. Her awards include the RTV Music Award (2020), Ban Siddiqui Award (2020), AnandaLahori Award (2023), Dallywood Film & Music Award (2024), Babisas Award (2024), and Bachsas Award (2024).

In addition to her success as a performer, Laila serves as the Cultural Secretary of Bangladesh Baul&LokosangeetSangsha and is a registered artist with Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. These roles underscore her dedication to advancing and preserving the rich cultural traditions of Bangladesh.

Laila's influence extends far beyond national borders. She has performed in countries such as the USA, UAE, Switzerland, Spain, France, Belgium, and Malaysia, earning international acclaim. Her hit songs, including Solthi Go Amar Mon ValaNaa (over 70 million views), Onterete Dag Lagaiya Re (over 63 million views), Mon Pakhi (over 63 million views), and Noya Bari (over 41 million views), have made her one of Bangladesh’s most impactful and bestselling artists.

Beyond her musical achievements, Laila has become a cultural ambassador, sharing the vibrancy of Bangladesh’s traditions with the world and inspiring younger generations to appreciate and preserve the richness of folk music.