AN ORGANISATION in Bradford has secured funds for a project to revive the writing of Baul music in the district.

Originating in Bangladesh and the neighbouring Indian state of West Bengal, Baul music was especially popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Bradford district is home to numerous writers of Baul music, but most of their work has never been published.

Now Manningham Housing Association has received grant support from the Leap Pioneer Programme, Bradford Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund, to enable this to happen.

More than 100 original songs will be promoted in local communities by translating the lyrics into English and incorporating them and the accompanying sheet music into a book due to be launched in Bradford later this year.

Some of the songs will also be performed by professional musicians at a large community event.

Sadar Uddin, MHA Community Partnership and Investment Manager, said: “Baul music writers who live and work in Bradford district class themselves as ordinary people.  At Manningham Housing Association, we see them as talented people who deserve recognition.

“This project will increase greater awareness of Baul music and motivate individuals to learn, write and perform at public events in venues easily accessible by local communities.”