Unstoppable Sanjoy

I had to make my way inside the headquarters of Qinetic Network to meet a special artiste. He had the world in the palm of his hands when he performed his song “SIIR SIIR” at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Canada, proudly showing off his maroon jacket—its sleeve intricately embroidered with the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Water Lily (Shapla).

Sure enough, the ever-industrious Sanjoy was working on yet another track in his dimly lit studio. “It’s been one hell of a trip,” he said as he greeted me with a firm handshake. He had performed just the other day in Dhaka, commemorating the World Cup Finals.

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“Honestly, the entire thing is a bit of a blur to me,” contemplated Sanjoy. “I just remember the sheer energy carrying me through the World Cup performance. And when I landed in Dhaka, the love that I received from the people—starting right from the flight itself—made me so grateful.”

When I asked him whom he supported, he adopted an unusually shy demeanor. “I don’t want to talk about who I supported, but I definitely want Bangladesh to be playing in the next World Cup. I believe that it is very possible if the tournament expands to 64 teams.” Even though it might sound far-fetched to a realist, it shouldn’t be surprising coming from a dreamer like Sanjoy.

Sanjoy comes from a musical family, having been exposed to classical music before he even learned how to speak. He began formal training in Indian classical music and the tabla around the age of four. This deep foundation in complex rhythm, timing, and Eastern beat structures gave him a unique rhythmic edge over standard, Western-trained EDM producers.

After migrating to California, he began experimenting with digital audio workstations (DAWs) in his early teens. Soon after, he found himself playing on stage alongside Fuad Almuqtadir. “I remember being 11 and playing with various Bangladeshi artistes who toured the USA. Fuad-bhai will always be one of my biggest inspirations and mentors.”

Over the years, Sanjoy collaborated with international artistes and built his reputation, even landing on the US Top 40 charts at a time when it was hard to conceive a Bangladeshi artiste doing so. “For me, it was about belief. I just wanted to be myself and make music, and the rest would follow.”

The identity of a DJ is one Sanjoy embraces wholeheartedly. “Throughout the years, people have redefined what it means to be a DJ. Look at Martin Garrix or Marshmello—they are incredibly skilled musicians. I am a multi-instrumentalist and a DJ, and I am incredibly proud of being exactly that.”

Does the artiste fear the upcoming dominance of AI? “Of course not,” he smiled. “I love AI and use it to fast-track my work sometimes. But I know one thing for sure—AI can never replace me.”

What’s next for Sanjoy? As the conversation rolled on, it was clear that the artiste has a bold vision for where he wants to take his interpretation of Bangla music. “You just have to look at what musicians from other cultures are doing. Afrobeats artistes like Burna Boy are everywhere—and that’s where I want Bangla music to be. Everywhere. Bangladeshi musicians need to have the confidence and grit to take their music to places it has never been before.”

And his grand career plan? I could see the spark in his eyes as he answered, “I want to be the biggest superstar in the world.” If you were there hearing his conviction, you would have had no other choice but to believe him.