c. 1950 – 2009 · Maungdaw, Arakan
Shobu, officially named Shobbir Ahmed, was a Rohingya singer and performer from Maungdaw whose emotional and patriotic songs made him a household name across Rohingya communities. As lead singer of the Arakanese Rohingya theatre in Maungdaw and Buthidaung, he sang of the suffering, love and hopes of his people, in songs such as "Arakanor Meri Herejohar". Because of rising persecution he migrated to Saudi Arabia in 1980, and he kept singing for the Rohingya diaspora until his death in Jeddah in 2009.
The voice of Arakan
Shobu, officially named Shobbir Ahmed, was a legendary Rohingya singer and performer. Born around 1950 in Myoma Khayandan, Maungdaw, (Arakan) Rakhine State, he became a household name across Rohingya communities for his emotional and patriotic songs. He is remembered as one of the greatest cultural figures in Rohingya history.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Shobu became the lead singer of the Arakanese Rohingya theatre in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. He used his voice to speak about the suffering, love, and hopes of the Rohingya people. His performances often combined music and drama, playing a major role in shaping Rohingya cultural identity.
His most famous songs, like “Arakanor Meri Herejohar,” moved listeners to tears and reminded them of their deep connection to their homeland. His songs were not just entertainment — they were emotional, historical, and political expressions of a people in crisis.
In 1980, due to rising persecution in Burma, Shobu migrated to Saudi Arabia. Even in exile, he continued singing and remained an active voice for his people. His songs became a source of comfort and pride for the Rohingya diaspora, helping preserve their language, history, and spirit.
Shobu died on 19 November 2009 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after a long struggle with kidney disease. He was buried there the following day. His passing was deeply mourned across Rohingya communities worldwide.
