In March 1972, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed founded BRAC in the rubble of post-war Bangladesh. 54 years later, and thanks to supporters like you, we've reached over 145 million people.
That's why every year on March 21, BRAC colleauges around the world celebrate "BRAC Day."
To celebrate this milestone with the people who make it possible, our colleagues shared the songs currently topping their country charts. Think of it as a birthday playlist from all of us to all of you, spanning continents and bringing the whole BRAC family into the same celebration.
Our playlist shares songs hand-picked by colleagues from nine of the countries where BRAC works across Asia and Africa. It's a soundtrack of the communities that you support.
Access the playlist below on YouTube or Spotify, and scroll down to learn more about each of the nine countries, and their top songs, featured on the playlist.
More about the countries and music on the playlist
1. Bangladesh
Active since 1972
Bangladesh is the birthplace of BRAC: founded in 1972, now the world's largest NGO, reaching over 145 million people with education, health care, microfinance, and more. Learn more about BRAC in Bangladesh.
What's playing in Bangladesh
Janina by Habib Wahid
A soulful track from one of Bangladesh's most celebrated artist, known for blending modern production with Bengali musical tradition.
Khoyna Re by Muza
A vibrant hit from Muza that's captured listeners across Bangladesh with its infectious energy and contemporary Bengali sound.
2. Uganda
Active since 2006
Since 2006, BRAC Uganda has empowered communities through agriculture, youth development, health, and ultra-poor graduation programs. Learn more about BRAC in Uganda.
Ugandan music is a kaleidoscope of Afrobeat, Kadongo Kamu (traditional storytelling ballads), and dancehall. Wedding playlists are serious business!
What's playing in Uganda
Owe'ishe by Ray G
A heartfelt tribute to the Munyankole woman and a favorite at weddings. It evokes pride and deep cultural connection.
Kunsi by Vyroota
Gained attention for its tender sound and heartfelt message about unconditional love.
3. Tanzania
Active since 2006
BRAC Tanzania has operated since 2006, running programs in agriculture, poultry and livestock, empowerment for adolescent girls, and community health. Learn more about BRAC in Tanzania.
Tanzania gave birth to Bongo Flava and now Singeli, a hyper-fast, percussion-heavy genre from Dar es Salaam that's taking East Africa by storm.
What's playing in Tanzania
Afande by Zuchu
"Afande" (Police Officer) is a playful Singeli duet about lovers caught stealing to lavish each other. The beat practically forces you to dance.
Zanzibar by Harmonize
With exotic beats, Harmonize expresses wanting to lavish his lover by taking her to Zanzibar, Tanzania's romantic island paradise.
4. Sierra Leone
Active since 2008
Since 2008, BRAC Sierra Leone has made a lasting impact through maternal and child health, education, agriculture, and adolescent empowerment. Learn more about BRAC in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone's music blends West African highlife with palm wine guitar and modern Afrobeats. It's uniquely warm and infectious.
What's playing in Sierra Leone
Jogodo by Wizkid and Asake
A high-energy Afrobeats collaboration between two of West Africa's biggest stars that's taken Sierra Leone by storm.
Raindance by Dave and Tems
A mesmerizing blend of UK rap and Afrobeats, Dave and Tems create something atmospheric and deeply infectious.
5. Liberia
Active since 2008
BRAC Liberia has operated since 2008, supporting communities with agriculture, health, education, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. Learn more about BRAC in Liberia.
Liberian music is a vibrant blend of Hipco (hip-hop and local languages), gospel, and West African highlife, always with an unmistakable groove.
What's playing in Liberia
Butta My Bread by Jzno
A catchy, feel-good anthem with an irresistible hook. One of Liberia's most-shared songs.
Congratulations by CIC
A celebratory track capturing the joy and pride of achievement for life's big moments.
6. Myanmar
Active since 2013
BRAC has been in Myanmar since 2013, delivering microfinance, agriculture, food security, and emergency response to vulnerable communities. Learn more about BRAC in Myanmar.
Myanmar's music uniquely blends traditional Burmese melodies with modern pop. Movie theme songs hold a special cultural place, often becoming national hits.
What's playing in Myanmar
Pakhone phyit htann taw pann myar (Flowers Carried on Shoulders) by Aung Myint Myat
Nominated for the Myanmar Academy Awards, this movie theme song was a massive hit.
Zabar Yal War (Yellow Rice Paddy Field) by J-Fire
A song celebrating Myanmar's nature and traditional villages, made beloved by the children from Grace Home for the Needy Children who performed it.
7. Rwanda
Active since 2019
BRAC Rwanda has supported communities since 2019, focusing on agriculture, youth empowerment, and financial inclusion for the most marginalized. Learn more about BRAC in Rwanda.
Rwandan music weaves together gospel, R&B, and traditional rhythms. The country's gospel scene is particularly vibrant and deeply beloved.
What's playing in Rwanda
Emmanuel by Vestine and Dorcas
A moving gospel anthem showcasing two remarkable young vocalists.
Fou de toi (Crazy About You) by Element ft. Bruce Melody and Ross Kana
A passionate love declaration—"crazy about you" in French—makes listeners feel completely carried away.
8. Kenya
Active since 1972
Since opening our Africa regional office in Kenya in 2019, BRAC Kenya has expanded to focus financial inclusion and other programs for sustainable livelihoods. Learn more about BRAC in Kenya.
Kenya's music scene is booming with Gengetone and Afro-pop, and Nairobi is increasingly recognized as East Africa's creative capital.
What's playing in Kenya
BackBencher by Toxic Lyrikali and Countree Hype
A high-energy anthem dominating Kenyan airwaves and playlists.
Extra Pressure by Bien and Bensoul
A smooth collab from two of Kenya's most beloved artists, blending soulful melodies with contemporary Kenyan sound.
9. Ghana
Active since 2023
BRAC Ghana launched in 2023 with a focus on the financial inclusion, helping women access capital to budget, plan, and invest in businesses. Learn more about BRAC in Ghana.
Ghana is a global Afrobeats powerhouse. From highlife legends to today's international stars, Ghanaian music shapes trends across the continent and beyond.
What's playing in Ghana
Aso II by Kwabena Kwabena ft. Stonebwoy and Kofi Kinaata
A sequel to the timeless 2005 classic about love and betrayal, blending highlife with Afrobeats. The whole country is singing along.
Sacrifice by Black Sherif
Reflects the tension between self-improvement and preserving one's being. Black Sherif's unique sound resonates across generations.
Support the communities behind the music.
The songs you've heard come from communities where BRAC is building a more equitable world. Your gift helps more people access the programs that change lives.
