Arnob, the star of the Bangladesh music scene, described by many as the finest musician of his generation, has agreed to visit the BNWLA hostel with me next month. We’ve recently begun to collaborate musically (see BlueNote blog for info) and are playing a concert tonight for the British High Commissioner. Photos will appear here soon. He is unquestionably a musical genius and it’s a privilege to be able to work with him.

As I’ve got to know him, I’ve also seen he has a strong social conscience. He immediately offered a percentage of tonight’s fee for example to the hostel. So when I suggested coming, he agreed straight away. We’ll perform our new set for the kids, and they will in turn put on a song and dance show for us. This will bring huge publicity to the hostel - as his presence will guarantee media attention. Salma Ali (head of BNWLA) is delighted. A couple of TV interviews with any of us will further bolster the cause. This is a better start to the campaign than we dreamed of.

For other updates on the campaign, please visit the campaign blog.