In an emotional homecoming, the original members of late singer Zubeen Garg’s first-ever band Etcetera formally relaunched the group after 33 years at the 14th Dibrugarh Book Fair on Thursday evening. The band was reintroduced under the new name “Z.Org” (Zed Dot Org) or “Zubeen Organic” as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring musical legacy of Assam’s legendary heartthrob, who tragically passed away in a drowning incident in Singapore three months ago on September 19.
The relaunch, held on a wintry, foggy evening before thousands of music lovers, marked a symbolic homecoming to Dibrugarh—the city where the original band Etcetera was first formed in 1992, laying the foundation for Zubeen Garg’s remarkable musical journey that would captivate millions across India and beyond.
Following the formal launch, band members delivered several popular numbers by Zubeen Garg in deeply emotional performances that moved the audience, many visibly affected by the poignant tribute to the departed icon whose music had been the soundtrack to their lives.
“This is not just a band relaunch—this is our way of keeping Zubeen’s spirit and music alive. We started this journey together 33 years ago in Dibrugarh, and it feels right to return here to honour his memory and continue the musical legacy he left behind.Zubeen’s music transcended boundaries and touched hearts everywhere. Through Z.Org, we want to ensure that his artistic vision continues to inspire generations,” said Jayanta Bordoloi, the band’s manager and who was also Zubeen Garg’s first manager.
The core members of the original Etcetera lineup have reunited for Z.Org, including Shabinkumar Das (Rabu) on drums, Dony Hazarika on keyboards, Bhaskar Saikia (Ritu) on lead guitar, and Dudul Saikia on keyboards. The reunion brings together, for the first time since the early 1990s, the musicians who accompanied Zubeen Garg during the formative years of his musical career.
Several band members, including Dony Hazarika—now a renowned music producer and composer based in Mumbai—have established successful independent careers in the music industry. The idea to relaunch the band as a tribute to Zubeen Garg emerged from their recent discussions about honouring their departed friend and collaborator.
“Zubeen was not just a bandmate—he was family. His loss has left a void in our lives and in the music world that can never be filled. But his music, his energy, his passion—these live on, and we want to celebrate that,” Dony Hazarika shared.
The initial creative work and sound production for the newly relaunched band was developed in Mumbai, signaling a contemporary musical approach while remaining deeply rooted in Zubeen Garg’s artistic spirit and the raw energy that characterized Etcetera’s early performances.
The relaunch at the Dibrugarh Book Fair evoked profound nostalgia among attendees, many of whom had followed Zubeen Garg’s career from its earliest days. The event highlighted the timeless influence of the artist whose voice became synonymous with Assamese identity and whose cross-cultural appeal made him a pan-Indian phenomenon.
