Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

Editor, Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz, The Daily Star.

Poorly arranged concerts should not be an ‘Aadat’

It is rather telling of the people when the army has to show up because of how people behave at a concert. “They brought an international band to a mall to perform,” said Sakib, who had attended the concert with high hopes. “It was a total joke. Organisers started taking selfies with the band mid-show, while Jal had to ask 20 times for a light to be turned off.”  

1m ago

Fatima: Where noble intention trumps flawed execution

Dhrubo Hasan’s “Fatima” is an ambitious undertaking, with the director’s passion clearly visible in the script – the aspects of our Liberation War and how we are all fighting our own inner wars, the torment that women still go through for being a woman, the extent to which a close one’s betrayal could be delusionally overlooked.

5m ago

Canada chants ‘Artcell, Artcell!’ as beloved band celebrates 25 years

On May 5, Toronto’s Hamilton saw what was the largest audience for a band in decades. To everyone’s surprise, it was not a North American band, but a Bangladeshi one, celebrating 25 years of their glorious music on tour.

6m ago

Rock n’ Rhythm 4: Mired in chaos, overcome with emotion

On a day when the rain gods smiled favorably upon the hopes of about ten thousand people, barricades were broken, a stampede nearly ensued, and some logistical issues nearly ruined the experience for those holding general tickets at "Rock N’ Rhythm 4.0" in the capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara. However, for five men who have dedicated their entire lives to music, none of this could dampen the emotional reunion of Black's original lineup.

6m ago

Joy Shahriar: A one-man artistic ecosystem

“I could have bought a very nice phone with the money I bought this guitar with,” said Joy Shahriar in The Daily Star’s canteen, proudly flaunting his baby Taylor guitar. “But I chose this expensive guitar. I don’t have unlimited funds, but I know my priorities.” In a way, this sums up the “Shotti Bolchi” singer’s entire career – a story of passion, strife, and street smarts.

6m ago

Black reunion: A one-off?

Music in Bangladesh was never the same after Black launched “Amar Prithibi” in 2002. Taking off the much harder edge brought in by the rock bands of the ‘90s, it was Black who arguably popularised alternative rock in the country, along with acts like Nemesis and Stentorian.

6m ago

Minar moves forward with music

So, what is the artiste looking for in a partner? “Well, she has to be a good, honest person, and that’s pretty much it.” While we are yet to have found the lucky woman with a lifetime of free passes to Minar’s concerts, here’s to hoping that we can finally write ‘original’ news about his wedding.

8m ago

I’m respectful of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage: Badshah

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Badshah shared his insights and reflections on his recent trip to Bangladesh, shedding light on his experience and aspirations.

8m ago
January 30, 2021
January 30, 2021

Dora impresses with "WTFry" performance

Nadia Dora’s earthy voice lends itself perfectly to folksy music, but the talented singer does not want to shy away from any genre that comes her way. Her recent releases, “Kolija Ki Shingara” in Zee5’s “WTFry” and the title track of Kajol Arefin Ome’s “Viral Girl”, have resonated with the audience. We catch up with the young artiste for more.

January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021

Jon Kabir opens up about podcast, future plans

The definition of a ‘podcast’ implies that it is primarily made for consumption in the audio format – on the road during commutes, while working on something ominously mundane or just closing your eyes to listen to a no-holds barred conversation between two people. However, the popularity of podcasts has outgrown its mould, and a particular Bangladeshi spin on it has become one of the most must-see content on the internet right now. Music and television star Jon Kabir talks to us about his latest podcast, titled “I started a Podcast”. We talk to Jon about his latest endeavor.

December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020

A musically dormant 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic rendered the music industry into disarray for the first few months, one which it tried hard to fight back. Even though the year is musical activities were largely limited to online releases and ‘live’ concerts on social media, we did see a number of notable releases from artistes.

December 26, 2020
December 26, 2020

Catching up with Amzad Hossain

The latest renditions of songs uploaded through your studio page are mind-blowing. What other projects are you working on now?

December 12, 2020
December 12, 2020

“To jump higher, you have to pause for a bit” – Shuvo

Khan Moidul Islam Shuvo, also known as Drockstar Shuvo by many fans, has been consistently delivering hit songs for the last two decades.

November 7, 2020
November 7, 2020

A new Pritom Hasan on the horizon

From ‘Esho Mama Hey’ to ‘Kababer Haddi’, Pritom Hasan’s journey in the music industry has been an unprecedented success. Behind it, however, is the willingness to work day and night – researching, honing and improving his craft. We catch up with the young music director, where he talks about his journey, future plans and more.

October 24, 2020
October 24, 2020

Prince Mahmud’s ‘Alo’ sheds light on the frailty of life

Chole Jabo rekhe jabo gaan, pichutan ki kore charbo Chhele take buke joraye, gaal bhore chumu ki khete parbo?

October 3, 2020
October 3, 2020

Dameer opens up about ‘Sun’ and future plans

Sun was inspired by a poem by Charles Bukowski called Man Mowing the Lawn.

October 3, 2020
October 3, 2020

Musicians hopeful for a structured future with BLCPS

With the advent of renewed activities from BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricists, Composers and Performers Society), things are looking upward for the music industry.

September 26, 2020
September 26, 2020

‘Arekta’ Rock interview

We caught up with Arekta Rock Band, one of Dhaka’s rising young bands, after the much anticipated release of their latest single, Arekta Rock Gaan.