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
May 23, 2020
The chronicles of quarantined recording
Expensive gear, intricate DAWs and state-of-the-art noise cancelling – is what a top-tier musician is used to while recording.
May 9, 2020
Pulling through as a musician
It was, perhaps inevitable for the music industry to see huge losses in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Since social gatherings can put one’s well-being at risk right now, live shows have been cancelled, hindering the biggest source of income for musicians and putting their future in jeopardy.
May 1, 2020
Prito Reza’s highlight reel
One of the most commercially successful Bangladeshi photographers, Prito Reza had to scratch and claw his way to the top, through hard work and dedication.
April 5, 2020
Torchbearers of Bangladesh
Forbes recently announced its fifth annual 30 Under 30 Asia list, featuring entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers across Asia under the age of 30.
April 2, 2020
“It was hard to keep Forbes a secret for two months” - Raba Khan
This morning, social media was taken by storm when Raba Khan’s inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2020 List was announced. The artiste, who made a name for herself with comedic content after launching her YouTube channel, The Jhakanaka Project, in 2014, is elated at her own achievement. “Incidentally, Forbes is the only magazine that my father reads,” said Raba in an interview over the phone. “You can only imagine how happy my family is after the official announcement.”
March 30, 2020
“Artistes will rediscover themselves during this time”- Sujit Mustafa
Eminent Nazrul Sangeet exponent Sujit Mustafa is also one of the finest vocal trainers in the country. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the artiste has taken an initiative to teach his students from home. “Even though the true dynamics of a lesson might be compromised, it is for the safety of my students that I have decided to take my classes online,” says the singer, who has previously offered online lessons to students abroad. “The exercises are student-specific, as the enrolled students can now find lessons that are relevant to their skill cap”.
March 21, 2020
Revisit the best in Bangla content at home
As the worries of the coronavirus spreading amongst the masses come to a tumultuous rise, the best you can do to protect yourself and your family, is to simply stay home.
March 10, 2020
Ekattor: Operation Blitz
This month is an important one for Bangladesh’s history, as the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lies ahead.
March 6, 2020
All aboard the ‘Hyena Express’
As afternoon turned to evening in my chat with Shonar Bangla Circus, it was evident that they had put their heart and soul into their debut album,‘Hyena Express’.
February 28, 2020
‘Tungipara Theke Dhanmondi 32’
“The greatness of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cannot be captured in one or two books,” says Shah Alam Shazu, a popular writer-journalist who has authored 45 published books.
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