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
March 14, 2019
March 14, 2019

“Let music help you” – Armeen Musa

'Simultaneously' a part of four diverse projects, Armeen Musa has quietly worked her way up in Bangladesh's music scene to become one of the most beloved faces in the industry.

March 8, 2019
March 8, 2019

Joy Bangla concert 2019 resonates across Dhaka

In remembrance of the historic March 7 speech by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Joy Bangla Concert 2019 set off amidst spectacular enthusiasm at the Bangladesh Army Stadium yesterday.

March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019

10 ON THE PEN

At first glance, Tushar Hasan will not strike you as an artiste, as he nonchalantly smiles throughout his day-to-day activities at his corporate job.

March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019

Arafat Mohsin Nidhi on 'Thako'

The spearhead behind numerous hit songs as a part of the famed Studio 58, Arafat Mohsin Nidhi's pedigree as a musician extends far

February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019

Portrait of a Cover Artist - Kabya Karim

A graduate from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Unversity of Development Alternative (UODA), Kabya Karim is a standout performer among the young cover artists in the Ekushey Boi Mela.

February 25, 2019
February 25, 2019

“Music is like oxygen to me” – Shusmita Anis

As an artiste, Shusmita Anis personifies discipline and drive. Hailing from the same family as legendary singers Kamal Dasgupta and Firoza Begum, the multi-talented singer has created her own identity with her excellence in Nazrul Sangeet and modern Bangla songs. Acting as the managing director of one of the country's leading pharmaceutical companies, the accomplished artiste talks to The Daily Star about her latest releases, musical philosophy, and more.

February 22, 2019
February 22, 2019

Minar talks about his first book

Singer/songwriter and cartoonist Minar Rahman looked visibly excited when he entered The Daily Star premises on the day his first book, 'Rudraebong tar grand piano' launched at the Ekushey Boi Mela, from Barshadupur. Here is what the debutant writer has to say about his latest creation.

February 21, 2019
February 21, 2019

“We have to move forward, but with our heritage” – Kamal Ahmed

With a noteworthy singing career of seven national and international awards, Kamal Ahmed also holds the important position of Director of Programme at Bangladesh Betar, a cultural pillar of the country. Finding his comfort zone in Rabindra Sangeet, the ever-passionate musician keeps expanding his repertoire. He has16 versatile albums of different genres to his credit. The artiste talks to The Daily Star about his latest albums, musical philosophy, and more.

February 15, 2019
February 15, 2019

Portrait of a Cover Artist Sadatuddin Ahmed Amil

A graduate from the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), University of Dhaka, Sadatuddin Ahmed Amil started scribbling art since he was a child.

February 12, 2019
February 12, 2019

Portrait of a Cover Artist: Shohag Parvez

Primarily a seasoned painter, Shohag Parvez is also a well-known cover artist, who has done close to a hundred illustrations this year for the Ekushey Boi Mela.