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
December 19, 2018
December 19, 2018

Imagine Radio takes off

What differentiated Imagine Radio from all other music streaming applications when it launched recently was the earnestness and clarity that the CEO, Shahriar Shahid, promised to bring to the music listening experience.

December 14, 2018
December 14, 2018

PRESERVING THE PURITY OF NAZRUL SANGEET

Khairul Anam Shakil, besides being immensely popular as a Nazrul Sangeet artiste and educator, has been known as a preserving voice of the art for a long time.

December 6, 2018
December 6, 2018

Celebrating the heartbeat of music BANGLADESH DRUM DAY

Tomorrow will mark a phenomenon that musicians are holding on to their high-hats for, as Bangladesh is set to celebrate its first 'Drum Day.' Nine of the best drummers in the country will take centre-stage at the home of rock music, the Russian Cultural Center (RCC).

December 3, 2018
December 3, 2018

BAMBA's farewell tribute to Ayub Bachchu

It was difficult for the members of Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA) to process the shock that was the passing of Ayub Bachchu, whom they dearly referred to as simply 'AB'.

November 24, 2018
November 24, 2018

It feels great to be a part of the online revolution

Nuhash Humayun has been on a roll as of late, finding a firm footing as one of the most resourceful and relatable young directors around. On the release of his newest short film, 'Pizza Bhai', the prodigy sits with us for an exclusive interview.

November 23, 2018
November 23, 2018

TAHSAN opens up about career, future plans

Tahsan Khan is inarguably one of the most successful personalities in the entertainment industry today.

November 18, 2018
November 18, 2018

Majaz bewitches DIFF 2018 with stunning show

For around an hour or so, the Bangladesh Army Stadium became an emblematic Arabian Peninsula, as Bahrain-based progressive fusion folk band Majaz left the audience of the second day of the Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF) 2018 spellbound.

November 14, 2018
November 14, 2018

From Kathak to Odissi

At Shadhona's solo dance festival, Ranga Utsav, a young dancer left the audience awestruck with her graceful Odissi movements on November 10. One would be hard-pressed to speculate anything other than the notion that she had been practicing this particular craft for years. However, the speculation is only partially true.

November 9, 2018
November 9, 2018

HoiChoi launches its first album Larelappa

S I Shumon, a renowned singer and sound engineer, has received several accolades throughout his career.

November 3, 2018
November 3, 2018

Four Bangladeshi films to watch before the year ends

As 2018 comes to its twilight, it is apparent that the Bangladeshi film industry is picking up steam again, having delivered some riveting productions that kept the audience interested.