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
June 29, 2018
June 29, 2018

"My best is yet to come "

What differentiates a spectacular musician from a true maestro is his everlasting appeal; one that is perhaps earned through an

June 25, 2018
June 25, 2018

"Zeheen Ahmed will live forever through us" - Mechanix

Mechanix was one of the first bands in Bangladesh to introduce true heavy metal to the scene, alongside Powersurge in the cult hit programme DRockstars a decade ago. They kept growing in popularity among the youth, while guitarist Zeheen Ahmed established himself as one of the most skilled young guitarists of his generation

June 23, 2018
June 23, 2018

“It is high time that we bring change in the industry”

Having started his career as an assistant director to Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, he went on to establish his own identity as one of

June 22, 2018
June 22, 2018

Sarah Alam

Sarah Alam nervously sits with us for a rapid-fire interview! The popular radio jockey is also a well known anchor, and is soon about to debut on the silver screen with the film 'Bengali Beauty'. Read on as Sarah spills the beans on some well kept 'secrets'!

June 20, 2018
June 20, 2018

Chirkutt set to rock London

Chirkutt has long been one of Bangladesh's most prolific musical acts. The band has had their fair share of international success, and is set to rock London on July 1 in one of Europe's

June 15, 2018
June 15, 2018

Mushfiq R Farhan

We got hold of everyone's favourite RJ turned actor! Mushfiq R. Farhan is all set to be a part of history as he stars as a villain in

June 15, 2018
June 15, 2018

The Voice of 1.2 Billion People – Shomy Hasan Chowdhury

The Bangladeshi flag in her bag and its ideals in her heart- Preva Shomy captured quite a lot of attention on social media when she spoke at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

June 14, 2018
June 14, 2018

Mehdi Mix 1 captivates listeners

Once upon a time, 'mixed' albums were a norm in the industry as there would be a lot of excitement and speculations regarding which star-studded offerings were available.

June 13, 2018
June 13, 2018

Oni Hasan endorsed by Carvin/Keisel Guitars

In late 2007, Bangladesh was introduced to a musical prodigy named Oni Hasan, as his work for his band Vibe's debut album Chena Jogot turned a lot of heads. After Vibe disbanded, Oni went on to play as the lead guitarist for Warfaze before moving outside the country for higher studies.

June 12, 2018
June 12, 2018

The Prince's 50th

Prince Mahmud's career has been nothing short of royalty. Besides having composed and written numerous singles alongside a