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 10, 2018
June 10, 2018

Shafin Ahmed's 'Bhalobashar Janalay' this Eid

Shafin Ahmed once again shows his romantic side as he is set to release Bhalobashar Janalay.

June 10, 2018
June 10, 2018

Afran Nisho and Mehazabien

Actors Afran Nisho and Mehazabien Chowdhury will be seen taking completely different avatars this Eid, as they film for Pherar Poth Nei,

June 9, 2018
June 9, 2018

Minar sings for Tollywood

Minar had been touted as one of Bangladesh's most promising singers when he debuted with Danpitey in 2008, but his career took a true upward spiral since the release of his blockbuster album Ahare.

June 8, 2018
June 8, 2018

Shohorer Shorts: Brings a musical arrangement of epic proportions

Shohorer Shorts, an initiative by iFlix has brought together some of the most talented and varied artistes in the industry- Imran Mahmudul, Xefer, Salma and Black Zang for some of the most chilling tunes heard in Bangladeshi short films.

June 6, 2018
June 6, 2018

Shwapnil and Battery Dance collaborate for 'The Dreamer'

A new musical titled The Dreamer is soon to grace us as talented singer Shwapnil Shojib channels the spirit of Tagore and collaborates with New York-based dance company, Battery Dance. The video is being produced by Bengal

June 5, 2018
June 5, 2018

Rest In Peace, Rock Guru

Today marks the 7th Death Anniversary of the pioneer of rock music in Bangladesh, Azam Khan. The legacy that he has left behind cannot be defined by his discography of 20 plus albums, it is much more profound than that. A freedom fighter and an advocate for peace at a time of violence, Azam Khan's name was synonymous to the emerging underground rock music scene after liberation.

June 4, 2018
June 4, 2018

“The voice is just another instrument” – Mithun Chakra

Born to prominent tabla player Avijit Chakraborty and folk artiste Kalyani Ghosh, music is in his blood. Even though he is primarily

June 3, 2018
June 3, 2018

Taufiq Tamim becomes Korea's favourite 'Oppa'

A lanky Bangladeshi youngster seemingly lacking talent, shell-shocked the audience when he put his glorious voice on display in a

June 3, 2018
June 3, 2018

Shawki's low-key brilliance

Syed Ahmed Shawki started his career with his tremendous work in 'Projonmo Talkies'. Later, he announced his arrival as a director to watch out for with Kotha Hobe To in the Osthir Somoy Shostir Golpo series.

June 1, 2018
June 1, 2018

Artistes are also human - Bappa Mazumder

As we walked into the workstation, a mesmerising tune was being played on the studio monitors as Bappa Mazumder was busy mixing a melodious track. “Do you like the song? It is for our new album,” said the musician with a wry smile.