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 9, 2022
Sabrina is them, Sabrina is us
A rather curious audience, consisting of primarily journalists and media personalities, took their seats in The Daily Star’s A S Mahmud Hall. “Who is Sabrina?” was a question – more of a marketing strategy, to Hoichoi and Ashfaque Nipun’s next project, “Sabrina”.
February 23, 2022
Coke Studio Bangla proves naysayers wrong, opens with Hajong song
The first episode of Coke Studio Bangla opened with “Nasek Nasek”, a Hajong song written by talented singer Animes Roy, proving this criticism baseless.
February 23, 2022
A man of words off to live with the stars
To many, he was the beloved, quirky astrologer who wrote “Apnar Rashi” for the popular daily Prothom Alo, which was often the feature they most looked forward to.
February 22, 2022
From prisoner of war to cultural icon
In 1970, a young Rabindra Sangeet singer caused a sensation, when his rendition of “Jani Jani Go” made its way to number one rank on the country’s best-selling chart. This feat shattered the general assumption that Rabindra Sangeet was not “commercially viable”. Only a year later, he was imprisoned and tortured by the Pakistani Army, formally accused of “inciting the people with nationalistic and revolutionary songs”.
February 17, 2022
Farewell to the man who made billions dance
Think of the world’s greatest Disco artistes – Donna Summer had 17 studio albums, while Gloria Gaynor had 18.
February 7, 2022
There will never be another Lata Mangeshkar
As celebrations of Saraswati Puja ended, the world incurred the irrevocable loss of the ‘Saraswati’ of music, the next morning.
January 29, 2022
‘Writing a song about my abuse was the hardest thing I’ve ever done’
Few artistes have gone through as many ups and downs as Tashfee, who is often cited as a rising star in Bangladesh’s music.
January 10, 2022
Echoes finally resonate in your Attic
Formed in 2012, Attic is one of the forerunners of the new ‘indie’ generation of Bangladeshi band music. The rising stars released their debut album, titled after their most well-known song, “Echoes in your Attic”, which is available for purchase digitally.
December 8, 2021
A minute with Ananda Mazumder
‘Stuttering comic’ Ananda Mazumder, who turned a perceived ‘weakness’ in to strength, is now a staple of Dhaka’s stand-up comedy scene. Ananda joins us tuday for a round of One Minute Please!
November 27, 2021
Delving deep into a legend’s mind
“Only by observing a great mind, can we decipher what separates them from the mediocre and pretentious,” says the writer.
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