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
November 20, 2021
November 20, 2021

‘We are ideologically similar, that helps us gel’

One of the fastest rising artistes in our music industry, the Rehman Duo keep pushing the envelope with their melodious serenades.

November 16, 2021
November 16, 2021

Shironamhin: A 25-year odyssey

You reached 25 years of your journey last April, but could not host a silver jubilee show due to the pandemic. Can we expect one in the future?

October 27, 2021
October 27, 2021

A minute with Sunerah Binte Kamal

Sunerah Binte Kamal has won over the audience with her National Award winning performance in ‘No Dorai’. The beautiful and talented young actress sits with us for a round of One Minute Please!

October 26, 2021
October 26, 2021

A minute with Masha Islam

The young and talented Masha Islam took YouTube by storm when she first started, and is now on the playlist of all modern Bangla music lovers.

October 20, 2021
October 20, 2021

A minute with Jon Kabir

Fresh off his latest release with Indalo, “Kokhon Ebhabe Ekhane Ke Jane”, Jon Kabir joins us for One Minute Please! In this rapid-fire interview, Jon had only one minute to answer the questions.

October 16, 2021
October 16, 2021

Amin and Ashik’s Live Standup Comedy Tour hits the road today

The almost non-existent stand-up comedy scene in Dhaka is kept alive by the endeavours of two gritty comedians – Ahmad Ashik and Amin Hannan Chowdhury, with their ragtag band of funnymen.

October 13, 2021
October 13, 2021

Uniting musicians and music lovers, BBMFC approaches 7 years

Over the years, the band music industry of Bangladesh has not only gifted the most talented musicians and memorable songs, but arguably the most passionate fans.

September 11, 2021
September 11, 2021

‘Aurthohin came back for you’

It is rare for a musician to receive the level irrevocable and unconditional love from the fans that Saidus Salehin Khaled, popularly known Bassbaba Sumon, has accumulated in his illustrious career. A bona fide legend in Bangladesh’s band music industry, he is a virtuoso on the bass guitar, earning him the moniker of Bassbaba. The beloved Aurthohin frontman has beaten cancer, and recently, a deadly spinal injury after spending the better part of three years in tremendous pain while in recovery. Now, the musician is back on track, fueled by the love of his fans, and his passion for music – as he talks to The Daily Star for more.

July 31, 2021
July 31, 2021

First and foremost, I am a musician: Pritom Hasan

Adnan Al Rajeev’s “YouTumor” lit up this year’s Eid with its unique presentation and message, musician turned actor Pritom Hasan at the forefront as the gullible and (un)fortunate Don. Pritom not only nails the character, but puts his own twist to it, resulting in a captivating back and forth with seasond actor Ziaul Hoque Polash. We talk to the young star for his experience, future plans and more.

June 21, 2021
June 21, 2021

World Music Day Special: Local musicians aim for global market

In the upper echelons of art, music is perhaps the only entity that unites and divides at the same time, based on language and nationality. While phenomenon like South Korea’s mercurial K-Pop scene has attained global popularity by sticking to their own language, there is no denying that English’s accessibility in the current world makes it easier for an international audience to relate to an artiste.