Editor, Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz, The Daily Star.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
The tragedy of the Bailey Road fire which snatched away the lives of four dozen people is hard to digest, even for Dhaka-ites. Many cultural programmes seemed insipid amidst the shadow of death that loomed over one of the capital’s cultural hubs – leading to the cancellation or postponement of some.
You might know him as the drummer for Chirkutt, but Pavel has been especially prominent in the music industry as a music producer, dominating the ad film market and lending his talents to films like “Saturday Afternoon”, “Television”, “Doob”, “Piprabidya” and more.
After studying from grades one to four in New York, Syed Mohammad Sohel came back to Bangladesh, carrying a distinct passion for rap in his heart. Aiming to accustom his people with the previously unknown craft, the boy reinvented himself over the years and became Mc Mugz, and went on to be part of two of the biggest rap crews in Bangladeshi history: Deshi MCs and Jalali Set. On the brink of releasing his first solo album, we catch up with the pioneer himself.
“Of course, I will support the people of my industry,” said Tisha, perhaps as a declaration of solidarity. “Only when we have each other’s backs will our film industry truly flourish”.
Recently, Nusraat Faria once again bedazzled audiences in “Kolija Ar Jaan”, from Afran Nisho’s debut film, “Shurongo”.
For almost two decades, Emon Chowdhury astonished people with his near-celestial guitar playing, a craft which he has given his unique, soulful voice. In the past few years, he emerged as one of the finest music directors in the country, weaving his magic in films like “Hawa,” Gunin, “Raat Jaga Phool, and “Maya – The Lost Mother.”
In her relatively young career, Oyshee has recorded multiple hit albums, has won the National Film Award for her playback singing, and spawned multiple blockbusters including Dushtu Polapain and Garir Mechanic. Recently, she started a new chapter in life. We talk to the talented singer for more.
They say that life is a great leveller – and that sentiment is doubly true for the entertainment industry. Coke Studio Bangla, a cultural phenomenon fuelled by endless debates about meritocracy and even capitalism in music, started season 2 with the highly appreciated “Murir Tin”, blending dialects of Chattogram, Khulna and Sylhet to make an incredible musical mishmash.
The artiste, who admits to being the ‘son of Barishal’ is in Dhaka, recording with renowned composer-singer Kaushik Hossain Taposh for a new project. We had a chance to talk to the legend at the premises of Gaan Bangla television in the capital.
“I worked with the director, Aga Nahiyan Ahmed, many-a-times before. He is an exceptionally talented worker, and its unexpected that he’d make such a video, without even informing us of his ‘inspiration’.”
“This is very demoralising for me, that too on a song in which I collaborated with Minar. This is a person that I did two albums for, more than a decade back – it was supposed to be a heartfelt moment”.
Recent times have truly been a coming-of-age story for 21-year-old Dameer, who is winning hearts with songs like 'Amar Jaan', 'Bashbo Bhalo', 'Sun', 'Michelle' and more. From a very young age, he has lived and breathed music, and now that his songs are internationally acclaimed on various mediums, he also faces scrutiny for every step he takes. We talk to the young musician ahead of his first solo concert on December 14.
In a bombshell announcement that took everyone by surprise, Nuhash Humayun’s Moshari will now be executive produced by Oscar-winning Hollywood superstars Jordan Peele and Riz Ahmed. In addition, Variety predicted that the prodigal director’s horror flick will make the Oscar nominations this year, in the “Best Live Action Short” category. Earlier, the director also helmed the first ever Bangladeshi project on Hulu. The Daily Star caught up with Nuhash to talk about his recent achievements, and his reaction to them.