It was only yesterday that the nation watched as harmless old fakir was dragged away, lured by coaxing words, while men in gloves ignored his pleas and held him down like a disobedient animal before shaving his head – a disturbing violation of autonomy and human rights. In today’s climate, where such behaviour is displayed, encouraged, and even defended, going ahead with an event celebrating music, Sufism, and Baul sangeet was a necessary act of defiance.

Music often serves as a form of therapy, and when it comes from a film, it carries an even deeper power, bridging the audience with the characters and their stories, enhancing the emotional flow. “Megh Balika” from the Shihab Shaheen directorial web film “Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya” is one such song that beautifully captures this essence.

Coke Studio Bangla has released its sixth track of Season 3, “Moha Jadu”, marking a first-time collaboration between Bangladeshi music producer Habib Wahid and Tajikistani singer Mehrnigor Rustam.

British-American composer Mark Ronson is set to collaborate once again with filmmaker Greta Gerwig, this time for Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of “The Magician’s Nephew”, the sixth novel in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. Gerwig, who previously worked with Ronson on the 2023 blockbuster “Barbie”, is writing and directing the fantasy adventure, which will serve as a prequel to “The Lion”, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.

Coke Studio Bangla has returned to rhythm after more than a year’s pause, following the release of Hashim Mahmud’s “Baji” to launch its third season. That was followed by “Long Distance Love”, performed by Ankan Kumar and Sheikh Mumtahina Mehzabin. The latest entry features celebrated musician Habib Wahid, who joins Tajik singer Mehrnigor Rustam for the upcoming song “Jadu”, set to premiere today on the Coke Studio Bangla YouTube channel.

Lipa reaffirmed her stance by adding, “It will always be Free Palestine, but using a global tragedy as a tool to sell newspapers is something I find profoundly disturbing.”

Then came a bold post-production decision. Initially, Adnan followed the familiar Coke Studio colour palette. But something about the song resisted. “I felt an instinct to lean into black-and-white, to give the video a timeless look. It wasn’t in the plan, and there was back-and-forth with the agency and client. But they trusted the vision. In the end, it became the first black-and-white Coke Studio song ever.” For him, the absence of colour gave the emotions their true form. “Colours should always reflect emotion. Here, the emotions demanded black-and-white.”

Iconic Bangladeshi rock band Warfaze has made history as the first South Asian band to partner with Zippo on exclusive band-inspired lighters.

A brand-new album titled “Bujhlam”, presented by GaanShala and Ek Nirjhorer Gaan, is set to be released tomorrow. The album features four original tracks written and composed by Enamul Karim Nirjhor and performed by celebrated singers Somnur Monir Konal, Masha Islam, Dola Rahman, and Antara Rahman.

Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin, who had been away from music while battling cancer, has recorded a new track after regaining her health. Titled “Otit Golpoguli”, the song will soon be released under the FA Music label.

British pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly parted ways with her agent after he signed a letter calling for the removal of pro-Palestinian Irish rap group Kneecap from this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The National Award–winning singer lamented that the works of iconic voices such as Andrew Kishore and Subir Nandi were never properly archived.

Popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan has announced that he will gradually step back from his music career, suggesting that his ongoing tour might be his last. The 45-year-old artiste made the revelation on stage during a concert in Melbourne on Saturday night, telling the audience that he plans to “slowly wind down” his life as a performing musician.

The programme is part of the broader Musician’s Master Class (MMC) initiative, designed to provide structured learning opportunities for musicians across Bangladesh.

Taylor Swift is turning her latest album launch into a cinematic event. To celebrate the release of her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl”, the pop superstar has announced a three-day theatre experience titled “Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl”.

Recently, Ankan has been making waves with “Long Distance Love,” composed by Shuvendu Das Shuvo, with lyrics co-written by Pragata Naoha and Ankan himself. The song resonated deeply with listeners who related to the pain of separation. “Some loved it, while others didn’t. But what I cherished most was that people began sharing their own love stories in my comment section,” he said.

Assamese singer was beloved across South Asia for his Bollywood hit

Only weeks ago, another of his songs, “Tumi Masti Korbe Jani”, went viral after a live concert, a cheeky satire aimed at three stalwarts of West Bengal politics.

The special track, recorded in the voice of Shovan Ganguly, features Pallabi and Debraj as models in the music video, which has been directed by Niladri.

Pakistani hip-hop sensations Talha Anjum and Talha Yunus are coming to Dhaka for the first time to perform at a concert scheduled for the third week of October. The event is being organised by Rishka Connect and Dhaka Broadcast, the organisers confirmed to Prothom Alo.