Singer-songwriter Charli XCX, rapper Ghetts, and indie rock band The Last Dinner Party are among the nominees for this year's Mercury Prize, organisers of the British music award said on Thursday, with debut albums making up more than half of the shortlist.

Last evening, the official Olympics committee unveiled the new anthem "Hello World" performed by Gwen Stefani and Anderson .Paak. This song was written in collaboration with Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic and a renowned pop songwriter, who co-wrote and co-produced it.

Lady Gaga is introducing a fresh stage persona, featuring a different vocal style, for her rendition of the DC character Harley "Lee" Quinn in the upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux”. The Grammy and Oscar-winning artiste shared with Empire magazine that her portrayal of this iconic character, originally appearing in the "Batman: The Animated Series" show, will reveal a new facet of her artistic expression. 

The singer has been battling cancer for 11 years now. Despite receiving treatment at various hospitals in Bangladesh and abroad, his condition has deteriorated. Jewel's wife, news presenter Sangeeta Ahmed, announced on Thursday, that Jewel is now on life support.

Shafin Ahmed, the celebrated and iconic band musician, will be laid to rest beside his father, the esteemed composer Kamal Dasgupta. The 63-year-old music legend passed away at 6:50am on Thursday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Virginia, USA.

“I cannot believe that we are seeing scenes like this on the streets of Bangladesh, our own people being treated like this, unbelievable,” wrote Shafin Ahmed four days ago on his Facebook profile. Little did he know that this would be the last visual he would have of his beloved motherland. All his life, Shafin had raised his voice against whatever he perceived as injustice– which also led him to leave the band he helped make legendary, Miles.

Shafin Ahmed, who especially made a steadfast name for himself in the 1990s, has made significant contributions to the band music scene in the country. He is known for many hit songs that have deeply resonated with millions of young people.

Bangladesh recently witnessed a significant level of unrest due to the consequences of violent clashes which followed the quota reform movement. Over the past week, violence erupted across the country, especially turning the capital city into a battlefield. However, the situation is now being strictly monitored with the enforcement of curfews.

Shafin had been an integral part of Miles since nearly its inception. Despite personal setbacks, he had always found his way back to the band until November 2021, when he announced his final departure, citing various internal issues.

The musician, who gave us timeless hits like “Harano Sukh,” “Aj Jonmodin Tomar,” “Phiriye Dao,” and “Neela,” breathed his last far from home, in the United States. The news was also confirmed by Ashfaqul Bari Rumon, lead vocalist of the band Parthibo.

Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was scheduled to perform in Dhaka on July 20. However, due to the ongoing political unrest and nationwide curfew, the concert has been postponed to November.

Celine Dion appears poised for a comeback at the Olympic Games, with speculation suggesting she will perform during the opening ceremony on Friday. This will be the pop icon's first appearance since she paused her touring and withdrew from the public eye following her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis in December 2022.

As quota reform protesters clashed violently with police and the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) during their "complete shutdown" movement, rapper and barrister Towfique Ahmed announced on Facebook that his law firm would provide assistance to the protesters.

Indian singer Kabir Suman has spoken out about the ongoing quota reform movement in Bangladesh. Today morning, he took to Facebook to call for an end to the violence from all parties involved.

Runa Laila, the legendary icon of the subcontinent, shares a strong connection with contemporary artistes. Recently, this renowned artiste praised the song "Dushtu Kokil," sung by National Film Award-winning singer Kona.

Prominent entertainment industry figures took to social media to express their views on the issue, highlighting growing concerns over the government's response and the use of force against non-violent protesters.

Shakira dazzled in a metallic silver skirt and halter top, opening with her iconic song “Hips Don’t Lie.” Amidst her performance, she passionately exclaimed, “Te Quiero, Colombia!” (I love you, Colombia). Accompanied by dancers and robotic performers, Shakira continued with her hits “Te Felicito,” “TQG,” and “Puntería,” showcasing her impeccable dancing skills.

Diljit Dosanjh made history by selling out the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada.

The music scene in South Asia has always been vibrant, but traditionally it has been dominated by the juggernaut of Bollywood soundtracks established by thriving labels. The industry is now witnessing a seismic shift, fueled by the democratising power of social media and the rise of short-form videos. Instagram reels have become a breeding ground for independent artistes who are bypassing traditional gatekeepers and building massive followings with their captivating narratives and infectious music.

The movie stars Shakib Khan alongside India's Mimi Chakraborty and Bangladesh's Nabila, with significant roles played by Chanchal Chowdhury, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Gazi Rakayet, Salauddin Lavlu, and Gausul Alam Shaon.