Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Hamid El Shari And Mostafa Shawki New Single



Soccer fans should not expect to be murdered when all they are seeking the thrill of a game, not being chased down by thugs. More than 70 soccer fans have been murdered in cold bold at the stadium.

This is a slow song where the guitar meets the mellow voices of two singers, Hamid El Shari and Mostafa Shawki who also composed the music. This song offers sincere condolences for the families of the fallen young men and women.

حميد الشاعرى ومصطفى شوقى علاء و أنس اهداء لشهداء التراس اهلاوى

The Egyptian Version of Bridesmaids Will Stink



The movie that I hope no body pays to see, from Ghada Abdel Razik, the most hated female in post Mubarak Egypt who keeps making an idiot out of herself. she just won't take a break, every time she opens her mouth, you know we will get some stupid comments from her about other people.

While I loved the American film Bridesmaids, and so did millions of other people, it looks like being out of idea inspired the director to rip of a page form this hilarious movie and use a similar poster.

The thing with Ghada is not only her vocal support for the regime and its leaders--she has led protests against the Jan 25th revolution, badmouths other actors and directors. Aside from that, she looks 6o years old, but always take up parts for young people meant to be in their late 20s.

Here's a nother shitty sha'abi song that helps to sell this bad excuse for a movie.
اغنية اسامة الحسينى - ابو الليل | من فيلم ركلام 2012

Hind of Bahrain 2012 Pop Gulf Album



She is the embodiment of of what typical old school men in the Gulf fear, a good looking women who can sing and knows that she can make it out there. She does not see herself in a traditional role, and does not dress like she is one of millions of women in the Gulf--no disrespect.

She is a regional celebrity, and her media appearances on various TV stations are many. But now we are here to talk about her pop gulf album. Released just few days ago with Rotana and offering 14 track. 14 tracks are complete new songs takes ages to do in this age and it must have cost a fortune.

This is no award wining album, but I can tell serious thoughts have gone into it and Hind really challenged herself trying to find her groove back. In between romance, blues, and giddy dance she lives.

01 - Ta7adany
02 - Ya Ahl Alkher
03 - Men Alby
04 - Gebo Habiby
05 - Tesawy Tawayeqhom
06 - Jalsit Habayeb
07 - Bel Hadawa
08 - Wesh Mawdo3ak
09 - Domeny
10 - 3aned
11 - 7aga ghareba
12 - A7ebokom
13 - Aks Yady
14 - At7adak

The Anti-Politicians Palestinian Song By Dari



He is a Palestinian who is funny in Arabic and likes to sing. But his humor is directed toward life full of ironies. Politicians, and leaders whom no one follows. He is a sarcastic fellow.

This is one song that mocks those figures and sticks it to them, but also it's about us and how little do we know.

أنا مش سياسي، أحمد داري. I am not a politician, Ahmad Dari

Monday, January 30, 2012

Lebanese Bruno Preceded Bruno Mars



He has that classical warm voice when accompanied by Piano he can do wonders. This guy is back this year with a music video accompanied by his muse Cynthia. This couple seems to have a monopoly on their own images, they perform together and tend to reveal a love story that goes beyond music.

He leads, and she is there to support, but her supercharged personality is hard to miss.
Bruno - Ana El Majnoun / برونو - أنا المجنون

Joe Massoud - Kezzabi / جو مسعود - كذابه Pop Sucks



If I start this blog post when "this is not a terrible song", then you know Joe Masoud is not going to be happy with the review. But this is a manly song from a guy who is anything but handsome. He is the hard working male with muscles. And she is a babe that knows her affect on men.

I do not get the picnic part, like he might be poor, but he still can whop a good picnic with lots of picnic food. Roa liked his voice and thinks he really sounds good, so there;s that. I do not find the music original or interesting. However, I would give this song a B.

Joe Massoud - Kezzabi / جو مسعود - كذابه

Ebn Masr - Ghada Ragab ابن مصر - غادة رجب



Ghada Rageb is one of those super awesome singer whose perfect vocals and sincere emotions make the perfect combination any diva can wish for. Having said that, Ghada has never been a commercial success. I know she has been upset with that fact as not many production companies pursue here.

Therefore, as of this year she seems to have moved her base to Beirut and released a Lebanese song. The cool thing about Ghada is her ability to do so many Arabic dilect so well too--including the Libyan dialect.

Here's a song of hers about the children of Egypt, it's a soft song for the love of Egypt, reminding all Egyptians to comeback home to their beloved country that neeeds them at this important juncture.

Ebn Masr - Ghada Ragab ابن مصر - غادة رجب

Not Bad For An Amateur Palestinian Singer



Haitham Othman won't be making any records anytime soon, he won't be a big ticket item. He is one of dozens of Palestinians entertainers for are in it as a pastime. Those are the amateur entertainers.

He is an older guy, so he is not in it for the dancing girls. So what does he do? Not much, his song that gives you both a virtual and audio tour of Palestine. He plays a tour guide and names the Palestinians cities and things to eat / do there.

The song is about being positive and having a good outlook. But he says it all as if he wishes Palestine has no occupation. The title suggests, I wish to see my own country. The images form various Palestinian towns and villages are heartwarming.

His voice is decent, at times, you can tell it could benefit from some training, but who are we kidding, this is Palestine, nothing is perfect.
نفسي ادخل بلدي - للفنان هيثم عثمان

Julia Botrus 2012 Album "Yawman Ma" Available



Julia comes home this year! The singer that has one of the finest voices in Arabic music that does contemporary and classical songs with ease has just made her album available for purchase. If you are looking for some pop and computer generated music, you are out of luck.

But if life size stories, live orchestra wrapped in a voice of an angel attracts you then, this is the album to check out. We have heard at least 5 songs of this 9 songs album--I have yet to confirm that this is the official release.

In some internet forums one of the song was released "Atlaq Tiranak" was used in a propaganda video for the Syrian army as far as we know the artist has neither approved of the video nor condemned it. It's bad enough the song is titled "Open Your Fire"

01 Ya Mashallah
02 Shu Hal Helw Feik
03 Sawad El Leil
04 Yawman Ma
05 Alou Mshina
06 Atlaq Tiranak
07 Maqawem
08 Music 1
09 Music 2

جوليا بطرس - أطلق نيرانك لا ترحم

Carol Saker Channels Najat Al Sagheerah



This is an old school song that got a makeover by Lebanese diva Carol Saker (Saqr) becasue her father asked her to sing it. This is an Arabic gem that was sang by Najat Al Sagheera and the music composition was done by Mohammed Abdelwahab--there's no bigger legend.

Carol has always had that kind of sharp voice that can take any shape she wants to take. The song was recorded in 1960, only to be re-recorded by Carol and her husband--who is a music producer. Carol has injected a bit of herself and emotions in this masterpiece.

Evidently her father was obsessing over this song over their Christmas break--so he asked his daughter to do a cover, he even called in his son in law to help out. Days later we have a new old song that lives up the moment. Carol did not struggle with the song and breezed through it. This is not an easy song, it's a work of poetry where timing is important.

كارول صقر - "أيظن" by Elaph - إيلاف

Adel Mahmoud Asks His Sweatheart To Take It Easy



Adel Mahmoud is one of the few stars that I have nothing ill to say about. He seems so perfect and so good at his craft. He is doing the music thing for art, not for money. He is no lazy either, but he does not chase journalists to write about him.

That's why his mellow romantic style feels real! When I read about his latest single, more than a week ago, I was excited for a dose of Adel Mahmoud. And now that I have heard the track, I am glad I waited, it was well worth the wait.

حصريا / عادل محمود - خف علينا 2012

The Juiciest Arabic Entertainment News Is Here




  1. Elissa supports and prays for Egypt, she also shared a photo of hers wearing the Egyptian flag in solidity.
  2. Nancy Ajram has won for the third time the World Music Award after rumors have circulated that Nawal El Zogby has been granted the award. Most Arab entertains seem to have nothing good to say about this award--only those who have won it come to defend it.
  3. Tamer Hosny is in the defense once again, this time about his US / Canada tour. This is a pre set concert and the tour been planed since a year ago. He is even arguing that had he not performed, the US State Department will have issues with his visa. In the meantime half a dozen Egyptian activists protest the concert across the street from the venue in NJ.
  4. Marwa Nasir cancels her Beirut concert and delays her upcoming album in observance of the mourning state Egypt has been reduced to at this moment.
  5. Egyptian singer Mohammed Hamaki has finally found his mojo and criticized the army rule of Egypt via his twitter account. He even went to Al Ahly club and offered condolences for the victims--he is a supporter for the red team.
  6. Mohammed Foad has canceled his planned concert in one of Egypt's most popular park in the wake of the soccer massacre.
  7. Egyptian actor Khalid El Nabawy is back on the streets leading the protests, and asking for new fresh candidates for the presidency.
  8. Haifa Wahbe calls Samir Sfier, Lebanon's hottest composer a man who is not longer one and should seek medical attention in hormone therapy. Sfier picks on Haifa on most of his media appearances left and right. Haifa has offered harsh criticism of Raghib Alama who had previously said that his son does not like Haifa Wahbe! Hiafa called him out on bring his son into his father's public feuds.
  9. Fadel Shaker has some crazy words for other singers, Yara--is a money grubber who is always looking for a way to make some extra cash. Ramy Ayash is a rusty piece of scrap metal, Who the hell is Maya Diab, what has she done to win female entertainer of the year! Someone should ask Warda to wear a head cover and go on a hajj, she is a legend.

Activists Greet Tamer Hosny's US Tour With Rage!



It's not secret that Tamer Hosy has made a lot of enemies throughout his career, but out of those enemies no one hates him more than the activists. As Egyptians are slaughtered in the streets of Egypt, Tamer had a tough decision to make.

Hold his concerts in the States and Canada or can them? He has already canned them last year and this makes it harder to cancel once again. And there's a lot of money at stake that goes with the promotion and the costs of the tour. Still some people are upset with Tamer. The activists were waiting for him in New York and New Jersey with singed protesting his concert during those hard times in Egypt.

They even has signs to shame the star. Here's a video of the Egyptian activists--Jersey is the home of many of them. They chanted against Tamer and the military rule. It's worth mentioning that the DC concert went just fine with no incident.
Calling him, the singer for the ruling power--the police and the army. I think there's some truth to that.

Tamer had to get into the theater with police protection as more and more people have joined the protest against the singer according to Elaph.
نشطاء نيويورك ونيوجيرسي علموا علي تامر حسني

Kicking It Around Ehab Tawfik And Pals



Ehab Tawfik is the business of being Egyptian. He has even found a new dude who can really sing and sound like Mohammed Mounir--Ahsraf Salem is the name. these two guys are bringing back unity to the front of the dialogue.

the ones goes for those Egyptians who want nothing more than unity, they are not necessary opposed to change, but first and most they want unity of the people. The song is titled "Join Me", this is a song that makes it clear, there are many opinions and diversions, but when it comes to country, all Egyptians are united or at least they should be.

This is a surprise song from Ehab Tawfik who has kept away from politicking in his country ever since Mubarak has left the building.

اغنية ايهاب توفيق و اشرف سالم - انضم لينا | جديد 2012

Sunday, January 29, 2012

050 Band And Egypt's Soccer Massacre



Nothing 050 Band has done before can beat this song in boldness. This is a song that comes from a big caring heart that has been turned into an angry soul in light of the recent events.

For me, the lyrics are the winners, the vocals are alright, but nothing outstanding. The rap is a plus. However, the rage is called for and it's directed toward the army rule in Egypt

050 Ft Modyrap / زيروخمسين ومحمد اسامه - حداد (يسقط حكم العسكر )

Wael Kfoury "Arrab Laye" The Song NAMBLA Would Like




This was supposed to be a romantic song until they brought a baby with a hairy Lebanses singer in a wife beater. The song is about love and it mentions no babies or such. This was a popular song in the early 2000s, and the look Wael Kfoury went for felt like a page from the Godfather movie.

But the director found it cool to bring a little boy into the music video. There was a time when using babies as props was too popular in Arabic music videos, but no more. Even Haifa terrorized one in her Bos El Wawa SNAFU song.

I do not like baby sin music videos, and I certainly do not like to think of Wael as a child molester. But then again, he just had a bay of his own

P.S. Wael just has singed again with Rotana after three years of talks, talks and some more talks. This would be his first album in five years.
Wael Kfoury - Arrab Laye

Eskenderella, The Indie Band Post of The Week



So long Egypt! Here's a lovely song from the deep Egyptian south. A song about that famous and often crowded train, most take to hit south of Egypt--Aswan and below. It's an original song with a great story to tell about live in Egypt.

إسكندريلا - قطر الصعيد

Mahmoud Hassan, The Flute Meets The Piano



Piano gets little airtime in Arabic songs, but El nay or the flute has never gone out of style. It's the one instrument that manged to get the sad melody right. This one goes to current day's Egypt. It's about speaking up and being heard. It's no masterpiece, but it says what it wants to say well.

اغنية محمود حسن - عشانك اتكلمت | Mahmoud Hassan - 3ashank Etklmt

Khalid Selim البوم خالد سليم - ماانساك ابداً 2012



Oh Khalid! Egyptian pop singer actor and body builder Khalid Selim just released the album that he has been wanting to make for ages. A variety album where he reveals his true color and his true vocals with those very long songs.

Not only that, but he has also a number of song sin the Gulf dialect he knows so well since he grew up there. This the album Khalid did not make to get women, he has already been hitched so now you know he does not care for one. Two, the music is the show and not the beat and cool factor. This is so liberating.

There's also a song in the album that I have loved since 2008, Khalid does a killer cover of it, making it much more famous than its original artist ever could. I am betting that ever listner out there will mange to find at least 3 decent songs in this album--most will fine more, but I wasn't sold on many of the lyrics.

01.A7la El Nsaa2
02.Haza El Mohem
03.Far5 El 7amam
04.Equraby
05.En Ro7t
06.3'any
07.Meraytek
08.Marat El Ayam
09.Baly Mohtam
10.Enty Zmaany
11.Ma Ansak Abadan
12.El Donia Wardy

Karim Radi "Bafkr Fiki" Spanish Guitar Wins



The best and fastest way to break into the Arabic music business and seduce those Arab listeners is find a Spanish guitar melody, a sad song and a guy that sounds like Maroon 5 and then you have yourself a star.

Karim has figured it out early and so has Tamer Hosny, so you might be hearing soon form this new and good looking pop singer from the land of January 25th. The ladies are promised to enjoy this romantic song about a guy who is unafraid to speak up form the heart.

اغنية كريم راضى - بفكر فيكى | Karim Radi - Bafkr Fiki

MC Dahab Tongue Twister Song For Egypt




MC Dahab watches carefully over Egypt and as one of the million loving citizens, he is concerned with what he sees going on right now in his beloved county with the chaos, murder and secret and public conspiracies.

Nothing is more perfect than the picture of a bride! And that's the image most Egyptians think of when they think of home. This is what is happening explaining in one of the most tongue twisting lyrics I have heard in a really long time. The song is about dreamers, realists and really bad men.

While these people wanted to free Egypt from the shackles of the dictators, the dictator and his men are hard to beat as they transform themselves so quickly that it becomes a challenge being able to tell their plan. And of course thugs do not help the situation.

MC Dahab crafted yet another gem of his, and he even did the production and the sound quality here on this lovely track, I am not Egyptians, but just like millions of concerned Arabs, I hear their plight for better life and I pray for things to get better.


Mc Dahab = مصر العـروسة

Ibrahim Ashry - "Shaklo Mahabeneish" Average!



Not sure what gets Ibrahim Ashry going through his day, not his style of sad songs that makes you want to commit suicide, just like every other European movie. He sounds like Majid Al Qassim. Who listens to this stuff?

Maybe it has been such a long time since I was in high school when we would listen for breakup songs even before we have found someone that we liked. Lyrically speaking, this is a rich songs, but musicaly and performance wise, it's average.

Ibrahim Ashry - Shaklo Mahabeneish / إبراهيم عشري - شكلة محبينيش

Friday, January 27, 2012

Sherif Mekkawy - Hab3ed, Please Go Already



When someone you do not know has a song that says, I will go away, what do you say? I am inclined to say please by all means go and do not come any closer. It might be mean, but I am not too hot for Sherif Mekkaway's latest song.

This is a DIY model, piano and computer with a mic and you have yourself a song if you are feeling like it. This song might be a hit with the ladies, they tend to like songs like that. A dude crying his heart out is never popular with guys, but the ladies will listen--some at least.

Sherif Mekkawy - Hab3ed | اغنية شريف مكاوى - هبعد

A Yemeni Star Crashes Into Earth In Beruit



Belkis is a young and a popular star from Yemen whose work in focused on the Guld area--namely Dubai. She has been making waves in the region with her light pop songs and taking part of national celebrations.

As far as her voice, it's good nothing that would knock you out of water, but something that you can get used to. In her first mainstream Arabic music video she is landing in Beirut for filming of her latest, titled "A Matter Of Time"

A popular female director Nahla Al Fahed is behind the scene directing Balkis in their latest collaboration. Nahla is one of the busiest music video directors and for that I am grateful as she manged to make classy work that can be played for anyone.

But again, I am a fan of Belkis' and think that she can be the one voice form Yemen that we have been waiting for.
بلقيس تصوِّر "مسألة سهلة" في جو بيروت الشَّتوي


What Passes For Cool In Egypt



There's a new movie to be released in few days in Egypt, staring Boushra, Bushra or some combination. Along with legendary actor Mahmoud Yaseen, and Ahmed Fahmey, a comedy about an Egyptian gal living in London. she has seen the financial crisis

This is meant to be comedy, since you cannot judge a book by its cover, this songe from the movie is meant to get us excited about the film. We think the world of Bushra, but I have not seen her play the wacky side in some time. Not.

Here's a list of words in English that come up in her song, that was written by an Egyptian lyricists--Ayman Bahjat Qammar' The movie is titled, my lovely grandpa.

Oh My God!
Honey
Money,
Oh, Baby Baby
Wake Up
Hyde Park
Dark
Big Ben
I have my visa card

Good luck trying to make sense of the song.
كليب بشري - ورثت من فيلم جدو حبيبي Boushra Werst

"Ktir Salbe" The Lebanese Jerks Are Never Funny



As someone who has dabbled into comedy, I love to enjoy as much freedom as I can get away with in order to make my joke funnier. It seems that some Lebanese wannabe comics have run out of ideas on how to be funny and instead they decided to pick on the Palestinians. Here's their Facebook page

These guys are stopping short of blaming all their country's problems on the Palestinian refugees living there. This sounds like a white person in the 50s down south who is unhappy with his misfortunes and finds no body to blame his/her misery one but the black people sharing the land with them.

But why are we surprised and used with such half baked talents appearing in a TV station that has a ,long track record of adopting an anti-Palestinian agenda. MTV sucks of course. But I am more concerned about those young souls who seem to look for an escape goat to blame. It's like Palestinians refugees are the ones who are causing all the stalemate.

As a note, there is no plastic surgeon that can make any of these people appearing on this poor excuse for a comedy show look good, after what they have said. I hope in their next show, they do not ask people to chase out the Palestinians out of Lebanon.

I know many Lebanese who disagree with these clowns, and when the time comes, the refugees will return. What won't return is these guys honor as blaming the victim never works. I will always love and look up to Lebanon as a great Arab country, let's hope none of these comedians ever get a chance to run anything in their lives.

I know the group is trying to say this is Fitna...but this is getting old. The sad part these spoiled people you see in the video has probably never met a Palestine in their life.

Ktir Salbe - Palestine

Forget The Dragon! It's the Year Of Julia Botrous


Have you been seeing more and more of Julia Botrous in 2012? Yes, you have and if I know any better, I would say that you are loving it.

So far there have been three singles from team Julia, they are releasing them to drum up excitement for new album that would be the first in at least 5 years. She has been missing for some time, but not out. working with the world's best musicians to give us a dose of class.

Her latest single is about her loves one and together they will be living in the homeland. She wishes to be reunited with him and all the nightmares will end as the sun will soon shine...one day she says. She is asking him to shape up, and if not now, then one day, but he has to.

there are simply no lovelier song to kick off 2012 than this one. For fans of American music, think Norah Jones, but in Arabic

اغنية جوليا بطرس - يوما ما | Julia Boutros - Yawman Ma
Forget The Dragon, It's the Year Of Julia Boutros

اغنية جوليا بطرس - شو الحلو فيك | Julia Boutros - Chou El 7elo Fik

Carole Samaha Releases A Throwaway Song



Throwaway songs are all over the place, there are songs the artist makes for some reason or another, and often seems to be sub-par. This comes form the pressure on the singers to release something new to stay afloat. Sometimes they do it for marketing reasons.

That's what I think happened in the case of Carole Samaha and her latest song "I have gotten used to" I do not feel it and I think the singer shares that with me. This is not going to stick around and I doubt people will memorize this song.

Again, this is not terrible song, it just not good enough. This songs delivers what a pop song can, but it fails the emotional test and romantic dose test as well.

اغنية كارول سماحة - وتعودت | Carole Samaha - Wet3awedt

Why Do Arab University Give Awards To Singers?



Have you wondered who do Arab universities always give awards to singers, dancers and actors? Are they the role models they want their students to live their lives by? Why do not they give awards to scholars and thinkers?

Here's why? Singers and dancers are popular so when you announce one of them is coming to your campus, your students will pile up for the event. And then when you give an award, you get them for free or cheap. Who would say no to the university? After all you can tell yours kids that even places of learning value you.

It should not be this way, I do not think universities should bestow awards on people who might not even have went to school. Nothing against Khaled Selim, he is one cool dudes and he seems real.
Khaled Selim ... Ad3ey 3alek

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Egypt's City Band, "I Exist"



Say what you like about me, call me names, traitor, foreign agent and such but I do exist. The song takes up the voice of the youth who have been left standing alone in Tahrir Square. Sure, you can say that they are for instability and disunity, but I am still going to be around.

You cannot really distinguish this song from Western songs, had it not been for the lyrics that not only relevant in Egypt, but in the rest of the world as well

اغنية سيتى باند - انا موجود | City Band - Ana Mawgood

Adel Imam Had It Coming...Jail Time Baby!



I am with freedom of speech for all mankind, they have the right to speak up their mind and make their case, they also have the right to be silent of they chose to. More on this story here

This is something Egyptian actor Adel Imam must now realize. As he was just handed a sentence to serve time in Jail for 3 months. This was a surprise verdict against this comedian who was known for being in bed with the Mubarak regime. There's a fine line that separates freedom of speech from propaganda.

This is not freedom of speech on trial. It might be harsh, but I think this is a fair sentence for Adel. Here's why I see it this way:

  1. He made a long career of lampooning Muslims, Islamists, and has demonized them left and right. I can count at least four movies where he did just that.
  2. He had mocked the Muslim dress code and seemed to go out of his way to adopt the government line.
  3. He has been commissioned by the Mubarak regime to make movies that serves the ruling party's interests.
  4. He had never not even once criticized the regime or even blamed them for their wrongdoing-- he does not have to
  5. Granted he has made movies criticizing the government actions, but 9 out of 10 he blames the problems in the people, not the government.
  6. He had uncanny statements about the Resistance in Lebanon, that's why when he was filming his TV show, a Lebanese village chased him and his crew out of town.
  7. Adel loves to slap women in his movies, harass, molest and sleep with any women in his movies of course. He uses women as mouthpieces who cannot resist his charm.
  8. Adel blamed Gaza and Hamas for their problems while they are being bombed by Israel. He has asked Egyptians not to support Gaza either. The same thing that Mubarak did in private. The people of Egypt were collecting aide and donating blood and he was out there beating the man when he is down
I doubt he would serve time in jail, but this would be very sobering to him and the other half talents out there. He might be singled out, but being stupid should not be his line of defense. He did not just stick to his craft, he wanted it more than acting and opened his mouth where he has seemed to place his foot most of the time.

His stands against certain segments of the Egyptian societies under the Mubarak regime are coming back to haunt him now, and I do not feel sorry for him.
Adel Emam

Serwan Yamolky Trio - La Younsa

Serwan Yamolky is an Iraqi-Kurdish oud player and poet with more than 50 years experience. January 2012 saw the release of the Serwan Yamolky Trio's newest effort, La Younsa (in Arabic, Not Forgotten). La Younsa, recorded in Canada and performed by Yamolky and percussionists Tim Gerwing and Liam McDonald, is a hypnotic 55 minutes, highlighted by Yamolky's masterful oud technique and poetry. The album is available for purchase on iTunes. Check it out, La Younsa is an excellent piece of contemporary Arab music.

Zade Dirani, Talents Unleashed With Class



There's an unwritten rule that Piano player have to be nothing short of perfect in timing, dress and most dazzling looks. Jordanian Zade Dirani is no different. I have cross paths with him in DC when he performed out here few years ago, but it seems that Zade is only meant to grow bigger in stardom.

Backed by a live orchestra of seasoned musician in Jarash--Jordan's biggest concert venue the magic happens, also known as the Roman Theater. The piece that Zade composed is Zaina and it epic. This is one talents that makes most Jordanians and Arabs proud.

Zade is a highly acclaimed composer and with his youth comes a wealth of experience, confidence and charm. He can fill concert halls and bring on the magic that people expect from a world-class musician.

Zade Dirani - Zaina - Music / زيد ديراني - زينه - موسيقى

Bishara Sakhnini's Fans Are Weird



I am used to guys showering dancers with cash, not dudes showering another dude with money. This might mean that we things have gotten worse or maybe have gotten better. But I am still feeling weird about it.

See this concert called Layali Miami--Miami Nights, I imagine it's in Florida, but anything is possible. Then once they have showered him with cash, they pose to take a picture. And this not only happens once in this short video, it happens more than two times.

Bishara will be doing a US tour in California, Oregon and Arizona this month. Know for his strong voice that allows him to do old songs in the Damascus style along with that very lengthy mawal where breathing is not allowed. I like how in his pictures he always have the blue eye thing in a necklace.

Do not know enough about Sakhnini, but I suspect he is Palestine from the Arab 48 as his name suggests relation to famous town up there.

Layali Miami - Bishara Sakhnini Mawal Kanet Seghery

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Maya Nehme, The Katy Perry Of Lebanon




Maya Nehme is well know in her home country Lebanon in the night club / bar scene and in the dance studios. She doesn't do serious songs, but she takes her music seriously. she is very aware of her image and she realizes that in this age, the image is a big deal, so with each song she releases, she releases a new character to go along with it. That can get some people to care enough.

But it's not easy being in the pop business, it's shrinking business as a result of the contact introduction of new talents--emphasis on new not talent.

اغنية مايا نعمة - عم فكر | Maya Nehme - 3am Fakkar

Banat El3am "بنات العم" Egypt's Transgender Movie




There's a team in Egypt's comedy of three dudes (they call themselves the trio) and they have released three movies so far. In every movie they get a curse and deal with it using humor and comedy. First they traveled back in time in a quest for an old Egyptian artifact. Second time around, they went back to the 70s during the funk time and it was funny a treatment of that period.

for the third movie this time it gets tricky. There are three girls that get cursed into becoming three boys. This is a movies that's meant to be funny, but I am sure it has to either offend or alienate some demographic. I remember in 2004, there was a movie here called "the Hot Chick" that was a guy. It was a funny movie that tried not to make any big lessons.

This is how I feel about this movie that is currently plying in egyptain theaters. I have read that some Islamists are not too happy with the movies due to its confused sexuality. some are not happy with the gross scenes it has. I do not like the the scene where girls have dudes legs and hair too. but I have yet to watch the entire film.

I feel that these guys have been criticizing other filmmakers in Egypt, only now it feels like they have turned their movies into the same thing they have been condemning. Here's the movie song where Egyptain singer Mohamed Kilany delivers a song with the help of the trio!

محمد كيلانى و تريو - بنات العم | اغنية فيلم بنات العم 2012

Ahmad Dari Makes Us Feel Bad For Fatah



Fatah is in a bad shape. this once powerhouse of Palestinians leadership seems to have run out of steam. With outdated disconnected leadership that has put all its eggs in one basket, to young members who lack discipline.

No question that Fatah was a big deal, but no more. They really do not know what to do next. Even though they try to claim, we have other options they really don't. Their leader has been reduced by the Israeli occupation and has lost his VIP status.

If this is not humiliation, I do not know what is. they have been reduced into a groups of individuals vying to make a quick buck and bad mouth the next guy. This is coming from some guy who once believed the line.

and here comes this creative Palestinians guy with his viral videos to mock the party by making us feel bad for them. You do not want to feel bad for your leader, not when they have to stand up to guys like Bibi.

غلبانة يافتح. Galbaneh Ya Fateh

As Al Masry Defeats Al Ahly, Bloodbath Follows



We have heard of the sore losers, how about the sore winners? That what describes what has happened in the soccer stadium of the Egyptian city of Port Said. Al ahly, arguably, Egypt's largest soccer club was defeated in its match against Al Masry club (3 to 1).

The moment the game ended, the ultras of Al Masry team whose based in the city of Port Said swamped the field and chased down Al Ahly players who ran for their life. As far we know no players has been hurt.

77 people were killed--mostly in stampede and 109 people were hospitalized. This is a large toll as the previous number was estimated at 40 casualties. This was a bloodbath and many Egyptians are worried about their country. The SCAF does not seem to want to hand over the powers, and the parties seem not to be interested in prolonged SCAF rule.

As far as the soccer establishment in Egypt, they are essentially the same leadership, management and players that were favored by the Mubarak regime. This is a sad day when politicians use soccer and other sports to finish off their rivals.

Al Ahly is making the case they they were attacked, Al Masry states that Al Ahly Ultras started it, and so far i see no adults in the room. The tournament has been suspended by Samir Zaher (Mubarak's choice) indefinitely. General Tantawy might be seen as a leader as he ordered military plans to evacuate the Al Ahly players.

I am inclined to blame the twins who are in charge of Al Masry team, Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, they have a history of inflammatory remarks and incitement against other people. As for right now, they have submitted their resignation from Al Masry team. My hear tells me they had something to do with the massacre--they have a long track record of inspiring violence.

Correction, most victims were killed with sharp objects, knives and such which now being looked at as part of a plot by former agents of the regime.

شغب جماهير المصرى والأعتداء على الأهلى Yallakora.com

وفيات وإصابات جماهير الأهلى Yallakora.com

Did We Find Mc Dahab Or Did He Find Us?



The young Egyptians Muslims seem to have finally found a voice that speaks on ther behalf. That voice is called Mc Dahab. He seems to be a driving force in Egypt in the wake of the rise of Muslims in the polls. He sings, he raps and he gives sermons about life disguised as music.

I am proud to have covered this young man who has enough religious education to lead people in the prayer, but he also chooses to sing about life and challenges. He is unafraid to say he is Muslim. Unafraid to be uncool and choose to say old fashion things like AlSalmo Alykom (Peace Be Upon You) he raps about.

He speaks about the young people of Egypt who come with dreams, they are not trying to do harm, but they are not exactly shy of who they are. Peace is what they dream about, they dream about feeding the hungry. MC Dahab speaks it loud, he is not going to be deterred.

This is something would never have made it mainstream under the Mubarak regime. they might would have placed him in some jail for his pride in his faith and his peers. So far we have three tracks from MC Dahab, and just like his name in Arabic they translate into GOLD

ام سى دهب - احلامى | Mc Dahab - Ahlamy


P.S. Thanks to one of our readers who have given us a tip about the latest single

Ahmed Ezzat - Mat Al-Shaheed / احمد عزت - مات الشهيد



The net loves Ahmed Ezzat's new song about the fallen. While the titled is redundant, the song does not have anything unique. Nothing in lyrically, not much musically, but nevertheless, this was transferred on the net from one forum to another.

I think the best part of the song is when Ahmed sings the national anthem of Egypt. I like Ahmed Ezzat and I thought he was one of the underrated performers on Star Academy, but then he was runner up--which was good. I think he is capable or more than this song allow for.


Ahmed Ezzat - Mat Al-Shaheed / احمد عزت - مات الشهيد

Khaled Selim Saya "Hello" And We Say Right Back At You



Khaled Selim is no native speaker of English, but when it comes to music in English he is no stranger. See him deliver a rendition of "Hello", and see how the ladies are impressed by what seems like a natural moment.

I must say Khaled got some soul, it looks like his time in the Gulf where he grew up and went to better schools where teachers teach better English have served him very well. His album has been released and it's a tour of everything good about Khalid's voice, yet the lyrics feel tired.

Khaled Selim Hello

ادم - بنسى كل الدنيا / Adam - Bansa Kol El Donia



No one as young as Adam, should be as wise he seems. The singer who makes music that cheers up people who are down on their luck also know as sad people. This Lebanese singer who maintains a busy schedule in Beirut does not do many songs, but the few singles he has out there are enough.

He is the guy with a cult following and he has done that with half a dozen songs, and no albums. 2012 he just released a new single about that things he would give up in order to be with "the one" again.

ادم - بنسى كل الدنيا / Adam - Bansa Kol El Donia

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

And They Are Back! Black Theama On Freedom




To make a music video about freedom and love of country is nothing new, but to make sure that even the physically deaf can hear you, its magic. The lyrics of the song are positive and they are surely to rub people the right way--or the wrong way.

Black Theama emerged from the revolution to become Egypt's biggest boy band. Their style of music varies, but not focus on politics, but rather love and tales from the village. They have done a song that came a year before the revolution, but it explained why the revolution was coming and who will lead it.

Now, they that they have performed in every spot that has electricity in Egypt, they are going beyond home. Why? These guys are originals! They come from a part of Egypt that everyone loves music and locals for long have enriched the Egyptian folklore.
Black Theama - Hor | بلاك تيما - حر

Khaled Selim Tries His Luck With Romance



I have always loved this poem/song and it was performed once by a young singer from Egypt with the name Samer. Not sure what happened to him, but he was around in late 2008, early 2009. I had sent this song to my fiance from New York and I told her it makes me think of her. Because it really did.

Now 2011 comes around, Khaled Selim and he personalized it. He said it's a song that he enjoyed when he was getting to know his future wife. This time he is going classy and I am impressed. Yes, this is when class met romance with a serving of Khaled Selim whose vocals have always been increasingly impressive.

This song tells a story about a soul that falls in love, and then all opposites attract and things that you never see happen at once, go together. This is the will of the Lord who grants good looks to whom he desires.

Khaled Selim A7la Al nesaa

Monday, January 23, 2012

Amr Elmasry "Ba7eb Israel": Funny Or Anti-Israel Song



"I am an Egyptian Man" says this song. Amr El masry is not class act, he is a new comer to the Sha'abi music style. That;s folks music as played by cab drivers and people in those poor areas around Cairo.

His song caught the internet by fire, and the title is sure to offend just about evryone, "I Love Israel" is the title. And then once Arabs get passed their emotions, they give this song a listen, only to learn that Amr is no foreign agent. You must hear the song, but I am sure Israel is not too happy about that.

The singer wishes to see Israel dissolve and other lines that do little good. This song is supposed to be funny and meant to get someone to become famous, it's like marketing with steroid. However, most people who listen to this kind of music are the sons who are on drugs, consume alcohol and have little influence in the real world.
اغنية عمرو المصرى - بحب اسرائيل | Amr Elmasry - Ba7eb Israel

Hamid El Shari Demo Music Rocks



Hamid El Shari is a Libyan who would come to Egypt and revolutionize Arabic music from the outdated musical blocks the Eastern melodies that lacked fresh and progressive concepts.

Came a guy who was influnced by Hip Hop music-the old school and the Italian culture, and he took all that and used his background working in the radio to make Arabic music a lot more hip and a lot more pop. I guess what he did was become the first Arabic DJ.

While Hamid did not write much music, he took the work of other composers and made it cooler by re arranging it. Then his name becaome a household name he ruled the late 80s and early 90s. And now he is still the dude to go to. He runs a popular radio in Rehab Radio in Cairo.

Here' few random collections of his tracks, some has vocals others. But one with Mounir is defiantly worth every second.

حميد الشاعري - موسيقي البوم اكثر هدوءا



حميد الشاعري -- من غير حاجب - ديمو من الالبوم الجديد


محمد منير مع حميد الشاعري -- حبيبي لولا السهر

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Khaled Helmy Ft. Ahmed Ezzat On Unity




These are two guys who rock all around. They have released this cool track about love of country. It's an awareness song about being on the guard against those enemies of Egypt. While the song is about the enemies and those who want to do harm to Egypt--too often this is an exaggerated threat.

I like this track. First the music is supercharged, it just sends you to the edges, and keeps you interested. The lyrics are relevant and well written. But the best things about this song is the excitement these two guys bring.

While Egypt is being pulled in many directions, the people always know what's best and have shown as much.
خالد حلمى و احمد عزت - ايد واحدة | Khaled Helmy Ft Ahmed Ezzat - Ed Wahda

Coca Cola Bastardize The Egyptian Revolution



Ciarokee has done the impossible, they are the only band in the world to write songs for both Pepsi and Coca Cola. I do not think has been done before. This is like rooting for the Yankees and the Red Socks at the same time.

But this is business and they are always after the popular guy, not sure who hired them officially, but this is their second song for a soft drink. The video is about doing good, and giving others a hand. And then celebrate with a beverage from Coca Cola.

Coca-Cola Egypt Heroes

Tamim Barghouti, The Palestinian Egyptian Poet



Tamim has not returned to the States in some time. He was teaching in some American university and then he went back to Cairo to be with his family and work with some UN arm that works in promoting culture. He is a good candidate as he is a commentator and a well known one on cultural issues pertaining to Arabs.

Tamim has teamed up with Qabila TV in a poetry reading about the people of Egypt and history with ruthless rulers. For fans of history, they are in for a treat. The poem chronicles the history of old and modern Egypt.

The slideshow accompanying the poetry reading is also touching. The video comes as a tribute for the revolution in Egypt in its first anniversary. While Tamim is well know around the world for his fiery work in Arabic poetry. Egypt has been his home since he was a little boy as his mother is Egyptian and his old man is Palestinian.

This video is like a history channel documentary only hipper and more interesting to watch. The energy and stories brought by Tamim are hard to match as he switched from classical Arabic to Egyptian dialect.

@QabilaTv يا شعب مصر ... مع تميم | قبيلة