The Coolest Arab Singer Now

Very few Arabic music listeners know much about Darine Hadchiti , she is a young Lebanese star, has been around for about six years now. She enjoyed a number of hits in 2005-2007 and has been trying to stage a solid comeback even sense. Last we heard from her, she recorded a song for Palestine few months ago. Darine is getting ready to release her latest video clip and if the pictures are any indicators, we cannot wait to view her latest music video. What I like about those pictures is the fact that Darine does what she likes in sententious way that has always been her brand. Unlike countless other female singers she does not show skin to get your attention but her girlish charm keeps you close. Her energy is unmatched and hope to see her in concert. Those pictures scream "I do not care, I like my wa" attitude reminds me of many pop culture icons of weights of Madonna and dare i say Lady GAGA

Update, here is the music video from which the pictures were taken...Darine looks a bit different in this clip, but her voice, style and child like playfulness remains unchanged.

Nancy Loves Those Loving Fans

Nancy Ajram remains on top of the Arabic music charts with her N7 album, that sells like no other album. She rightfully will be up there fore few months more. Of course there is the Nancy fan base, but this time around she has given us an all around amazing album where you can peak at Nancy's heart as the worlds she sings are coming from her heart this time around. I never thought there will be wisdom coming form her lyrics, but this album proofs that she is a smart artist who is highly sensible. I am happy for Nancy, her marriage, and her little daughter, they seem to have give her new meaning in life that add a depth to her music and her lyrics. Einy Alyeek has 15 tacks and all the 15 songs are worth it listen to and worth to live by as Nancy delivers a doss of sober reality with a mix of funk and spunk.

These pictures were taken from her set in southern Lebanon as she is filming her latest music video, for Shaikh Alshabab. while I am sure the music video will be a treat, I am kind of not too impressed by her outfit. But that is made up for her her grace as she greeted her fans and posed for pictures.






[More picture here]

ToNe Asks, Want To Be A Rapper?

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A new Iraqi rapper all the way from Detroit comes this new upbeat rapper to entertain you. Iraqi Born, Detroit Rapper ToNe Releases“ Want To Be A Rapper” Music Video!

Iraqi Born Detroit raised rapper ToNe has just released the music video to the song “Want To Be A Rapper” the song tells of all the struggles ToNe goes through trying to make it in the music industry and also sheds light on the fact that everyone and their mother wants to be a rapper these days.

On coming up with the song “Want To Be A Rapper” ToNe says
“Just seeing thousands of people on My Space that are rapping but aren’t very good brought it to my attention that everyone thinks they can be a rapper, I was also watching a few reality shows at the time on TV about rappers trying to make it and of coarse most of them had no talent, it made me want to make a song about everyone that was trying to rap, no disrespect to anyone that’s actually good and making music but just to the people that should remain Hip-Hop fans”

Here’s the much anticipated music video for your enjoyment

ToNe and his family moved to Detroit, MI in 1991 barely escaping the gulf war alive, ToNe was only 4 years old at the time, he started rapping at the age of 13 and since then has created quite a buzz working with artists like Young Noble, Sean Kingston and also opening up for artists like Trick-Trick, Kevin Lyttle, and more!

The music video starts with an opening scene with a music executive looking for the next big and along comes charming ToNe with his demo. I do like his use of a demo tape, I thought that was funny and good. I Loved it when ToNe told the music producer “That’s all I can afford right now”. Hope to see ToNe on the cover of Complex Magazine one day becasue he is one hip rapper.

For more information on ToNe visit his MySpace, YouTube and Twitter

Essam Raji the voice that made your father hip

I first came to hear about Lebanese singer Essam Rajiعصام رجي when I listened to his classic song "Lagitak" covered by Lebanese then up and coming Singer Diana Haddad. I thought it was an original song until Diana gave credit to the Essam Raji original singer. But sadly there is little published on the internet about this fascinating Arab singer who has enriched the Arabic music scene where he continues to influence many new comers.

Many of his songs are now classics in the Arabic music library. Those want to show off their street cred have to perform his songs as a test. Sadly he passed away in 2002 concluding his journey that stated in the 60s of the last century as he collaborated with the biggest players in Arabic music. To name few Sabah, the Rahbani brothers and Fareed Alatrach

It was a surprise to me to learn that Essam Raji is the man behind the all time favorite belly dance song Hizi Ya Nawa'em (vidoe below).

• هزي يا نواعم.
• لا قيتك والدنية ليل.
• يا سمرة يا تمر هندي.
• حبينا دكتورة.
• يومين شهرين.

Lagitik, perhaps the saddest Arabic song on missed connections and missed love opportunities when you are too late.



It's artists like Essam that make me love Lebanon even more and more. Those are the songs that made my father and his generation look hip back in the 70s, and here am I re-discovering those gems and enjoying them to the core. Let's hope more singers cover this under-rated Lebanese legend.

Haifa Wehbe The Notorious Diva is on FIRE

What happens when you get one of the world's best DJ Frenchman David Vendetta and the Arab world biggest export? You get a bit of a house orient mix, and you sit around waiting for the music video.

Haifa Wehbe just released this music video for us all, it has been more than 6 months since the song was released to the masses and I know everyone and their mother in the Arab world music scene has been talking about it. But thankfully, the wait is over and you get a music video where you see Haifa flaunting her best assets, with many creepy looking Arab clones, and many symbols and icons that are meant to represent somethings. Not to forget the heavy CG work the music video parades. DOESN't Haifa look like Amy Lee from Evanescence?

I sure hope David Vendetta got some serious cash for this song as Haifa seems to think now she is a global star as she is singing in English too. So there you go, the number 1 sensational singer is out to entertain you.

WAMA, More *NSYNC, less Backstreet Boys

WAMA, the hottest boy band in Egypt and the Arab world had their second album about a month ago and their fans appreciate it. They came back together and delivered their album Rayha Gaya, I was skeptic at first, but now I actually like their album. It's your average love songs, but the music and lyrics are refreshing. The 4 band members came back, even though 2 of them had a good career on their own, they chose to come back and make music to their fans and the new social media generation.

Here is an interview with them talking about their album

WAMA with FilFan.com لقاء واما مع في الفن 2010

Nicole Saba is a babe with Agenda

Lebanese singer turned actress has all a female Arab singer needs, the good looks, and the strong voice that keeps listeners enchanted. Nicole has come a long way since her start with the all girl band 4 Cats. She is now a huge star in Egypt and many movie producers seek her as her star power can make the difference from a flop into a hit. What I like about Nicole that she is the activist type. Yes, she makes a lot of average movies, and whatever songs, but in her music videos and in some of her lyrics she is all about social change, the kind that rocks the boat.

Take for example, she has at least 3 hit songs that make the plight of women both real and sexy. She makes music videos where she says, "It's up to me", and then she makes another about the guy she fancies to marry, but cheesy it's as she tells us the guy will first love her and then make her like a trophy and not treat her right. Yes some of her dresses are a bit too much for a Middle Eastern audience, but that might be just the point. Many female singers show their skin, but none does it with an agenda as Nicole does. Here is a list of her best songs that tackle social issues very few mainstream artists care to promote. Weather Nicole is right or wrong, she defiantly stir the pot and brings those casues to the attention of the Arab masses.

Race

Nicole Saba Bahebak Awy نيكول سابا بحبيك أوي

Women Rights

Nicole Saba - Fares Ahlamy / نيكول سابا - فارس أحلامى

Nicole Saba - Ana Tabee Keda / نيكول سابا - أنا طبعى كدة

Nicole Saba - Brahty / نيكول سابا - براحتي

Nicole Saba is a babe with Agenda

Lebanese singer turned actress has all a female Arab singer needs, the good looks, and the strong voice that keeps listeners enchanted. Nicole has come a long way since her start with the all girl band 4 Cats. She is now a huge star in Egypt and many movie producers seek her as her star power can make the difference from a flop into a hit. What I like about Nicole that she is the activist type. Yes, she makes a lot of average movies, and whatever songs, but in her music videos and in some of her lyrics she is all about social change, the kind that rocks the boat.

She also knows how to get the attention of men, they like cars, she will bring some awesome cars in her videos, they like dance clubs, they get one. Once Nicole has their attention, she can communicate her message. You can say that she knows a thing or two about marketing a cause.

Take for example, she has at least 3 hit songs that make the plight of women both real and sexy. She makes music videos where she says, "It's up to me", and then she makes another about the guy she fancies to marry, but cheesy it's as she tells us the guy will first love her and then make her like a trophy and not treat her right. Yes some of her dresses are a bit too much for a Middle Eastern audience, but that might be just the point. Many female singers show their skin, but none does it with an agenda as Nicole does. Here is a list of her best songs that tackle social issues very few mainstream artists care to promote. Weather Nicole is right or wrong, she defiantly stir the pot and brings those casues to the attention of the Arab masses.

Race

Nicole Saba Bahebak Awy نيكول سابا بحبيك أوي

Women Rights

Nicole Saba - Fares Ahlamy / نيكول سابا - فارس أحلامى

Nicole Saba - Ana Tabee Keda / نيكول سابا - أنا طبعى كدة

Nicole Saba - Brahty / نيكول سابا - براحتي

Walid Toufic is an old dog with new tricks

Walid Toufic, Lebanon's biggest singer in the late 80s and early nineties never wanted to disappear and ever since 2001 he has been trying to orchestrate a comeback. New material did not work out for him, repackaging his older stuff did not go far. What did he do?

He went back and got his groove back by exploring new lyrics with some of the best of Lebanese styles singing in what has been called the white dialect. The Bedouin style of singing. He stopped trying to look much younger than he really is. Hired a good team to produce his music videos and you get this new song La T'awedny Aleik, "don't let me get used to you"

The music video is a tribute to the diversity and colors of Lebanon that has many beautiful elements, Walid's music video celebrates few icons in fashion, customs, music and beat. and it does not hurt to have a gorgeous model and a cool looking singer.

I know many of his fans and his new ones appreciate him introducing new material without trying to change reality or bring the clock back.

Walid Toufic - La T'awedny Aleik / وليد توفيق - لا تعودني عليك

Mohamed Eskander celebrates women in his own way

Can a song lead to protest? popular folksy singer Mohamed Eskandar, the guy who is old enough to be grandpa released a song in May 2009 with the title Joumhoureyet Alby "The Republic of My heart" in which he tells his love that she should not get a job and sort of sit at home where she is cared for and pampered. Needless to say Lebanese women rights activist had a rally or two protesting this song and its message.

But the singer and his team outsmarted all of those critics. They released a music video for the song, where instead of singing to his girlfriend, Mohamed Eskander is telling his daughter who just graduated to chill at home. I think the music video is funny in a good way, where you can see women graduating from college, working and pampered. What girl will protest that?

I do like the semgnet of the song where the boss tries to harass the female and then her dad loses it and put s gun in the boss' mouth. Good Job Mr. Eskander

Mohamed Eskandar - Joumhoureyet Alby / محمد إسكندر - جمهورية قلبي

Here is what happens when a really good singer has little money and little attention...they make cheap looking music videos that leave viewers with little impression. Egyptian pop star Randa wanted to be in the air by any mean necessary. Randa, please please fire your dance choreographer and make better videos. I am fan and will always be, but this music video is WEAK!

Randa - Ya Alby Ertah / راندا - يا قلبي إرتاح

UTN1 - Tatazakaein / يو تي إن وان - تتذكرين

Arabic, Boy Bands, Iraq and Rock? Do more do you want?

that's what UNT1 are all about....all the way from Iraq rocking everyone in between. Founded in 1999 and still around making stellar Arabic music that appeals to the non-Arabic music fan.

UTN1 got the looks, the attitude, and the chops to own the Rock genre in the Arab world. I am sure they are big with edgy fans and foreign residents in Arab countries. FINALLY some breath of fresh air that no one saw coming from Iraq...we have Art, Hassan, Akhlad’s (the engineer with a heart of gold and lots of video games expertise) and Shant to thank. Look up their pictures on their site to know they mean rock business and they are really good at it.

Hope to see them in concert sometimes soon, sick of the average Arab concert and ready for some edgier shows with UNTN1 and whoever is daring enough to enter the Arab rock business.

UTN1 - Tatazakaein / يو تي إن وان - تتذكرين

Hisham & Amina - Baladna Sing For Home

see what happens when two unlikely Arab singers you would never see sing together because once they have two different styles, two different dialects, and two completely different demographics. Maybe that's why they came together....Hisham the Lebanses singer with the voice that remain loyal to the Lebanese tradition. Amina, Egypt's hottest popular folks singer come here in this song where they entertina. I know I was like these guys? But then when I listened to their song, I was like DUDE!

They both celebrate their home countries, and count what they love about their home, then they highlight some of the best singers from there respective countries. Fainly to come to know that they actually love each other.

I like the charisma and the confidence of Amina, Hisham does not disappoint with his charm and good nature. Here is' enjoy

Hisham & Amina - Baladna / هشام و أمينة - بلدنا

The Sexy Arabian Pirates Are Here

The Sexy Pirates of The Arabian brought to you by Lebanese singer Nelly Makdessi. In this music video, pirates are all over it and it's not even the free show at the treasure Island in the Las Vegas Strip. See the eye patch, the Arabia dancers, the booty, the tattoos, the guns, the fights and don't forget the monkey. I am still pleasantry surprised by the good production of this music videos that comes from a star who has been struggling to make it to the A list. Just look at the dazzling customs and you will realize some serious money has been spent to give the music video a real premium status. See for yourself...

Nelly Makdessi - Ya Dada / نيللي مقدسي - يا دادا

Dr. Alban Arabic Makeover

Lebanese beauty Melissa brought out her second collaboration with old school rapper Dr. Alban, in a semi futuristic setting, rap lyrics, Arabic and Western Music fusion comes Tell me What U Want. I like the musical arrangement and the voices of both performers, not sure how I feel about the Music video.

Dr. Alban & Melissa - Tell Me What U Want

Haitham Shaker: Arabic Concert Live

Wow Arabic concerts have gone high tech since last time I checked! Popular Egyptian singer Haitham Shake who used to be a big name four years ago is staging a comeback and he is hoping his latest "Asli Adeem" translated to "Old School" is surprisingly a good song, but the stage where he performed this song live is a sure hit. The stage designers and engineers promoting Arabic singers keep getting better to give the fans an experience not just the same old concert.

Haitham Shaker - Asly Adeem ـ Live / هيثم شاكر - أصلي قديم - حفلة

The Hot Arabic Music Report

The best time to release an album is either the summer time or the holidays. For the majority of Arabs the Eid is the perfect time to sell records as people tend to have more cash and the mode is good so that translates to more sales and more concerts. This Eid, few Arab singers released their latest gems this holiday season. some delayed their albums till further notice which makes me wonder will the music market ever recover? I think the Arabic Music market needs an iTune like platform to help bring it back as fewer and fewer artists are releasing albums. Look no further than Raghib Alamah and Amer Diab; they have been holding back on releasing new material. I know in the Middle East Cellphones have been a good platform to sell ringtones, but now everyone has the ripping forward or knows someone who owns such software to generate ringtones. Here is the new stuff:

for More news on Arabic music please visit The Hot Arabic Music Blog

Yara, the latest good looking female singer who actually can sing has much to celebrate these days. Her latest music video was well-received by viewers. For a Lebanese singer to sing a song in Gulf dialect can mean things are desperate, not with Yara. Sokar Zyada سكر زيادة (Extra Sweet) plays like a Western fairly Tale, happy people in dazzling dresses, cakes, colors and the whole nince years. I am please ro see the work of the leading female director Laila Kanaan deliver another great music video without having to show extra skin. Yara is one of the most sought after singer for royal weddings in the Gulf where is is as big of a star as she is in her native country Lebanon where she made her debut in the summer of 2005.


Nancy Ajram,the little girl has grown, has fallen in love and now she has delivered a dramatic song where she shows us that she can act. The marketing guru behind the most popular Arab star are really worth the money. first she was the cute next door girl whose looks charisma and charm made her a household name. that worked for Nancy up till 2007. Then she released this serious album where she received praises for covering the Arabic goldies. Then came 2008 when she released Bitfakier fi Eeh album that became on of the best selling albums (perhaps most downloaded one too) the same year she also has gotten married and now has a baby. The girl next door is not going to work not with the many copycats. Enter phase two, where Nancy is the pop star image, started in early this year with the Coke World Cup song "Wave Your Flag". Couple of singles later and this month came her latest album Eniy 3aleek عيني عليك I enjoyed the album a lot actually and I especially like the variety and the various styles Nancy keeps it fresh and moving. The Nancy Ajram brand will be around for a bit more.


Samo Zein, the funny (in a good way) Syrian singer has given the Arab world a new music album, but he gave more than that. His latest music video is perhaps the first Arabic music video to be rated as for grown ups only. Samo Zein directed his own music video where you essentially have a bachelor party where you get the dudes and the female dancer. Samo Zein has been singing for about 8 years now and he has manged to stay relevant. He also has a good style but most importantly he is business savvy and keeps his cool image to appeal to younger and younger generations. His album titled Dayman as in "Always" and has the typical dose of love song with an OK musical arrangements. A note for caution, the music video gets better toward the middle when the blonde dancer disappears.


WAMA, It's hard to imagine an Arab boy band, but this Egyptian all male band is the biggest success story for such bands. Started in 2004 and breaking up in 2007 then reuniting in 2010 comes their latest album after two singers who have gone solo returned to their band. رايحة جاية Ray7ah Gaya is the tittle of their album. Many of their fans wanted this album so the band took their sweet time making it, more than a year has passed since the announcement of their collaboration and this Eid they gave us a good album. You can find your average boy songs flirting with the gal and counting her virtues in so many creative ways. there are the more serious songs that tackle life and what's not. The band did a cover for ever popular Dalida song "Salma Ya Salamah" I happen to like the band and like their mellow style where the music is not used as a cover, but rather a support for the voices of the band members who all enjoy great distinguishable voices.


Marwa Nasr, gorgeous Egyptian singer that has been struggling to break into the mainstream Arabic music market is about to release her latest album, but she gives us a tease with her latest music album. Unlike many young female stars who come and go, Marwa has established her foot a bit and manged to come back with new material unlike many female singers who have a one hit and then disappear. Marwa remains largely an unknown outside Egypt, but more and more you read interviews with her. I think her style is closer to Alicia Key's than any other star. where she enjoys the good look, but also has a style and respect. Yes, she wants a bit of coverage and for that you have to do the bedroom shots like in this music video. I will be listening to her latest and hope she breaks into the convert business so she can continue to improve her style and entertain her fans. The song sounds a bit like an energizing club mix perhaps for upbeat kids





Wael Jassar , might just be my favorite Arab star who knows lot about exposure and diversity. In Ramadan he has the best selling religous themed album (that was quite good), and right after Ramadan he drops his latest music video for his hit single Milion Mara Ahebek مليون مرة أحبك and immediately his listeners and fans celebrate as he is too good to quit or take a break. His voice is unique and you can tell Wael has a great respect for all his listener as most of his music videos he is the romantic guy who lives up tot he words of the songs without being cheap or sleazy. He does a music video that appeal to women and men alike. The innocence of his music videos and his style, many Arab singers have that, but very few of them are still making records. I like this Wael and to be frank I have yet to remember one bad song he released, do you? He sings becasue he wants to, he already has a large following and from the looks of it it will only get bigger.



Angham, the most seasoned singer with the longest resume among the singers on this list releases a mini album, a sort of the new thing Arab singers use to sell records and avoid online theft. when I first look at the cover of Angham's album I loved the retro look and the funky impression is gives. Although some critics have called it a Lady Gaga rip off, I say you really cannot rip off a rip off. since Lady Gaga takes from everybody (Madonna, Elton John, David Bowie), it's only fair that some take from her if any. Back to the album, titled محدش يحسبني "Ma7adish Yi7asbny" I like the theme of the song which is about a woman trying to break free and life her life without people judging her. I like the funky and disco style, you can also hear some auto tone. It does not get better, great lyrics and good music cook up a good song. Other songs are remixed in a club version which makes a perfect dance album for retro Arab kids. The drumbeat in Angham's latest is a sample Micheal Jackson "Billie Jean" and Patrice Rushen "Forget Me Nots" Two thumbs up for Angham who continues to amaze critics and fans alike and seek to sample better music.



for More news on Arabic music please visit The Hot Arabic Music Blog

Give Thanks

By Maytha

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Shot in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Jeddah, San Francisco, Chicago, Montreal, London, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Dubai—with some notable faces from the Muslim global community (let’s see how many you can spot)—multi-media visual artist (that’s the most general label I could get construct to include such talents as photography, film-making, editing and graphic design under one umbrella) Ridwan Adhami produces this ocularly stunning music video (I mean it doesn’t hurt that we do have some mighty fine lookers in the community) for Iraqi-Canadian artist the the Narcicyst’s “Hamdulillah” featuring Pali-Brit, best known as “The first lady of arabic hip hop,” Shadia Mansour. The song is a latest single of his new release “The Narcicyst” LP.

Abdallah Rouished Is Back With New Goods

It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Kuwaiti Arab singer Abdallah Roushid who has a dazzling voice and can deliver a love song with deep meaning like no other is back with a really cool music video where he is crazy in love with his lady....the music video is great and our singer looks really good. I want to say welcome back Mr. Rouished....come back and bring more of this.

Glad he finally got a good team and agreed to look cool again, as he is one of the few Arab singers (mostly from the Gulf) who refuse to rock the boat too much. Enjoy

Abdallah Rouished - Majnounaha / عبد الله الرويشد - مجنونها

Ramadan Music: The Religion Gravy Train

Every Ramadan, an Arab star will make a music album for religious reasons. Pop stars have been releasing singles with religious themes and prayers every Ramadan, so it’s not that a new phenomena. Go back to the fifties, sixties, seventies and so on, you will find almost all Arab singers have at least a song with a religious theme. Truth to be told Sami Yousef (perhaps the first Muslim pop star) made those all hot again and many Arab stars got back into releasing religion inspired music. Very few of those singers has met much success in this style. In the past though releasing such an album means you are about to leave the music scene, but this is not the case here. Traditional religious albums has lacked music, where there are only vocals. The albums I listed to this year have music and some of it is original, of course the focus is on the words of the performer. It’s also understood the performers in those albums either do not ask for a fee for these albums or they just donate their earnings to a worthy cause. You can also notice that the the album cover for such albums is slightly different where it has large font, a clean look and little self promotion.

This year two albums were released in time for Ramadan and both were solid hits. Wael Jassar released a Roba’yeat Fi Hob Allah رباعيات في حب الله(poems in God’s love) selling more than 50,000 copies in Egypt alone. Alhkaya Almohamadyah الحكاية المحمدية (Mohammad Stories) by popular and quite capable Egyptian singer Angham sold an estimated 30,000 copies of her religious album that celebrate the women of Islam and their stories. To know how popular those albums, I headed to most popular the illegal sharing sites to find out how many many times have the albums been downloaded and I was shocked. Roba’yeat Fi Hob Allah was downloaded 207,000 times, Alhkaya Almohamadyah was downloaded 36,000 times. I mean this is funny people steal music that is supposed to make them better people, irony it’s.

On another notes, both albums have a high production value, both have amazing lyrics and both are timely. Of course you do not expect to have a music videos for any of those songs, but there are plenty of do gooders who make slid shows out of those songs.

As someone who follows Arabic music, those two albums are a new milestone where Arab pop stars who are on the A list release entire albums with religious themes that are both well thought and quite meaningful. Of course we still have a number of other singers who releases singles to celebrate Ramadan. Needless to say some are good, others are meh. But this Ramadan the Arab viewer had a lot of choices both on TV Drama and comedy as you know everyone in the Arab world with extra cash starts a TV station. I hope this will also mean making better entertainment. While we wait for Muslim Rock stars, we have Christian rock to use as a model where despite setbacks in music market, such style remains relevant in our day.

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