WATCH: The Gender Song #قصي - حواء | Qusai Feat. Ayzee - EVE

Saudi rapper who rapped in America continues his way of bringing about the inevitable change by bringing out a song about them ladies. It's a smooth rap song about the role of genders in one man's life. It's a complex subject and rappers have historically have no been the greatest to talk about women.

Eve, is the title of this song. I like the Ayzee he brings something fresh and something more R&B to the track. This is a good single from a guy whose roots are well known but also knows the role of women should be strengthened. There are so many ladies in the music video but they maintain their respect and dignity throughout the song.

I like the tribute and I like how he recognizes all the achievements of them Arab women. And the freedoms they have secured.  
#قصي - حواء | Qusai Feat. Ayzee - EVE

Assi Hallani Sends #Egypt Some Love

The Egyptian House of Opera is the big league for Arab entertainers, most would give a leg to perform there, because of its history. Many awesome Arabic names have stood there toe to toe next to Egyptians legends of music.

I feel mediocre Egyptian names can stand on its stage, but for Arab ones they have to do something out of this world. Assi Hallani was one of those names who stood on that stage, and see her do a cover of a beloved Egyptian patriotic classic about Arab unity.

Assi Hallani is a dreamer about Arab unity and he has sang for it on his own terms, he is a proud Lebanese but he has always talked about the aspiration of the Arab people. See him channel his innter Abdel Halim in this classic about swearing by the sky and the soil of the land.

عاصي الحلاني - أغنية أحلف بسماها و بترابها - دار الأوبرا Assi El Hallani

Maya Diab Releases Some Racy Pictures With A Black Model And The World Freezes

The TV hostess, songstress and pop star Maya Diab is second to none in this crazed world of celebrity. Haifa Wehbe has been hogging the news with the release of her stellar music video. Maya Diab did not want the week to end without getting her name out there, so she took to Facebook and shared some pictures that came with no explanation. Creating confusion, and a lot of pissed off middle aged guys. I am the only one who remembers that sex tape by Kim and Rapper Ray J?  

Mind you Maya is married, were those pictures part of a new music video? mind you some comments have been racist about the model who has a darker skin--keep on mind Maya is not the fairest pop diva of them all. Maya does not mind showing some legs, and short shorts. She knows what works for her, and she does what;s right for her. If you do not like her work--turn off the TV or whatever medium she is coming through to grab your innocent soul. 

 As now we know, the photos were taken during the making of Maya Diab's Video Clip "Shaklak Ma Btaaref Ana Min" photographer Charbel Bou Mansour. snagged them. Too bad, the release of the music video was so botched that not even half a million YouTube viewers saw the clip. The delay and the bizarre press ate the buzz the music video had. Plus no one has 8 minutes to watch a movie disguised as a music video for a mediocre pop song. 

The issue with the negative comments stem from the man's inability to understand a woman except in terms of the only two roles he knows how to assign her: virgin or whore. But this song tells us that there is no room inside the mind of the this in this photo shoot for the notion that a woman might be a friend, a lover, or a partner. So Maya doing sexy might be too confusing for some people. I think people need to understand it all those antics in terms of money--the more pissed off people are, the richer she gets. 

Maya Diab - Shaklak Ma Btaaref / مايا دياب - شكلك ما بتعرف

Rola Saad Sabah Tribute Songstress

It's no secret that the lovely and golden girl of Arab light pop song pioneer Sabah is a huge fan of her friend and country girl Rola Saad. Together they made two duets and they were really well made. Rola never forgets her love and appreciation for the iconic diva Sabah.

I thought Rola Saad was going to play the role of Sabah form two years ago, but then Carol Samahe got the role. Yet Rola Saad is working on reviving one beloved Sabah song "Sa'at...Sa'at" a romantic song made in the 60s. Rola Saad record the song more than a year ago.

And just now she is making a music video for that classic Arabic song. There's a rumor that Sabah will share the screen with Rola Saad for the music video--something Rola rules out but maintains  this is a tribute song for Sabah and her rich career. The music video has been filmed in Beirut in three different locations. They will feature rare and never seen before images of Sabah and her career.

رولا سعد تكرم صباح وتغني لها "ساعات ساعات" T

Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 Concert With Omar Khairat

Egypt's most seasoned and better known classical music composer and pianist Omar Khairat will be standing in the city of Dubai early 2013 for a concert. Omar Khairat  is the type of composer and pianist  you would love in any language and in any country. He makes original and inspiring music.

Omar has been part of the Egyptian music scene since 1959 when he joined the music conservatory. His music has graced dozens of films and TV shows. He is a guy that means business and never repeats himself. So for him to hold a concert in the city of Dubai where a global audience will await him is a big deal.
Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013.

Omar is the pure the sound of the East made in away that Westerners can appreciate. He also teaches courses around the world including in England. He regularly performed at the Cairo Opera House and all the Egyptian and Arab ceremonies. Omar Khairat is a gift to Arabic music, and he has manged to make a career with a commercial success and without insulting his audience.

Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013


عمر خيرت Omar Khairat - ''Slovenia'' - 2008

The Assassination Of Haifa Wehbe And Other Jokes

Haifa Wehbe is in Turkey now vacationing with her family in a resort. She will get back to Beirut to finish working on some projects. But then a news story broke, an assassination attempt on this pop diva's life. The reports of three armed men breaking into her home with weapons (including a blade in one of their mouths) three guys.

Haifa found time to speak to the press about this exaggerated report. "This is not an assassination attempt, I am not personally targeted." Haifa added, "My home is in a safe area and my guard are there." As for the reported incident, "it's some skirmish between my guards and few regular guys" Of course she lived in an upscale neighborhood, of course she has guards and of course some deranged fans would want to try to visit her at home.

But Haifa found time also to talk up her upcoming music videos--one shot in New York in the editing stages, and more recent one shot in Beirut (Izay Ansak) also in the editing room. They will be released in the right time Haifa stated. Haifa has weathered the divorce storm very well, and has manged to escape the media circus. She had also to talk back to some of her peers who have called her out on her weight issues.  

Haifa Wehbe - Mat2olish (Izay Ansak)(Karaoke)

Nasr Mahrous Greatest Music Video Hits

Nasr Mahrous has directed dozens of fine Arabic music videos. He only works for stars under his label  He only releases albums he makes, fine tunes and directs. When he sings a star--mostly big names in Egypt, he gives them a 100 percent. He takes an album starts and finishes it while not working on any other projects. Stars stand in line to work with him.

You know any thin he make has the golden touch, it offers a big production value multi-layered tracks and a number of musical instruments form the East and the West are put together for the show. He directs his music video, and takes charge.

Then the behind the scenes gets featured to drum up the marketing for the new music video. I like his work, he is not all about quantity, quality is the only thine does matter too. Watch his greatest music videos that he has assembled.

 تاريخ نصر محروس Nasr Mahrous history

WATCH: Enchanted By Khalil Abou Obeid Isar ايسار: خليل ابو عبيد

Filmed in one of the most under marketed tourist spots in the world, Montenegro with a local director who has an international fame. Khalil Abou Obeid, the seasoned music coach known from Star Academy and most recently The Voice is making a big splash with the release of his most celebrated music project to date--Isar.

Not only does the artist put the focus on the music and its power to change hearts, he does so in style and grace unmatched on the stage. The dazzling Khalil brings out the piano out in the nature where he gets inspired to perform his latest piece. This versatile Lebanese music writer is letting us walk through his world and we are asking for an encore.

The music sounds with a live orchestra and Khalil has the honed skills the grandest opera singer performing in front of his peers with all the confidence in the world. Musicians do not have to sing in one language--their music speaks all languages. I am in love with piano and sentimental music that communicates without speaking. The romantic back story translates the music in a perfect way to add another dimension. 

Khalil does not make music on the cheap and he does not spare costs for his music video. He has said, the project is not about making money, but I hope it does. He is up to a great thing here and he may do Arabic music a great favor by freeing it from the chains of the spoken word.

With  Khalil Abou Obeid, music is universal once again. The good news for talents like Abou Obeid is in Lebanese cinema, more films are being made in Lebanon. His music as in soundtracks is needed to help the director tell a better story.

ISAR by KHALIL ABOU OBEID ايسار: خليل ابو عبيد

Listen: Rashid Year 2013 Single كل عام - راشد الماجد - 2012

The most serious singer and safest bankable Khaliji singer Rashid Al Majid is out with a new song about the new year. The year he has spent with his new love and he wants to enjoy the time with her. It's a poem and he knocks that one out the park.

I love Rashid and know he can afford to chose the finest songs. He gets a butt load of poets lining up for him to pick their songs--he only chose the ones he feels. To escape all the pressure he keeps his recording sessions a mystery. He can make a new song each week and he he won't run out of money or good songs, yet he chose to give us a new single every tow to three months.

The new song of his is about the new year where it brings a new anniversary of love and romance. The song is never dull, it's passionate and it makes you feel happy and yes, there will be dance there too. Thousands of people have already heard and approves of the song. The poet behind those lyrics is Dr. Mane'h Bin Said Al-Attbah and the music is the work of Ali Kano


كل عام - راشد الماجد - 2012

Listen: "Barteta" Movie Soundtrack موسيقى فيلم بارتيتا

Barteta is a new movie playing in Egyptian cinemas, a serious drama with a pool of incredibly talented cast. The plot revolves around a woman ho has many mental and social issues that he lives with due to a family issues and growing up in tough circumstances.

Not sure how well the movie, but the soundtrack for the film is showing some well thought out music. This kind of music you do not hear often in Egyptian contemporary composers. Most Egyptian soundtracks are made out of pop songs, not this film though.

Khalid Hamad is the man behind the music you will hear below. a live orchestra was brought in, not just a computer with few software and affects.

موسيقى فيلم بارتيتا - مقطوعة رقم ١


 موسيقى فيلم بارتيتا - مقطوعة رقم ٢


موسيقى فيلم بارتيتا - مقطوعة رقم ٣

Stream: Fatima Al Qadiri: The Oasis In Desert Strike

The Sengal native Fatima Al Qadiri is no stranger to war, she is one of a kind musician that always seems to be in a contact search for a better way to express war musically. Gunshots, and the whole nine yards. In a way she is so perfect to make music for our world in the virtual world of games where wars are popular. She is a video gamer herself.


Among the wars that have inspired Fatima to put into music is The First Gulf War "is a subject I've wanted to address for years," Al Qadiri writes over email. "I'm not a writer," she says, and couldn't write a memoir about her "experience as a child during the occupation of Kuwait and First Gulf War." But Desert Strike is a memoir nonetheless — "a sort of abstract audio memoir," she says. The music she creates is driven form her childhood memories yet geared toward those who like intercultural background music that stands form something.

The Desert Strike as her very own way of paying "homage to grime," but it's also a response: a masterful piece of work exploring the links between war and violence and representation and growing up. I know many speak about being citizens of the world, Fatima should be the president of that club. She lives and worked in New York City. Berlin, Dubai, Doha, London, Marrakesh, Kuwait City, Seoul, Milan, and other have seen her exhibitions and performances.

Fatima may rub some people the wrong way, she may even provoke some criticism for her work or the issues she chooses to highlight. I am unable to find much resources on her biography. something tells me that side of her life is off limits. All we have is her music which offers a lot of complexity on its own.      

The American Lady Who Moved To Cairo To Beat The Drum

Drummers and drum circles are a thing of hippies in the States, but in Egypt when one young American lady moves into town and beats the drum, people do not label her as such. Her name is Rookie and this is her fifth year coming to Egypt to spend the winter.

She has visited and studied the drum in India and Turkey to learn something about the drum in those parts of the world. Her parents are classical musicians where she grew up playing that type of music. It seems that Egypt has welcomed her into a band where she performs and yes there is a belly dancer.

روكي... فتاة أميركيَّة تعزف على الطَّبلة في مصر

Syrian Iconic "Maqamat" Singer Edib Daykh

Some people in the Arab world--mostly older people like a singing style that is called "Maqamat" an antiquate singing form from Andalusia, Damascus when those two countries were under one leadership centuries ago. The beauty of this singing form is that is does not necessitate music, they words are the music, the story and the show. There are many people who try to get into this genre, but one man has his own place in this school.

One of those Syrian voices that has kept this traditional singing alive is Edib Al Daykh, a legend among singers known for a solid voice, and a unique delivery methods for those poetic passionate lyrics he often sings. Aside form his singing, he has come to be a walking encyclopedia for this art from . He has traveled the world performing his unique style of singing, the Syrians living away form Syria cheer him in places like Australian and Venezuela.

اديب الدايخ - ما شبه الوجنات بالتفاح إلا جهول.

Dina Hayek Made Five Great Songs, Here's One

Her first song was that awesome, she delivered a knockout performance and made her a star. All of sudden Dina was the princes of romance and it was not even 2005. A good song is a good song, but the music video was fitting for the song so Dina has a classic on her hands. The song was titled "Sihir El Garam" or the enchanting love.

Then he went on to make other songs, then she was talking about a botched plastic surgery and she no longer had her natural looks. But before that started consumer one of my favorite new stars, she made another good song. The clip for it was about a woman with a loved one on the front lines in a battle. Katabtilak, is the title which translates to I wrote you...

She tired to make songs, but none of them lived up to those two songs where the emotions are overflowing and the viewer or listener feels them every time he or she lets that record spin. Dina is hald Syrian half Lebanese. I really cannot think of any other female singer that would have done a better job on those songs that Dina has.

Katabtellak -Dina Hayek كتبلّك - دينا حايك

 دينا حايك -سحر الغرام.mpeg

Download: Julia Arabic Christmas Album 2012 البوم جوليا بطرس - ميلادك

Julia is a devote Christian who is a full Arab and a proud Lebanese entertainer. She breaths Lebanon and she has always defend resistance in Palestine and Lebanon. She is your unusual diva, the issues and the woes of her people and nation seem to always trouble her. Her music is a testament to the historic times she releases such works. Her sang for the Civil War in Lebanon, she sang for the Palestinian intifada. 

This year she releases a Christian album made for Arabic speaking worshipers for the holiday season. This is a worship album that feels like hymns. I want to take a minute and dance out of excitement for this album. I want to tell those pious Christian missionaries with blues eyes to go suck it. An super Arab star whose fan base is much larger they can process, is releasing a major album in Arabic celebrating Christianity.

This is a mainstream album by Julia Boutros, a devout Christian and an Arab who does not flee and come to trash other Arabs and Muslims. This is a wholesome family album and Julia's vocals combined with the live orchestra--recorded in in the city of Prague and produced by an Arabic music label and musical arrangement by Michael Fadel. Find below the links to the some of the songs about Christ, the Savior, God and the Virgin Mary. But there are also songs for the little ones at this special time of celebration. Also the mush of the songs is embeded below.   

  

01 - Eza Ni2is 7ada

02 - Jayi Yasou3

03 - 3eed El Milad

04 - Ossa Bi Ktab

05 - Lamma Kenet Zghireh

06 - Law Ana Le3beh

07 - Laylit 3eed

07 - Miladak

09 - Ya 3adra

10 - Ya Hala Tallayt

Julia Boutros Medley Miladak Christmas songs جوليا بطرس ميدلي ألبوم ميلادك

Listen: Ghada Shbeir "Inta Habibi" My Favorite Fall Song

If there is one song that makes one's life longer then this must be it. Ghada Shbeir, the daughter of Lebanon and talented vocalist and songstress performed that song. No other song in the recent years have manged to get me to the calm zone as much as this song can.

It's everything you need in a warm song, a heart felt song, with a great soothing melody. Ghada has not taken her right place in history, she is a hard working lady who shuns pop for better music. She remains one of the few the classical ladies standing. No wonder, both Arabic speaking and non adore her style. She has toured the world performing her finest songs. Ghada's style is deeply rooted in history of Spain and Damascus where fine music was once made in the ruler's palace. Perhaps one can also detect Sufi flavors to her sadness and faith combined with conflicted emotions.

While she has many worthy songs, the song below is one of her finest songs to date. The soulful lyrics have been crafted by Nadeem Hassan. The lyrics captured many themes that agrees with many Arabs. Staying up at night with a good company talking flirting by the fire.

إنت حبيبي ـ غادة شبير


انت حبيبي يا حلو صدّق لشو محتار ما أنا ليل بأولو ومكحول .. قوم سهار!! بحكي معن , مش لأ .. وببتسم , بيقولوا الـمتلي نهار بيتغزّلوا فيّي وما فيي إلا إسمعُن وبنقسم بيناتُن بلاقيني وحدي كتار ! ولا عن ملامة ولا ندم برجع ع حالي بجمعُن .. كلّي إلك ما تغار كلّي إلك ما تغار!! ما أنا ليل بأولو و مكحول قوم سهار بيبروا القلم والورق ناطر موعدو وما بنرسم .. ما كنت مرة من البدو لكن ع قلبي صار .. دقات قلبك بتنوشم ومدقدقة بالنّار! إنت حبيبي يا حلو صدّق لشو محتار ما أنا ليل بأولو و مكحول قوم سهار

Syrian, Lebanese, Moroccan, Iraqi, Egyptian And Khaliji Song By Shatha

Shatha Hassoun is like a bridge, she is half Iraqi, half Moroccan. She bridges the Arab East and the Arab West. She works in between two cites, Beirut and Dubai. Now, here how she does it, a live appearance of hers where she sang in 8 minutes a song that covered most regional dialects and with it the musical styles.  

I must say, this is the first time I see an Arab star do such a stunt. She sounds just as fine in all those dialects. I do not know how much rehearsal she has had, but she seems to fly throw it flawlessly.
I love how she transitioned from one song into another with ease, she is good!

She knows how to party throughout Arabia. This is how good stuff is made! Live and lively indeed. Not sure how many other female songstress would be able to replicate such performance. A track that sums up Arabia in under 8 minutes! Party on

ميدلي غنائي عربي عراقي مغربي خليجي لبناني مصري سوري

Jean-Marie Riachi "Castana" Arabic Christmas Album

Chestnut or Castana, is a new Christmas album from the production of popular Lebanese producer and composer Jean-Marie Riachi (JMR). The album features six songs by Yara and 2 for Lara Scander. Two Christian young women with incredible voices. Jean is one of their biggest fans and cheerleaders so it makes sense he puts them on his Christmas and Holiday album.

The album also has two Christmas melodies, and duets for new and upcoming stars like Kristina Haddad and Mark Raeedy. Here's a thought why does not one working on this album has an Arabic name? Aren't you curious?  I know many non-Christians also celebrate this holiday. An Arabic album is a great idea to warm up this otherwise cold season.

The album revisits all those Christmas songs from English and other languages  turning them into Arabic and using Arabic notes and instruments. The album was an idea that came a year ago, and become a reality this year. It does feel like the album is made for cultural reasons and not commercial reasons, but money helps both incentives. 

The album will release officially tomorrow, but it has already been on the top of virgin mega store charts in Beirut.

Prime Time News 25/11/2012 "كستنا"... ميلاد لبنان

Amir ElSaffar: Trumpeter, Santur player, and Vocalist

When your father comes form Iraq, you cannot really escape the great traditional music that comes form that land. That's why Amir ElSaffar embarked on a journey to learn this tradition. In 2002 he began studying the maqam tradition in Baghdad and London where he studied with the best in this traditional singing form.

ElSaffar has created new techniques to play microtones and ornaments that are idiomatic to Arab music but are not typically heard on the trumpet. As a composer, ElSaffar has used the microtones found in maqam music to create a unique approach to harmony and melody. He has been hailed by the NPR for his work on bringing the Iraqi Jazz blues into the States. The blues are the finest in Arabia, as no one tells a tear jerking story as well as Iraqi musicians has.

Among the places whre Amir took his show is the Jazz Institute of Chicago, and Chamber Music America. Amir contuines to develop a singular approach to integrating Middle Eastern tonalities and rhythms into an American jazz context, releasing three albums; Two Rivers (2006), Radif Suite (2010), and Inana (2011) to critical acclaim.

He tours with Alwan for the Arts, New York’s premiere center for Middle Eastern arts and culture. Amir's to appear next in Washington, DC for a concert.

Amir ElSaffar Iraqi Santour Solo: Maqam Rast

Video: Arabic Rock, Up-close To The Stage

We do not get many good quality videos of a live concert for indie musicians. Not many times have I seen a good video filmed of the stage where the band making the music on the stage. That's why I really liked the video of the band and their vocalist Dina Al Wedidi.

It takes half a dozen talented people to make good music in a live show. These folks on the stage grew up to build a charming personalities inspired by the heritage and identity of this city. Dina composed the song below in 2008 and it was well received by many people and critics alike.

This video was shot on October 6th in a music festival.Dina is very bold and is very luck to have massive support from the community--it's not easy for a female rocker to shine in a very conservative and often confused society.

دينا الوديدي - الحرام