Download: Omeima El Khalil "Zaman" Album 2013 زمن أميمة خليل

She is a gifted and versatile Lebanese diva with the warmth of the sung and the intelligence of a think tank. She is known for her music and her live performances that put listeners at ease while serving them doses of sophistication and class.

This time she is out with her fourth album, Zaman or time. She was well known for her work with Marcel Khalifé whom she met at a young age. She was one of his main vocalist and together they made great (and timeless) music. Now with the help of her four musician friends who helped her come out with the best music formula for this truly impressive album. This year, she would have been performing live for 27 years!

Oumeima’s first live performance, was at the age of 16 (1981) in 16 American States. One of the poshiest performances she was involved in was at “Places des Arts” in 1992. She sang in many countries such as: America and Canada (5 times); Europe (Twice); Australia (once); Africa (once); Moscow (once); Algeria; Tuisia; Morocco; Emirates; Libya; Bahrain; Oman; Kuwait; UAE; Egypt; Sudan. Oumeima had countless performances in Lebanon: Beit al Dine; Unesco Palace; Assembly Hall (AUB); Pierre Abou Khater Theatre USJ…

This time she is the sole act, wrapped in real live music. She is singing one text of the celebrated late Palestinian poet Mahmud Darwish. The album has nine songs the lyrics and the music are the work of many seasoned Lebanese and Syrian composers and musicians. Beirut received her album with cheers and excitement  Watch her speak on camera about what she feels. Her album addresses the dreams, romance, frustration and chaos


TrackList:
Tabaa El Wosta (الطبقة الوسطى (04:05
Niyalak (نيالك (03:05
Rasayel (رسايل (04:11
Thilalouna (ظلالنا (03:42
Hatha (هذا (05:31
Fi Akher Al Ashyaa (في آخر الأشياء (04:49
Leh (Revisited) (ليه (03:51
Bint W Sabi (بنت وصبي (05:50
Arifou Biladan (أعرف بلاداً (04:41

To download the album Go Here


Oumeima El Khalil - TABAA EL WOSTA أميمة الخليل - الطبقة الوسطى

 أميمة الخليل تطلق ألبوم "زمن"

Hassan Ramzy Delivers The Nile Delta Blues "One of Us"

Something that sounds like that world famous Mississippi River Delta Blues, but he is near another delta, the Nile Delta. He is good with a guitar, and he is not trying his hand on singing. I think he is luck...what you think of his original song "One Of Us"

Hassan Ramzy is a growing Egyptian musician who mainly plays guitar and sings. he prefers almost all types of Acoustic, Rock and Blues. He writes and composes his own music but also likes to cover other artists. Biography I've been playing music since about 2004. I say he's got the blues fever and has managed to bring it to tell an Egyptian story.

Hassan composes and write his own songs, as well as cover many others. I am currently Majoring in Psychology, but hope to pursue a career in music! So he is doing music as a hobby now, but if the math is right, he will be doing more of it. The story he tells her is a cry against President Morsi.

Hassan Ramzy - One of Us (Original Song)

Cairokee Sold Pepsi, Switch To Coke Now

Money changes people, and no two other people disagree on that. I was surprised to see Pepsi Egypt bought the rights from one of the indie rock band Cairokee. They used this song to sell Pepsi  The song asks people to express themselves. I figured, there's no shame in making an extra dollar if you work hard and do not change your core.

But now in 2012, I am seeing the same band is doing a promo video for Coke through their Coke Studio. Not sure what that means. That will mean they no longer like Pepsi, and that the Coca Cola company has played the band.

Cairokee appeared in a video alongside the Barbadian songstress Shonetelle, they are performing a rendition of Knocking on Heaven's Door. As Cairokee moves slowly toward a fully commercialized band, I am feeling their songs are losing their soul. Instead of activist tone, they are about personal growth and intellect.

Maybe the band thought they will have a bigger audience and gain exposure in new lands--only to be disappointed by how little views the video below has on YouTube. I would love for the band to promote an Egyptian brand and products, not some non-Egyptian brand. No one would speak ill of them if they make a little money, but also help make Egypt a better place.

Shontelle & Cairokee, Knocking on heaven's door, Coke Studio بالعربي, S01E07


Pepsi Egypt new ad 2011: Express Yourself

Watch: Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Bring Down The House

Appearing as guests on the popular and provocative news satire show with Bassem Yousef, those artists brought down the house. Cairokee is the firm believer in the power of the people of Egypt and what they can do. Zap knows how to entertain one's senses and deliver some of the finest raps. Their latest collaboration offers an entire platform for alternative music, the Arab world has never met before.

Together they have put forth a song about holing one's ground, a call to the activists and the idealists to hold their ground. You call for justice, they call you a lowlife. Amir Eid (Vocals, Guitar) did a very fine job with Cairokee, he has taken it from a small garage band into the headline making band. Activist through music is nothing new, but Cairokee has a lot of stories to tell.

Not only does the band make great music that is capable of impressing even Western audience, they also find heart-filled lyrics. Zap brings his A game, he is Egypt's biggest rapper--and perhaps biggest household name. Zap keeps his eyes on Egypt, but he has never forget about Palestine. They want you to be an alternative person...he raps. Zap has also tackled issues of drugs with another singer, he seems to be opne to working with any star whom he shares a message with.

Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Esbat Maknak From Basem Youssef Show - كايروكى و زاب ثروت

DOWNLOAD: Massar Egbari New Album البوم فريق مسار اجبارى - اقرا الخبر

Aside from making perhaps the coolest and most artsy and meaning rich album cover, Indie band Massar Egbari makes delightful music, and their new album "Eqra El Khaber" or "Read This News" shows the band has morphed into something huge. Not to mention how the band also has one of the catchiest names MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, which resembles the society we live in today. They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners. Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics.

In 2007 the band made its international debut and has traveled the Arab world (and Turkey) taking their music into new lands. I have come to appreciate their balance in finding good lyrics, and fresh sounding music--while they sound a bit more Western than Egyptian, their stories will always be told in Egypt for some time to come.

It seems that their music constantly gets better, the more live shows they book. They really inject a lot of excitement in the indie music scene  and by the way other than ticket sales and record, they have not gone commercial like doing soda and hair gel ads. This allows them to concentrate on their music, and perfecting their craft. I have also loved how they keep away form politics, yet kept up their connection with the people and their woes.

You get a little funk, a little jazz, some rock and a hell of a ride the minds of the band members have created. I appreciate the variety in vocalists the band features. Unlike many other indie bands in Egypt, MASSAR EGBARI has more than on vocalist who can hook listeners. I love the songs I listened to so far, El-Mroor if funky. The title song plays like a lounge music yet its lyrics are very dark about unemployment. This album is a successful attempt to declare the band's inception into the mainstream.

1 - Mat5afeesh
2 - Al-leal
3 - El-Mroor
4 - Hawei
5 - Adef
6 - Sheta
7 - Egbari El-Msaar
8 - Ana Mawgoud
9 - Eqra2 El 5abar
10 - Adef " Remix "


مسار اجباري - المرور / Massar Egbari - Traffic


مسار إجباري | أنا هويت - من مهرجان زروني كل سنة مرة

مسار إجباري حاجة | ختام منتدى حوارات المصرية

The Muslim Entertainer Mohamed Abbas Is Egypt's New Face Of Indie Music فك الكلابش - محمد عباس

A name one needs to know is the indie artist from Egypt Mohmed Abbas, he is indie because he is that young voice who speaks about social injustice without being angry, jaded or political. And if this is not a delight, he has great music and a very intimate style that we have not heard in Egypt in a really long time. This is a breath of fresh air because Abbas is a popular Muslims Munshid that means he does hymns like songs with religious tone. Those have been popular as more and more networks are dedicated to such material. I welcome him to the ring.

His style is similar to that of Sheikh Imam and Sayed Darwish, while he is brand new, his fans are there each time he performs--he has an upcoming concert in a mall. I am a fan of his voice expresses a great deal of sadness underneath his lines--it's like a not very angry volcano.

The sitting of his music video is the well known Egyptian cafes where people go to tell stories and relax. A charming music video for a wonderful song that needed to be sang. Mohamed is a cool dude in my book. He tells the stories of the people who work hard to get by, there are far too many beautiful tales that needed to be told.

Release me from you handcuff, aka unshackle me is the title of this song from the new comer Abbas. I like the feel good the song brings, it talks about many topics in a poetic style.

Fok El Kalabsh - Mohmed Abbas فك الكلابش - محمد عباس

Listen: Ramy Essam - Gika رامى عصام - جيكا عايش

Ramy Essam, the activist who likes to sing and rock. Released yet another song calling for change and promoting the more secular parties in Egyptian politics--the very ones that failed to win. Ramy sort of have moved into Tahrir Square and made it his home. He has performed there many times, and have become the voice of the revolutionaries and the source of their entertainment.

He has his heavy base, and the song is in the third person using the voice of the Shaheed--the fallen. Where those who have been murdered in cold blood ask Ramy not to give up the fight and continue the protest till bring justice and freedom. This song I like, but when Ramy goes on the attack attacking certain factions he loses me.  

Ramy Essam - Gika رامى عصام - جيكا عايش

WATCH: Mat Elkalam Cairokee اغنية كايروكى - مات الكلام

Egypt's hottest and biggest rock band started as an indie band till they all of a sudden got big. Commercial money started flowing, promoting soft drinks, energy drinks and just about anything. They are covted on TV shows and asked to comment on all things Egypt. They have toured the world and back, and still they are still the most popular band in Egypt.

Their fan base keeps on growing, and they sort of reach out for the cool aisle. More and more they are focused on their look, and outfits. New haircuts and grooming are in order, they now look like every other mainstream American band. What still sets them apart is their lyrics, passion and messages about changes in Egypt.

They are back with a new song that serves as the soundtrack for an upcoming indie film about the Revolution in Egypt. This is an A list film with top talents, the song is way out there, about the meaning of change and to quote, the nightmare in your dreams.

They pick on the security officers in Egypt, their torture and abuse methods. And doing all that in an abandoned building. But do not worry their guitar and vocals are still on the money. This is the anti-establishment, it sets Egypt as the people vs. everyone else including the politicians and people with authority. Amir Eid wrote the dazzling lyrics and I tell you they sound as a shot in the ear. Their fire in the belly is still on.

Mat Elkalam Cairokee

WATCH: Asala Nasri - Ela Mata (Cover by Alaa Wardi & Sultan Al-Jameel)

Saudi Alaa Wardi is out with a new  cover song where a cappella meets the beat box. Alaa is his very own singing group but this tme he brings a similar minded artists who takes care of the vocals as Alaa handles the music so beautifully with his mouth.

Alaa has made so many incredible videos, and he has done so well himself where he performed in indie concerts with other young artists. He shot to fame when he did an amazing cover by one of Nancy Ajram's best songs of 2010. Released few more followup  but the new Asala Nasri is his serious effort to stage a viral comeback.

Sultan Jameel does an amazing job with this share of the, they both sport the Saudi style outfits and it goes well with the Gulf dialect song.

Asala Nasri - Ela Mata (Cover by Alaa Wardi & Sultan Al-Jameel)

Listen: Fadi Andrawos 2013 Single / ما بعرف كون - فادى أندراوس

Fadi Andrawos is the original indie rock star from Lebanon by the way of Palestine. He is one of those artists that have always found their own path. He is not the one to hold a contract, put on a suite and talk to some company. He just wants to make music, as he likes to be free.

This is why he rocks in both English and Arabic, and he is flawless in both languages  He has some hard metal chops, he enjoys that look very few Arab stars can pull off. And yes, he is a musician, and a rebel inside. Where in his new song, he is asking to be loved the way he is--unconditionally.

He sings, if you want to love me, let me be me! I love his style and have come to admire his creative process. He makes music that crosses cultures, and sings lyrics that crosses the gender boundaries. His style is getting around Arabia just not...many Egyptians indie artists are taking his approach. Fadi is never controversial  he is just distinct, you cannot really copy him. He does not offend, and neither does he ask people to be like him instead, he seeks to live and let live.

Such artists are perfect for live interactive concerts, because they make the experience more vivid and real. He approaches his music as if he was a regional star with a global sight--like most rock stars in Latin America. Local is the new universal. Fadi might not be on a TV near you, but his near cult fellowship has stuck by his side for years. 


Fadi Andrawos - Ma ba3rif koun 2013 / ما بعرف كون - فادى أندراوس

On International Women's Day Comes This Subtitled Dream

Women do not exactly have easy in Egypt, it's an observation from watching from the outside and the many dramas airing on TV today.

So this International Women's Day comes a song by one of the finest rappers Egypt have come to know Ahmed Zap Tharwat. He is the socially responsible rapper who promotes good virtue, patriotism and being good. And a first time guest or perhaps the main attraction vocalist Sherine.

Together they have a song about achieve one's dreams--mostly catering to women on their day of empowerment. The song puts to focus all the negative commentary and treatment women are subjected to in Egypt and beyond. They are not the only ones locking in the females. Some even make the case about the mistreatment of women even in places like America.

A song against violence, harassment, and discrimination. It's a smart song about women who want to take a challenge and make something new.  I dig the guitar and the many back stories the music videos brings to light.

@QabilaTV هوصل - شيرين عمرو وزاب ثروت

Indie Music Cannot Move Past The Spirit Of January 2011

More than two years have passed and the indie music scene is still milking the January  revolution for all it's worth. The last band to join the exploitation is 050 Band--one of the hardest working bands in the post Mubarak years.

Their latest single is about how the spirit of January is still kicking around, the motherland has not heeled yet. I do not know if they will ever stop making music about this topic, but for the common man it might be one too many songs about something that has already happened yet make little sense.

050 band has achieved in very short months a great deal of fame that comes with fan base. This Arabic rock Band From Mansoura , Egypt  has manged to release the Middle East No.1 Song @ TripleW ME Charts and Middle East No.2 Band. Their cool name is inspired by their native town's area code. As for the band members, they are a group of friends who like to play guitar and sing.


Osama El Hady - Vocals - Guitar
Peter AbdelMeseih - Lead Guitar
Hesham Samy - Bass Guitar & Backing Vocal
Hossam Samy - Drums
Safa - Keyboard



050 Band | Yanayer Fel'olob 3ayesh [ Official Video ] يناير فى القلوب عايش

These Young Pharos Have Moved Me

On X Factor there is a group of R and B / Rap band made up of there young folks who go to college. There are two dudes and one fine lady that sounds to have come from a place like Chicago or Detroit Motown. They are 17, 18 and 19 years of age and they have already rocked the show unlike any other act.

I am not a big fan of rag tag rap, but these guys really have a working formula to bring a wife audience to their songs--Angry Arabic lyrics and smooth English lines that make you think. The trio blends a number of styles and Arabic dialect to talk about issues of important to the Arab mainstream and the young people. The judges have showered them with love and praises.

Check them out, and get to enjoy their own writing which give them an extra zinger as they take on the stage, they really know how to cheer up the room. They got four Yeses and they indeed deserved everyone of them. I am consider myself a fan, now the burden on them to make a worthy followup for this song that has won them fame.

فريق Young Pharos - The X Factor 2013 TheXFactorArabia

Video: Sudanese Jazz Live By Black Theama

Not sure if this qualify as African jazz or Egyptian jazz, but I am digging it. Black Theama, the band from southern Egypt has been working their acts for a long time. They have taken off because they are different, they are authentic and they know how to give the fans what they want.

Unlike many other bands, the trio makes local music with a mass appeal, they incorporate musical themes from around the globe, but never lose sight of what matters the most--home. Their songs are often simple with musical words and sounds, their music is often upbeat and their style is always smooth and easy flow.

While this concert was filmed in Cairo, where thousands of Sudanese live, the band performed it as if they were in downtown Khartoum.

بلاك تيما - دوبا دوبا

WATCH: Zap Tharwat ft. Amir Eid Take Morsi To Task | حقي

C'mon people, a bus was in an accident with Egypt, those kind of accidents are horrible but they do happen more often than not--even in places like the West. So those who like to pretend to be upset with  the Egyptian government use that accident as a way to get back at the President. Those are horrible accidents and children should not have to worry about their safety. It should also be a given, people should not be murdered for speaking their minds or for going about their their daily life.

Zap Tharwat--Egypt's hottest rapper and smartest one indeed released a s new song about right and the better tomorrow. He is helped once again by the super indie star Amir Eid from Cairokee band. Amir is a featured guest on the track headlined by Zap Thrwat. A lovely indie song with a first time affects. I love with rock and rap give us a beautiful collaboration.

I love the notebook background with all the stories being told as the songs progresses. The school notebook reminds of those little school children. This is an incredible music video with a touching story and heartwarming lyrics. Those two indie entertainers are too smart to sing for one party and not the other, they are singing about issues rather than politics.

@AxeerStudio | 7a22y | Zap Tharwat ft. Amir Eid | حقي

Indie Rock HATE Fest For The Brotherhood Of Egypt

The slackers of Egypt are uniting behind indie rock stars who have been busy attacking the president of Egypt and his party. They all have the right to express their views, and let it be heard what they really think. Activists are now lining behind Ramy Essam, the rock star who calls members of the Muslim Brotherhood party dogs and not in a good way.

Ramy has been waging his own war on the Egyptian presidency, something he clearly has the right to do in any peaceful way. Those whom he attacks have been doing the right thing, by ignoring him and dismissing him. Eventually he will go away, like all the others.
 
Another dissident voice is rock star Mado who has just released a track accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of being disloyal and known for betrayal and other unkind attributes.

Ramy Essam - Ana El Sa7y رامى عصام - أنا الصاحى


خان يخون اخوان .. اهداء ل باسم يوسف - غناء .. مادو

050 Band's Name Taken From Their Towns Area Code

There are few guys who are proud of their Al mansoura town. They wanted to tell their fans, that you no longer have to travel to Cairo and Alexandria to hear good music live. The dudes brought rock music into their town and from that town, they brought their music to the rest of Egypt.

Their formula is making oriental rock, telling Egyptian stories live to the masses. The released singles, and then those singles became an album--which has built up their fan base.

Al Mansoura means the victories, a 120 miles Northeast of Cairo on the other bank of the Nile delta. A city know for its architectural style and unique dialect. The band is extremely proud of their town and they want to have their stamp on the musical scene from their victorious town.

050 Band | CBC Report About 23's Concert تقرير حفله الساقيه على سى بى سى

Great Stuff! Breaking The Boundaries "Ya Mn Hawah" (يا من هواه)

Take that sexual love out of the picture, and what you will be able to see will break the boundaries and show you a whole new world. If you are a musician who somehow is able to see beyond the bodily and individual love, you will find a universe of a different kind of love.

Not sure if many bands are able to pull this one, but the ones with a religious purpose find themselves staring such realities in the face and thus their music talks about the whole picture without getting philosophical.

Breaking The Boundaries is the name of that band to show me a new way. For friends who like music as a hobby, they were able to come up with a middle ground. Making rock music without the drama and the fashion show. The makeup of the band is in lead Guitar - Mohab Omar and vocals - new vocal so will be revealed Drums - Omar Raslan Rythem Guitar - Moayed Al qurashy Bass Guitar - Badr Madani

Breaking The Boundaries is a local band with a global audiance hungry to hear of them. they come from the Saudi city of Jeddah. They have only been around since late 2010 and their focus is to play alternative metal / blues / hard and soft rock music. Here's the kicker, the band is formed of medical students who like to do something different in their free times and share their music, lyrics. I saw, welcome and where have you been all my life?


breaking the boundaries & abdulrahman mohammed - ya mn hawah (يا من هواه)

Egyptain Activist Ahmed Mousa Channels His Frustration

Using religion is a mean to suppress people is nothing new, but using it for political gain is as old as time itself. A young and passionate singer--one of the activist types has anew song where he whispers about those few ruling Egypt. He thinks they are using religion to get more power.

This is a sober song form a frustrated soul who is not angry yet. Anger is the last thing Egypt needs, certainly not from its artists. This is a slow song with a slow and simple melody. The sound mixing keeps it interesting. Ahmed Mousa wrote the music but the lyrics where written by Dr. Salma Salem. I guess the song also talks about freedom of the press as well.

This is no award winning song, but it feels to have come form the heart as if the artists put a picture of people who have been killed protesting and tried to speak from their vantage point.
بيتاجر بدينك - أحمد موسى

What's Next For Indie Rock In Egypt

The Egyptian revolution brought down the censors and allowed young and talented musicians to come out of the shadow, they no longer needed government permission to perform in a venue. They no longer had to be pro regime to be on TV or get concert permits--within reason of course. So they have flourished singing about the man in the streets, their aspirations  their frustrations and a lot of funny stuff.

Indie bands of Egypt have managed to make some money too by releasing albums, doing concerts to the masses, and in some cases doing commercials and product endorsement. I since a fatigue in among bands--they had a great 2011 and a good 2012, but as pop stars come out and put out new music--the competition has become stiffer. Now there's some real market and indie bands ran the music scene in 2011, find themselves having to compete with seasoned and popular stars.

Album sales usually help make some money, but to be frank without copy rights protection, the money is limited. I believe reaching out to other markets outside of Egypt, would help get some cash, maybe a song in English or French that can stand on its own. Also movie soundtracks might be a good idea for quick cash. Some movies like fresh music that has been made for the movie.

I think, members of the band should also have their own concerts or music festivals. Alternative summer music festivals are not very well developed back home. College kids love to check out new bands and that's a great start. Pop can turn one's soul into a zombie, indie rock and such music can challenge listeners.

مسار أجباري - أقرا الخبر