The Nerdy Lady Aziza Jalal Knockout عزيزة جلال - مستنياك - كاملة

There are those one hit wonders in Arabic classics, and there is Aziza Jalal, the Moroccan chick who came to Egypt to make music. She did do that, rocked the scene  performed many concerts and gave us at least one classic that we are all fond of Mistanyak or I await you.

Then she got married to some dude from the Gulf and she sings no more  I would listen to this song with my mother on TV and enjoy her company. Years later, I am all grown up and I get to know to a lady from afar, and I go home to meet her for the first time. But before then I send her the song below...my soon to be my fiance and her mother adore my gesture and appreciate the song.

 The song is about a lover who is waiting for their loved one to return and they are sturrgling with each passing second. You know how those long distance relationship are really hard. This makes the romance more worth it. I could see how difficult such relationships would be. Aziza had a song just for that. The lyrics are those of Abdel wahab Mohammed and the music is for Baligh Hamid--the duo who made many hits and classics.

Life is interesting  how Aziza's story and my own come together is for someone else to fifgure out. I am trying to say that we are all connected. One question, name one more song by Aziza Jala that you think is as famous as the song below.
عزيزة جلال - مستنياك - كاملة

Music For The Grown Man/Woman In You By Adam

Good Arabic music sounds better when you had something to drink--I do not drink myself and don't promote it. But a lot of the best entertainers of Arabic Tarab music do. Something about slowing things down and enjoying each moment makes the experience much better.

Such classic music is the place where grown men and women go to enjoy the moment. But you cannot by a boy and perform those songs--you need to have been around the blocks for few times in order for you to develop your senses.

Adam, is one of the youngest voices to do such songs, before him we had George Wassouf, Wael Jassar who have excelled in such songs. But Adam joins the ranks and gives pure unadulterated Tarab performance  Here's a clip with his greatest Tarab moments. This is the kind of performance worthy of the legends, and you might not be one, but you can come close. Like Adam has here

كوكتال طرب " أدم " by jed ultras

WATCH: Official Music Video "Eyyam" Warda AL Jazayria - HD / وردة الجزائرية - إيام

A team of Algerian talents, and family members of the late Algerian icon Warda got together to bring out her last song, this was never released before. And to be true to the song, this had to be a very fine production worthy of the late diva. The song and the music video were released in the first anniversary of her departure. Her son and his sister took over the project and they seem very protective of their mother and her legacy.

The song is about the days, and the pain one sees. The song is about do overs and second chances. Had we knew our ends, we would not have been mad with people. Thins would have been eased and fixed among family and friends. A good song with incredible lyrics.

The surprise was the use of the animation and in reverse footage about the time. I love the affects and the fine blending between the real and the virtual stories. Well done folks, they have made a song that makes one wants to watch and learn. The music video shows family members caught in fights and Pickering not realizing that all of us have numbed days here. .The Algerian flag flies high and the so many stories told deliver an emotional experience. Not to forget the epic war scene and the transition.

The director came from a background with cinema as he is a movie maker who felt honored to be in charge of this project. Aside from that, the acting and the talents accept nothing but their finest performance--even the little girl. Algeria is making a big step in honoring one of its one of the better known icons. There are moments where it's not a shame to tear up as you watch the stories unfold.

This song closes one of the proudest chapters in the Arabic song! It's the chapter where the fireworks fly high into the sky and never leave.
 

OFFICIAL VIDEO CLIP "EYYAM" WARDA AL JAZAYRIA - HD / وردة الجزائرية - إيام

A Music Legend You Must Know Ellie Shweiri ايلي شويري

Ellie Shweiri is the son of Beirut, he was born and came to sing in the era of Oum Kalthoum and Mohammed Abdel Wahab and other legends, he is one of the shaper of Lebanese song early on. He is a beloved hit maker of Lebanese song with amazing Arabic melodies that he crafted.

Ellie has also sang many songs for Lebanon and its beauty. As his mom was dressing him up to go to school, they would listen to the old songs on the record player. His home was surrounded by olive trees and natural scenes. His career took off in Kuwait when he was visiting and ended up in the radio playing his songs with the help of other Egyptian and Kuwaiti composers.

In 1963 he would be on a music festival with his band at home. Then he met the beloved Lebanses composer Romeo Lahoud who promised to give him a role in one of his plays, then he would meet the house of Rahabni who will help him get his name out there as he honed his talent. He would act and sing in 25 plays with the production of the Rahbani brothers.

Years later he would go it alone and record his own work and express his frustrations with the 1975 civil war in Lebanon. He would meet Sabah and he would collaborate with her. Then the Syrian government calls on him for concerts. He had so many of them and his fame and lifestyle improves.

He has a sweet voice made for flirty romantic songs, he would also give songs to Magda El Roumi, Sabah and Samira Tawfik seek him. His best pal is composer Melhim Barakat as they share a lot in common. He is a legend among his peers, and his true talent lives one shaping young minds. He has more than 1500 works, addressed issues of romance, humanity, and patriotism.

Ellie comments on issues of the day like he did in January 2012 when he blamed Gulf money for ruining Arabic music heritage. He strikes me as an Arab nationalist, he is a dreamer who belived Arabs Muslims and Christians can create a wonderful world together.

ايلي شويري _ رقصت الحلوين


ايلي شويري - يا ناس حبوا الناس


ايلي شويري : وصلوا الحلوين

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

WATCH: Amr Diab - 30 Years of Success

Amr Diab is the one pop star from a different breed. Here's a video that chronicles his past success for the last 3 decades. Since he was a young man, how you wanted to be big times, and how he pulled it off. I love hte interview portion with the people who knew him back when he was a skinny guy who had a dream.

Amr Dian is Mr. untouchable. We can agree or disagree on his last two albums, but love him or hate him, he knows how to sell an album, a concert and promote products. He has not aged, and he looks ripped like hell, whatever he is doing he has been doing it very well. Egypt loves him along with them hundreds of millions around the world know and respect him.

Amr Diab did well for the musicians who work with him, but as for introducing new talents he has done little. Do you know any singers whom he has helped make it? No, but I know tend of musicians whose work with Amr Diab made them sexy. He is also a sharp dresser, he know his way around the camera--directors hate that, but he knows his business.

Throughout his career he is the pharmacy that we go to to cure some of our ills or preserve some of our joys. He is a dealer of whatever emotional state we are experiencing. There are other talents out there, but so far the only next Amr Diab is the one and the only Amr Diab who is about to released his final album with Rotana.

Amr Diab - 30 Years of Success"English Subtitle" عمرو دياب - 30 عاماً من النجاح

The New Year Song By The Legendary Mohamed Abdu محمد عبده العام الجديد

A real princess wrote this song for the most respected Saudi star. Mohammed Abdu is the artist of all Arabs, he has been making music for four decades and each time he sings he tells a great love story unlike no other. The UAE native poet and Sheikha Fatima Bint Rashid Bint Said Al Maktoom (commonly known as Ghayahib الشيخه فاطمة بنت راشد ال مكتوم غياهيب) wrote a poem for the Saudi legend.

Their song is about the new year and it sounds like something we have heard before. Ghayahib has given other songs for Abdu before, as well as Abdel Majid Abdallah, Rashid Al Majid, Mansour Zayed, Hussein Al Jassmi as well as others.

A song about what to come this year, as time passes love either grows or dies. The song shuts up all those people who have said Abdu is quitting or not feeling up to new songs. His song is about loyalty and commitment. I have always been a loyal fan of Abdu's he sings his heart out and connects with his listeners in a unique fashion.

محمد عبده العام الجديد

Ali El Haggar Remains Egypt' Most Real Singer

He may as well be the Morgan Freeman of Egyptian entertainment. His voice has been telling the Egyptian narrative for more than three decades. He breaths Egypt and has pretty much performed in every venue in that country. He has ruled the radio airwaves, the cassette market and then the movie soundtracks and dozens of highly rated TV dramas.

It seems Ali is ready for more music as he has been signed by Pyramedia to produce music for him. His son is also signed for the same label for a music project as well.I know this when it comes to a mannly voice with a strong vocal showing, Ali is the name to come up.

See his song below where he does a romantic song with an incredible warmth and an Egyptian beat. El Haggar may have never been a bankable name but he has two things most two stars dream of. He has the respect for the audience and the businesses. And he has the name recognition that crosses age groups and countries.

06 Ali el Haggar - Mn Gheer Matetklmy / على الحجار - من غير ماتتكلمي

Rest In Pease Salah Abdel Ghafour, Iraqi Legendary Singer And Intellectual

He sang in Arabic and Kurdish, this way he is very Iraqi. Not too many Iraqi singers have this kind of appeal, not only does both Arabic and Kurd love this talented and popular iconic singer, they have come to enjoy his singing in any language without regard to politics. His last album was recorded three years ago, and he has a number of unreleased tracks he has been working on. On his final days he spoke about the toxic mode in Arabia and the many tragedies that make it very hard to release new music.

Salah Abdel Ghafour is the folkloric Iraqi voice that gave Iraq one of its most hit songs that have come to define Iraqi music for decades, "Shlonak" This song of his is one of half a dozen songs the entire Iraqi nation knows like they know the back of their hands. He passed away in a tragic car accident in the Kurdish city of Erbil. One thing you need about him, even the Americans and other nationals have come to appreciate his music and his songs. Shlonak was later released in Turkey by a pop-folk singer ibrahim tatlises.

He has released 30 albums, he excelled in doing Iraqi styled songs as well as Folkloric dance songs. His first singing gig was when he was eight years old on the Iraqi TV and radio corporation he chose to perform songs of the mega Iraqi legend Nithem Al Ghazaly in 1961 "Rokin El Howa" Amateur Corner.

In 1973 he would join the national theater group and make his own path. In 1977 he want back to school to study music and composition where he learned to play the violin. He stayed in the music institute for six years perfecting his talent. He would become on of Iraq's finest voices for generations and would inspire droves of young Iraqis to make better music. He was the go to guy of Iraqi Maqam music 

To me, he was one of those artists who refused to objectify women and he spoke about it for a long time--he was very critical of sexualized music videos by many half baked Iraqi talents (for more about his opinions read here). He also released many sport songs for the national teams, and has sang for Palestine. A singer, an intellectual and patriot passes away in an accident, what's not an accident is his talent.


Shlonak - Salah Abdel Ghafour


صلاح عبد الغفور حلوة يالبغدادية.

The Jacksons Hit All The Notes In Their Abu Dhabi Concert

Nobody believes that the Jacobson are mourning the death of their most favorite and legendary brother Michael. But the now troubled family is touring the world sharing the legacy of their beloved brother. The leg of the tour took them to Abu Dhabi, a city where many rich people live and many people who like to be rich dwell.

This meant to be a tribute concert performing Micheal's great songs in sold out venues. Janet has already performed there. Michael is irreplaceable, but the Jackson Five where it all started, so Michael has always done well with his solo act.

This is the first time the Jackson's get seen together performing. Four Jacksons took on the audience by storm. Watch them give an interview talking about his legacy and his spirit. The Gulf a great place to sell any American product, the Jacksons are among this nation's finest export to the world.    

"آل جاكسون" كرَّموا شقيقهم في أبو ظبي

Download: Mohamed Abdo Releases His 2013 Album مينى البوم محمد عبده - يصيح الليل

The grand Saudi Artist just released a splendid mini album of two songs. We are talking about two full length songs that have been turned from poets pieces into a pop art. This is how Saudi artists Mohamed Abdo does it, he is the artist of the kings and royals. Plus his must is produced by a Saudi label-owned by a real wealthy prince.

That means, he has never to worry about money. He has always made good music, though some of this music traveled well outside the Gulf region where he is a constant hit-maker. This album has two lengthy songs, and this is all what folks need from him. This albums seems to be a reaction to the reports of his death--there are so many of them.

The title song comes with the title "The Night has cried", sounds like the perfect motto for those recovering lonely hearts. It comes with classy Arabic music, and beautifully written lyrics. Abdo sounds a lot wiser from an experience that has given him so much pain.  

01 - Allah Gabak

02 - Yeseh El Layl

اغنية محمد عبده - يصيح الليل | Mohamed Abdo - Yeseh El Layl 2013

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

Listen: Melhem Barakat New Single ملحم بركات حبك كبر

The most genuine Arab composer and singer (and also crazy uncle type) Lebanese Melhem Barakat is releasing his new single about the big love he has. The composer whose bizarre antics and shameless self love has never had a boring moment when he is on camera. Melhem is an icon of Arabic music, and even those who know nothing about it, they respect him.

Melhem has said, he has more than 30 songs ready to go in the can. He has composed them and performed them in a studio. So he drops a single every now and then. He is also promising an album. His fans cheer this hit-maker and guy who makes music like it's still 1970. Not only does he composes songs for the youngest and brightest pop stars he has also given other legends his melodies.

The Melhem Barakat's approach to writing music feels like he is big on fairy-tales. He makes music like he is walking in a park and express that colorful experience with music. Then he adds his voice to the track and it becomes a classic. His voice is so complex, one song of his and you feel you have been through a lot of emotions. Joy, romance, and agony all in one verse. The lyrics are those of Nizar Francis and the music produced by Ellie Saba

The track is a 10 minute of pure class. Think of it like soul music, his voice sounds like a trapped lava trying to escape a volcano but unable to. The sound it makes it compared to that of Melhem, he has never been short on passion and energy.

ملحم بركات حبك كبر 2013

Umm Kulthum "Nahj El Borda" Epic Poem / Song

The world of Umm Kulthum seems like a never ending universe  Every time you think you knew the lady and her best songs, you quickly change your mind when you hear the next song that you have forgotten.

This legendary hit making Egyptian diva has managed to enrich the Arabic music library for more than 50 years. She has shaped Egyptian culture, befriended composers, politicians, kings and presidents. She has also waged wars against her rivals.

She is many thing to different people, no two people can agree on what makes the list as her best songs , she has so many of them. Among those songs is a poem for celebrated Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawki, a poem he wrote to honor prophet Muhammad.  Nahj Al Borda is the title of this beloved poem and its refers to another poem that was written in the 12th century to celebrate the prophet. The original poem is considered one of the best poems in honoring the prophet.

It's worth noting, that both poems are well received by the people, the religious folks and the poets. No wonder Umm Kalthoum wanted to bring that poem to life.

 أروع ما غنَّت أم كلثوم ــ قصيدة نهج البردة ــ كاملة

Why Did You Make Me Love You?

Is the title of a really sad romance Arabic song from the golden era. The songstress behind is is none other than the legendary Laila Mourad. She was born in Egypt and had Iraqi Jewish heritage who was a singer and a Polish mother. She grew to be the biggest name in Egyptian music where in 1953 she was selected over Oum Kalthoum as the singer of the revolution.

she ruled the 40s, 50s and 60s. Her life was the subject of so many conspiracy theories like the one about her religion and her loyalty. Egyptian Jewish composer Dawood Hosni whom composed the first Arabic Operetta was among her biggest mentors. Then Abdel Wahab love her voice so he put her on a movie in 1938.

She was subjected to a number of accusations from her rivals, who stooped to a new low when they have accused her to donating money to the Israeli army. She maintained she was an Egyptian Muslims and she would never do such a thing. She was innocent and she remains one of Egypt's most famous music legends.

While she has many wonderful songs and movies, "leeh khaletni ahebak" in my book is one of her most famous songs where bittersweet romance is the theme and where hate is not an option. The song will make any guy feel like trash if he breaks with someone this nice and this loving.

ليلى مراد ( ليه خلتنى احبك ) اغنيه حزينه من اروع اغانيها

Hany Shaker and Mohamed Mounir Disagree

Both are great singers, both are care for their country Egypt and both have a solid fan base. One does romance like no other and the other keeps changing styles. Mounir however, had this to say about stars who join shows like Arab Idol, The Voice and other shows:

"I consider singers as judges on those TV shows is like a retirement" Hany Shaker who appears on Sawt Al Haya as a judge did not find those words accurate. But Hany is classy and he kept it so, "I think those who say that singers doing commercials are lame, I disagree with them" he added, "I think such commercials add to the star, not take away form him"

Why does this matter, Mohamed Mounir has been doing ads for some years now, his latest is for a mobile company. Hany had sobering words, "I do not think people should rush to judgement, being part of those shows is doing a service to the society"

I think Mounir was right to state his opinion, and Hany was right to disagree and counter such opinion. This is a healthy discussion

محمد منير من عزاء بنت هاني شاكر


محمد منير يتحدث عن مطربين مصر -Ultras MouniRian-

Legendary Melhem Barakat Stands In Solidarity With Assad Of Syria

In an interview with Jaras Scope radio, the popular and colorful Lebanese composer and singer Melhem Barakat has this to say about the situation in Syria:

I am sad to see the situation in Syria, I am with the Syrian people and the regime, this murder has to stop. The politicians and leaders of Lebanon need to stand next to Bashar Al Assad to resolve those crisis. Because what happens in Syria will have a negative impact on Lebanon. Melhem Added that the Free Syrian Army had put on the black list due to his stands. Melhem also condemned those politicians who call for disarming the resistance in Lebanon when they are failing to get Israel to pledge never to attack Lebanon. According the composer, no one can disarm the arm, not the UN and not the international community.  

The comopser promised to release more songs, he has more than 30 tracks ready to be released, he has not given us a new song in more than seven years. Melhem has also attacked those Lebanese singers who sing in other dialects. He considers himself one of the proctors of the Lebanese song heritage. 

In Arabic:

وعبّر الموسيقار عن اسفه لما يحدث في سوريا وقال انه مع سوريا شعباً ونظاماً وانه لا يجوز ان يستمر القتل بهذا الشكل وعلى الزعماء اللبنانيين والوقوف الى جانب الرئيس الاسد لايجاد حل سريع لهذه الازمة لان ما يحصل في سوريا قد ينعكس سلباً على لبنان، ولفت الى ان الجيش الحر وضعه على اللائحة السوداء بسبب مواقفه، وانتقد السياسيين اللبنانيين الذين يطالبون بنزع سلاح المقاومة معتبراً انها شعارات انتخابية، واكد انهم يعلمون ان لا احد يستطيع نزع سلاح المقاومة سوى باتفاق دولي وبرعاية الامم المتحدة التي عليها ان تكفل السلم في لبنان وعدم تعرض اسرائيل للبنان.

ونصح الشعب اللبناني بكامل طوائفه ان يستفيق ويعي ماذا يحصل من حوله.

Melhem Barakat - Min Ba3dik La Meen

The Postmortem Music Video For The Late Warda

Warda's song Riad is talking up a new music video that will see the light of day in 2013. The Algerian legend has sang titled "Ayyam" and the plan was to add it to her latest album released late 2011. But due to disagreement between the company (Rotana) and the song's composer it was shelved and not added to the album.

Riad is overseeing the project to make sure it's worthy of his mother's legacy. Warda passed away few months ago due to a heart attack in her Egyptian home in May 2012. She was later buried in her home Algeria. According to Riad, the music video was supposed to be aired later this year but due to some delays, the release date has been pushed back.

Warda did actually start shooting the music video for that song with director Yunus Khomar, but was never done with it. So they have agreed on a way to bring back the late diva's image and incorporate it in the music video. I am sure filmmakers have had more complex challenges in the past. If done artfully, this can be a groundbreaking.

‫اغنية وردة اللي ضاع من عمرى Warda 2011 Elli Daa Min Omri ilyassine1·39 videos

Saudi Legend Visits Palestinian Consulate And Calls Abbas

The moment he heard the news of the United Nation admitting Palestine as an observing state in the international body, Saudi legend and Arab icon Mohammed Abdu picked up the phone called the Palestinians president Mahmoud Abbas and congratulated him on the milestone. Not just that, few days prior to this call, the legendary Saudi entertainer visited the Palestinians consulate in the city of Jaddah, met with the staff and took pictures.

Abdu is a great Arab entertainer and one of the finest voices with a huge legacy has also sang for Palestine and Gaza before. And in 2001 he visited with Palestinians victims of the Israeli occupation who were being treated in Saudi hospitals. His song for Gaza where he sang for certain parts of the narrow strip is emotional hitting piece of poetry. It's no secret that the majority of Arab entertainers root for Palestine, but few of them go to the lengths Mohammed Adbu has.

On a personal note, this is a huge step, we do not see many Arab stars going the extra mile for Palestine. A star of Abdu's size has a huge fellowship and I have always been a fan of his. He is the elder of Khalij musicians, the kingmaker of that part of the world. I certainly appreciate him making time to highlight the Palestinian plight. I know many young entertainers in the gulf look up to this legendary singer, I hope he would open the floodgate of similar visits and support form our brethren in the Gulf.

جديد محمد عبده - أغنية ( ياخوي ياللي بغزة )