WATCH: 2013 New Video Myriam Fares Kifak Enta - ميريام فارس كيفك إنت

The number one dancing Lebanese pop star let is all be seen with her most recent music video filmed on the roof of some Beirut apartment. It feels like a nostalgic music video form the sixties where women and men had different concepts for fashion and styles.

To be fair, this is a wonderful song, and a good music video. Why did they have to make it like a meat market though is the question. She is shaking her money maker and has help this time, and makeover works well for her and the Lebanese melody is clear.

This plays like a theater group, the makeup, the color mixing, and style designers will be in this business for some time. The song is no doubt classy, and feels like a throwback to the beloved Lebanese oldies who love so much. This song has a lasting affects, and feels like something old yet so fresh.

The last outfit seems like a creep fest please note the perfume endorsement. It's clear that Myriam Fares is facing a lot of competition so she had to work harder and smarter to stick out, and she did. In the past she had to worry about four other pop divas, now she has like a dozen who do similar styles, among them some ladies who can really entertain. 

Myriam Fares Kifak Enta - ميريام فارس كيفك إنت

Listen: Shamya 2013 Single اغنيه شاميه - بلاش كلام | جديد 2013

Not feeling this new breakout single by Egyptian new comer pop Shamya. I do not like people who sound to whiny. I do not enjoy people's loss and misery, she has a good voice, but this song does not help her show that.

I feel she sounds like Mona Abdel Ghany and Fayrouz Karaway. A grown up voices that sings about women stuff -not girls. Her song plays like one would look at the rare view mirror. We are all wiser once we have been screwed over by someone or by an event. Having said that, this is a warm voice with a chance to do something good. But it has become a lot harder now to get peoples attention.

اغنيه شاميه - بلاش كلام | جديد 2013

Download: Adel Mokhtar New Album البوم عادل المختار - الافندى

The Arabic word Mokhtar is means the chosen one, and Adel has that as his last name. When it comes to Iraqi pop he is OK, but when it comes to be part of the biggest Arabic music production companies he is the one. Rotana signed Adel and pushed him toward the Gulf market.

Iraqi pop has been making a big splash in the past five years--thanks to friendly audience and big music studios based in Dubai. So, they keep bring out their stars and the Khalij enjoys the similar yet exotic musical taste Iraqis have developed.

Iraqi blues is what I like, Iraqi dance songs is what most seem to appreciate. Adel Mokhtar is bringing it all together on his 9 tracks album whish has just been released.

01 - La Tr7am
02 - El Afandy
03 - Ya Raby Ya Satar
04 - Oreidh El Youm
05 - 3la Kefey
06 - Hamoud
07 - El Boneh
08 - Toley Ya Lelah
09 - El Moshkla

عادل المختار الافندي

Take This Macho Song By Zein Shaker

Becasue he did a song about a transgender whom he married, we know about Lebanese singer and musicians Zein Shaker. He is smart to do that song and now his name is out there, the free publicity works. Now comes his most mainstream followup song.

A song about a macho man who would do anything for the approval of the lady he loves. A typical Lebanese passionate song with a dance beat. I will walk like Bou Ali does--Bou Ali is the caricature for the manly man in Arabic culture. I would tear down this world for you, and give you my man word sings Zein. 

The song is fun to dance too, but guys may like the lyrics  but I find it hard to imagine women like such song.

ZEIN SHAKER NEW SONG - MACHYIT BOU ALI

The Khalij's Finest Chick Pop Import

Nihad aba Rudy is a young talent from the Gulf whose effort to make good music has not gone unnoticed, but she needs to do more. If you Google the artists, you should be ab;e to find their picture and their bio without having to work too hard.

I cannot even find a correct way to spell her in even in Arabic. She made a dazzling song for those who like to dance. She has the voice many young Lebanese songstress would like to copy. She can also boast about the exotic look she has.

As far as the lyrics are concerned, they are not that original. The music arrangement did its job keeping the song loud.

نهاد ابارودي - الشوق جاني / فيديو كليب 2012

Fayez Al Saeed, Great Composer, Weak Singer

The UAE's most serious music talent Fayez Al Said tries to be too many things at the time time. He may be good at wearing too many hate, but the reality is far too complex. He is a busy composer--his melodies are the best thing to come out of the UAE's music scene. 6 out of 10 songs made in the Gulf, he has put his golden touches on.

With his new album out, he is pushing a new music video for that album. A lackluster pop song that falls flat and feels bland. It may be popular with some of his fans in the Gulf region, but a good song should not be limited to one region and not the other--there are many good Khaliji songs that make it out West. In the local scene  they have to come across as the conservative and traditional homeboy, but for the ones viewing them for the outside  they want to be hip and relevant.This kind of bipolar attitude complicate the marketing.

Fayez is a cool guy and he tries too hard to come across as one, but he does not really need to try that hard. We get it, he likes the club, scene he likes to dance and look good. Something about males in that part of the world, they would rather be goofy than be good. He has had better songs, but this song might be made for merely his fans.  

 فايز السعيد - دق هيوة / فيديو كليب 2013

Malak El Nasser Gets Serious and Dramatic

How many Tattooed and bold young Jordanians songstresses do you know? Chances are not many, but Malak El Nasser is the only name that comes to mind. I have come to known her for her dance songs, she has at least four hits out there, cute dance songs really.

This time, she wants something different, dramatic songs with the blues and that's her new song for usher in 2013. Yalla Ya Habibi is a plea song, a cry for help asking the one who has been ignoring you to take your call. What a pity really!

Malak has ruffled some feathers with the censoring authority, but they might be too intimidate by her good looks and body type. I happen to really dig her style ever since she did that duet with Jad. That song was dope. The new music video is no different than the oen she made last year, in both she plays tourists walking around nice places. However  she is not singing for a man she loves, but for her own son who has been away from here

Malak El Nasser - Yalla Ya Habiby / ملك الناصر - يالا يا حبيبي

Funny Tamer Hosny Music Video On Cellular Etiquette

The trouble with Arabs is that one they talk too much and two, they interfere in one another's business. They just do not leave people alone. But in West, they seldom have people to talk to--so they hire a counselor  a therapist to hear them out. I think the right formula is somewhere in the middle. Judgement free listening and compassion.

Now, you are ready to watch the music video with Tamer Hosny who is having a little issue with his lady, she wants to know what and where he is. He wants his space it seems. So, they go to visit with their friends' home and spill the beans about their romance and woes. Tamer Hosny does most of the talking here, and his lady does not get to talk.

The issue is the way they talk to one another--her mobile phone is busy, she sends a message call me. He ignores her message. This is the phone tag issue most people in today's world know much about it. She is a bnit jealous think he is with other women--when he is at home taking a nap. Too bad, neither Tamer Hosny nor his lady are in high school. Tamer bores people to death with this tale.  

I did enjoy the comic affects throughout the music video, this is a new technology and I find it works for this music video.

Akalemha - Tamer Hosny أكلمها - تامر حسنى

WATCH: The Most Awkward Interview On Sister Soup

The three sisters who are hosting Sisters Soup had a guest, and it seems that neither party liked the company of the other. Saudi Waad seems to be an awkward person who has little respect for the presenters. She seems to be off. The three sisters who host the show Mai Selim--sings and acts; Mais Hamdan--sings, acts and hosts she also tells jokes. And the lesser known sister Dana. The show airs on OSN and MBC and the first season had 17 episodes.

I felt that the three ladies had to have Waad on and she seems not to be there. Nobody seems to be want to listen, each side the hostesses and the guest wanted to talk and talk. They kept interjecting one another. This is a high estrogen interview and the show has some fun segments. I am not sure if they show sucks or Waad is lousy guest. Waad has a fashion store in Beirut, and she sings--but I do not remember one hit of hers.

Waad trashed non Khaliji singers who do songs in that dialect. She seems to be angry at many Lebanese ladies who have made songs in that dialect. She seems to think no one understands her own dialect. Waad seems to shout a lot and lacks courtesy toward her fellow entertainers. It might be that she lacks tact or social skills, but the hostesses tried to keep the show flowing.

Sisters Soup - Ep5 - Part3 / وعد في سيسترز سوب - الحلقة 5 - جزء 3

Sisters Soup - Ep5 - Part5 / وعد في سيسترز سوب - الحلقة 5 - جزء 5

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

A Good Song, Jury Is Out On The Music Video Wassim El Naggar - Fokek / وسيم النجار - فوكك

He has a good voice, nice dance moves, he is animated and dresses well. He is a young Egyptian pop sensation that goes by the name Wassim El Naggar. He is out with a new single made for dance. I like the beat. It's exciting for young talents to see their first music videos, always has been this way.

He has a style and she held his own ground in the music video--he did not make it into a nude show which is refreshing. I just feel the music video could use some better lighting and a better story perhaps. I know the teen girls and young women will find the music video to be fun. This is a clip about a guy telling the girl she is driving him mad.

I feel good about Wassim who is unafraid to come across as a goof ball, he is just out to have some fun and being himself. He has two outfits, the one he wears at the club and the sport outfit from a guy who likes cars. So this is the balance. the soft and the rugged looks are all in one place. The lyrcis are light hearted and seem to have been written by a relative of Wassim. The music is the work of the singer himself.

Wassim El Naggar - Fokek / وسيم النجار - فوكك

Would You Wear This Shatha Hassoun Outfit?

Shatha Hassoun knows a thing or two about fashion, she lives in Beirut  but works in Dubai, her hearts beats Iraq and her mind is always on Morocco. She makes good music and her online brand is one of the strongest among her peers. Her fans live all over the world and she often speaks to them via a number of media outlets.

She is often in Lebanon doing media interviews on A list shows, and in Beirut for concerts and events. She also records there. But I feel one of her most recent outfits feels little bit not her own. It looks like the sylist of Myriam Faris has finally got Shatha to wear his clothes. Fashion hits and misses are nothing new. You are a star and you wear something you think looks good one you...sometimes you are right and sometimes you are very wrong.

It's just a dress meant to cover your privates and make a statement. So no big deal, I have seen worse and a lot more revealing. Shatha is on her Turkey for a big project she is not talking about so far. From there she will head to Kuwait for a big wedding where she ha been hired to sing.

Shatha Hassoun "Menou Li Ma 3endou Madi"

Listen: The UAE Golden Boy New Single فايز السعيد - انت مين 2013

Fayez Al Said had two kind of songs, the one where he is cool and fun--we like. And the other one where he wants to be all serious, I have mixed feelings about it. What I do not have mixed feelings about is his true talent to make some of the finest and most original melodies.

He makes so many of them, and he does it so well. As a singer who just released an album few months ago, he has kept a busy schedule  he is also talking about a TV drama. But music from the Gulf does not tend to travel well, so we do not read many interviews with celebrities from there. Naturally, because they tend to be very private folk.

Fayez has a mega studio in Dubai where is has been turned into a cultural saloon. He has new single with a catchy title, "Who Might You Be?" He pleads with his loved one to let him in, because as clever as Fayz is, he cannot figure him love interest out. Not sure what the message here is, but I am certain the song will be airing in radios around Dubai and the Gulf for days to come.

فايز السعيد - انت مين 2013


فايز السعيد انت مين

WATCH: Sijal Hachem SExed Up - Khalas / سجال هاشم - خلص

50 Shades of Grey might be the talk of town in America  but Sijal and his sexy lady copes are the talk of those fitly boys. Women in short uniforms with authority turn some people on and he did all that in Lebanon in a music video about the battle of the sexes.

Got no idea what's the message of this random music video, but the dudes are taking it seriously as those oversexified police women take a stand. Models dancing on cars is nothing new...but I do like the line about her grandfather traveling via jackasses not fancy rides.

But it gets worse and never gets better. This is a dance song about a guy who goes bankrupt because he gets his woman all she wants. I have never seen cops stripping, in real life.I weep for the sext interrogator portion, it makes it look fun. No woman would find anything of value in this very stereotypical music video where women are the entertainment.

Sijal Hachem - Khalas / سجال هاشم - خلص

The Best (Winners And Losers) On X Factor Arabia

I think X factor is getting to narrow their list of talented names. They are ready to show off their finest voices and show off. One of those is a guy with the name Ibrahim, he is Libyan and he is ready to make them proud--I like him. He makes good choices and shows a level of maturity when doing cover songs. He might be going home, Elissa and Wael were unkind to him. Hussein and Carole were supportive. He was hurt becasue Libya could not vote due to their issues with telecommunication.

ابراهيم - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The other lady is Salwa whose talent is hard to miss. She seems to have the face for it, she is ready to entertain. Her covers of those English songs are something of a novelty, she has it figured out. She has the stage presence and gets in the act. She does the rock star persona very well, though her latest performance left something to be desired. She is also the youngest contestant and she is from Morocco.

سلوى أنلوف - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Merayah, the band that knows what they want and have their own way of doing business. They are a boy band from Egypt who have the sweet and bad boy sides. I think they can do so much more than the soft song they performed. They are a crowd pleasing, but again they song did not allow them to show the happy side.

فرقة مرايا - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


He is the statement on the show and his name is Hussam, he has a strong voice, and a highly classy style. He has been singing fro some time since he was an 8 year old boy. I like this guy, he seems to have his quirks going right for him. He does the old man trapped in a young man's body so well. He is Lebanese and from the same area as Wael Kfoury.

حسام ترشيشي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Egypt gets her own lady on X Factor and her name is Marwa. She has that zen when she performer the oldies, she never races in her voice and she seems to need not to worry about her taking a breath. She comes across as comfortable and confident--thanks to growing in a music loving house\hold.

مروى أحمد - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


She is Moroccan and ready for prime time. She started singing in her school and has taken part of a singing show in Morocco. Now she is ready to perform something from Fayrouz. Iman is a strong contender. The judges seem to love her, she chose a song that everyone knows, so messing up in this song means she will go home--I feel she delivered it. She has the Wow factor!

إيمان كركيبو - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The guy who does not seem to want to be there comes from Jordan. He knows himself and not shopping around for an opinion from pop stars. He has something to share with the world. I like him fro that, he does not sell his charisma, but he sells high quality songs, this is Adham and I think he is a solid voice and he may actually win. I think the judges have challenged him to bring the best in him.  He is very good and Jordan will vote him in and push his brand.

أدهم نابلسي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


This is the most unique voice, he is a young Moroccan artist. I love his voice, he is very different and no one out there will be able to copy him. Think a unique George Wassouf, a voice that you cannot help but love even so you may not always understand it. The fans love this dude, and give him the votes. Certainly the boys love him. He is the candy of this show, he actually has divided the panle Elissa and Hussein are among his biggest cheerleaders.

محمد الريفي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The most talented band on the show, they are the creative force, they bring so much energy and charm , the band members are best of friends, there is so much chemistry. I love the Young Pharoz and something tell me, they are the number one band on the show and they are ready to smoke their competitors out. They are so smooth and Egypt has loved their style. The lady (Shahad) on this trio brings so much flavor in both English and Arabic. They put on a show each has their own talent that sells, but together they are something not to be overlooked.

Young Pharoz - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Ali or Aly from Saudi Arabia, he is 20 years old and he loves his family so very much. He lacks the stage presence, he is good, but I do not think for the big league. He choses to stay withing the Gulf dialect and he is already a star. He does not know this, people love him, he just does not know how to show how much he loves them back

علي حامد - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The Omani dude who is like a magician. I love this dude, he always thinks about the song is his last song, so he goes all in. The judges really like him and he is a crowd pleaser  he knows how to show love and appreciation. He does wonders when he holds the microphone. It's safe to say he will go far, because even people outside Oman\love him--he might be the second artists to be born in that country.  Another thing, he performs like he is a Western star focuses on the show part, and not just the song.
المنتصر بالله - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Another band with a very cool name, ninja is ready they come to us from the West, they have the hustle and flow thing going for them. They do rap, and each come with a story they have gone far with the Western bloc of the Arab world. They are all about energy and joy. They are fun to see them live, their fusion works to their advantage. I believe they are Tunisian. They took a challenge and turned a Lebanese dance song to their own style. Tunisians have to be really good to make it out and thoe guys are no different, they hit all the right notes.

Les Bledards Ninja - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013

It's Slow Day, Here Are Two Whatever Music Vidoes

I have no idea who these two young performers are, and frankly I do not care all that much. I only know that they got to appear in this music video and I didn't. Pyramedia is turning itself int a hub that makes music videos on the cheap--just in studio shoots with the artists standing and acting like he is having a good time. Not great songs by any measure, but may be entertaining.

Meet Talal and Adel Haky, the two artists who will be pretending to entertain you and I want you to pretend to be entertained! Ok, I will tell you about Adel Haky, he is an Egyptian guitarist who has lived in Spain where he has mastered the guitar. He has made song songs with Arm Diab. Adel makes music for Disney movies--the Arabic versions. This time he is singing too

طلال - مش هتغير / Talal - Msh Hat3'yr


عادل حقي - ليله / Adel Haky - Leela

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

Is This Dude Wearing A Pajama At His Own Concert

When your lead singer is wearing a cap and a full casual look, why not wear a pajama. Or at least that's what I think the gifted and hard working Turkish Clarinet player Hüsnü Şenlendirici is wearing on stage. Seriously, what's he wearing?

Maybe this is some rehearsal, but it's on film the Saber El Rebai is kicking it with the band who seem to be hanging loose. I know both Arabs and Turkish people are keen on looking their best, but this clip confuses me.

I have seen similar pants at the Target sales bin on Black Friday. I have no idea where this was filmed  but I think it might have been somewhere in Europe. As for Hüsnü Şenlendirici he has been doing a number of concerts in Egypt where he is a celebrated figure. He has collaborated this year with Ghada Ragib on her most recent dazzling album.

Saber Rebai, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Aytaç Doğan (Soirée Privée)

Myriam Fares Parents Must Be So Proud Of Their Little Girl

I often wonder how do families of pop stars that overdo it on using sex as a marketing strategy feel about them. I am certain there's double standards, women are much easier target and i should not really be that way. I know I am mindful of that, and pick on guys as much as i do on women who make a bad music video or focus on the sex part and not the entertainment.

One curious case is the Lebanese songstress Myriam Fares. She has sold her body parts on camera, look no further than the way most of her music videos are filmed, Myriam does not tell the director anything off limit and she gives them what they want. Boobs, ass shots are abundant with any music video of Ms. Fares.

I really wonder how do her family members or her parents particularly feel about it. I know some of those people can look the other way if their son or daughter buys them stuff and gives them money. Myriam is a bright entertainer with a nice voice and a sweet personality. Maybe she is a good person and we are the bad ones pushing her to show more skin, bigger cleave.  

Myriam Fares - Eih Elly Byehsal / ميريام فارس - إية اللى بيحصل

How Nancy Ajram Is Becoming Increasingly Fake

If you ask most Arabs, they will agree Nancy Ajram is a huge star. Why? I would say she has manged to sell cute, by posing as the girl next door. The spunky girl that looks exotic and has and exotic name yet still act as if she is some some small village in Lebanon or Egypt. For her music video from (2003-to 2007). We all remember that poor girl's dress she wore while she was doing laundry as her boy tries to win her affection.

But then she changed her image from that to the girl that wears tons of jewelry, promotes fancy and glamorous life. Nothing wrong with that, no one says anything wrong with making lots of easy money. But that's not we have all come Nancy Ajram. We loved her on camera antics and who she is, not the girl that is a walking billboard.

Just look no further than her latest music video...it's full of glamour and gold. Her millions of fan base around the Arab World won't connect with that. Those kind of music video has gotten really old now. She is now joining those reality TVs as a judge, so once again she is further turning people's love into her personal ATM machine.

Nancy Ajram has always been a trend sitter since 2009, I think she is no longer doing that. Would that mean much? I do not know, but Nancy could be looking at a bigger house and more vacations.


Nancy Ajram - Aah W Noss


Nancy Ajram - Badak Teb'a Fik / نانسي عجرم - بدك تبقى فيك