WATCH: Marwa Ben Sghaier-Je t'aime (studio)مروى بن صغير-

Marwa came from a relatively smaller Arab country, Tunisia and she took part of the Star Academy music reality show. She left with a huge impression as her romantic and dreamy voices truns even the toughest human being into butter. Her Arabic cover of Fayrous and other classics were dazzling to see the least. But her singing in French opened Pandora's box.

 While Marwa has huge following and the name recognition  she is still not a mainstream success  This is not her own fault, but I am award that she is still engaged in the music scene. Marwa is a fragile artist with delicate feelings, she is no business manager.

Check out her latest song in French, as she performs the song in studio. It makes me feel something--even thought I have little idea what her words are saying. I feel she is confessing how much she adores someone, am I right?

Marwa-Je t'aime (studio)مروى بن صغير-

Cheesing Things Up With Saber El Rebai

I do not personally know Saber El Rebai, but I know that he loves a good cry or at least his songs lead you to believe. It's like he goes out in the world, finds the wrong people, falls in love with them. And then he comes to us telling his tale of how he was wronged  Maybe we can help him the first time, but the second times he comes it becomes harder and harder.

The only reason he shot to fame was become to his happy and dance friendly song Sidi Mansour of 2000, but then he started making romantic songs, they were great. But such songs do not have a great feel to them, you won't play them on your car or race to see them in a concert.

Saber visited the Tunisian song again and made a number of good hits, but he is looking for something more durable so he dabbling into composing songs and writing more hard hitting songs that will be among his legacy. Cool is good for ten years, and then you have to look for another job. Whatever it's Saber is still around, and he moonlights as a judge on the Voice.
اتذكرك

One Tunisian Rapper Arrested For Trashing The Police Weld El 15 البوليسية كلاب

Some Tunisian who sang against the police rests in jail right now. His song was titled "The Police Are Dogs"--think Pigs in America. His song takes a creative approach at insulting the police and he was nothing but harsh words for the police force in Tunis,

Many young people in Tunis are pissed of at their government and from the comments they post, they seem to want to break free. Weld El 15 is the artists behind this song. The Tunisian Ministery of Interior has arrested a young man and unidentified woman, they await to see a judge. This has taken place south of the capital and they are investigation the incitement and defamation the song calls for against the government and the police.

I think, people should be free to speak their minds, but even in free societies there are limits...try to mock a police officer, call him a name of give him the middle finger here. You will not be happy. I wish the artist well, and I want him to be free.

Weld El 15 - NEW البوليسية كلاب [Clip Officiel]

WATCH: Divanessa - Aman, The Amazing (and beautiful) Lebanese Violinist

Lebanese violinist Divanessa is busy making Arabic music more universal by adding a touch of class and violin on everything she does. Among her early supporter is Lebanese pop star Ragheb Alama whose brother's label has singed her. The two have performed together in a sold out concert in Tunis. She also has a A Nigeria concert as well.

Cannot deny how hard working she seems as she plays her instrument of choice. It's like she is writing magic straight out of her violin. I love the fantasies her music creates as highlighted by her most recent music video. There's so much tension, conflict and peace in her strokes. Aside from her wonderful look and impressive choice of wardrobe, Divanessa seems to have it all figures out.

Divanessa has an rare and an incredible talent not available to too many men or women in our part of the world. She is a master and it shows as in her short years she has manged to get her name out there and perform around the world. She is Canadian by birth and Lebanese by the events helped shape her life. She picked the violin at age 9 and it seems that was the best decision she has ever taken.

This is the kind of music that comes form the world, and travels the world- but first it stops in Lebanon. Her music goes where words, fail. I am happy to see a star contribute to universally themed music like Divanessa has in her short years. And something tells me, she has a lot more to give.

Divanessa - Aman / ديفينيسا - آمان

The Postmortem Duet By Latifa And Late Amer Moneeb عامر منيب ولطيفة جيت علي بالي

She is a fine Tunisian and pan Arab songstress and he is one of the kindest Egyptian pop stars who is now dead. He passed away about two years ago, and it was too sudden. The late Amer Moneeb has a new duet released, and Latifa is the second act of this duet.

This was never released before and came out of sudden, catching Arabic music observers by surprise--just like the death of the other star behind this sweet romantic and cute love song. This song is a remake of an old song, it's a welcome remake because both artists sound loyal to the original song. Latifa's voice essence is a perfect paring for Amer Moneeb, this is a match made in music heaven.

Amer is the artist behind this hit song, and Latifa is his musical guest. Both stars deliver one of their most compelling vocal showings in a really long time. The song reminds us of this once celebrated pop star who was a top seller in both music and movie theaters.

اغنية عامر منيب ولطيفة جيت علي بالي 2013 Amer.Ft.Latifa.Get.3ala.Baly

Badriya Essayed Alexandria Beach Of Love

Badriya Essayed left Star Academy and has never left it. She stayed in Lebanon for two years after her appearance and she has finally singed a contract with a production company and her single came out. A single that makes one nostalgic to the Egyptian city of Alexandria, the beach and the people enjoying it.

It looks promising as the Jaroudi Media, the producer has plans for the Tunisian pop delight. There are talks of Badriya doing a cover of one of the old beloved songs from Sabah's golden hits. Badriya's comeback has to be well planned for it to mean something that would last.

Badriya Essayed manged to stand out from the pack and she may up to something and I like when young people find a breathing room in this highly competitive and cut-throat industry.

Badriya Essayed - Ana 3inin 3alik HD بدرية السيد - أنا عيني عليك

The Incredible Old School Throwback By Shayma Helaly شيما هلالي - إمتى نسيتك

Whoever suggested that the Tarab song is dead poke too soon. Tarab songs are the old sounding real songs with minimal computer affects, real instruments, slow moving melody, strong vocal showing "forte", and the magical overall feel.

That formula has been working for generations, but it seems to have been lost due to the overcrowded pop music scene. But an unlikely star is bringing it back with a new style of her own. Tunisian Shayma Helaly who had a good run in 2007 and 2008 is making her much needed comeback noticed with her new romantic ballad. One of things about Shayma is her obsession with the golden era songs since she was a little girl.

I am encouraged to hear and watch the song, because most stars are now banking on doing Gulf songs instead of trying for the real deal. This is a like giving CPR to this old style that has been buried for at least two years. Shayma came a long way from her days at the Star Academy show, her delicate persona and strong voice offer the perfect formula for a warm and soul- friendly sweet performance.

"Emta Nseitak" turns little boys into men and teaches woman all about the emotional complexity of that thing we call love. The music video was filmed in Lebanon, and Shayma wear five different outfits in the duration of the music video. While no one can miss the artist's good and stylish look, her voice stole the show in this golden performance.

Note the special and visual affects the music video director Fadi Haddad puts to a good use. The lyrics are the work of the A lister, Mohammad El Refaei and Ameer Mahrous and We are hoping for her comeback album, due this year.

Respect Shayma Helaly! This lady can rock!

Shayma Helaly - Emta Nseitak / شيما هلالي - إمتى نسيتك

Good Listen: اغنية امانى السويسى - بتيجى فى بالى | Amany El Seweissy - Betigy Fi Baly

It took a young Tunisian songstress to bring to light all the unique and cool things about Egypt. Amany El Seweissy knows how to perform a bittersweet song, just like she just did. Her voice often keep you guessing if she is cheering or about to break in a cry.

Amany who hit the fame jackpot when she participated in the Star Academy show years ago, is making a good choice by recording and releasing a song for Egypt at those uncertain times. Amany is not sucking up to the wealthy Gulf networks....she did this song by the heart from the heart. She is also singing to the flag, and the loving people in Egypt.

I pray for Egypt to be safeguarded, the song goes. I love every inch of her land, the song advances. The interesting fact, not even an Egyptian could have performed this song better than Amany. So for all those Egyptian nationalists, Arabs have a soft spot for Egypt--always will.

اغنية امانى السويسى - بتيجى فى بالى | Amany El Seweissy - Betigy Fi Baly


l اغنية امانى السويسى - بتيجى فى بالى l 2013 لـمصر NewMaZzika·24 videos

The Last Time Saber El Robai Tried To Be Cool

Saber El Robai is part of the Rotana music label and as a talented musician  I think that was the dumb thing to do. They do not have time for him, they re in the businesses that make money plus they do not like to spend money on stars whom the mangers do not especially like. Saber El Robai is a big deal in Tunisia, and Lebanon.

For the past six years or so Saber has failed to have a big hit, and the fault for that is much bigger than the singer himself. His 2012 album has no memorable song, and none of its songs lived up to the singers past beloved songs. At least Roa thinks a great deal of this song, it agrees with her. Saber is a talented musician who seems to pick losers

Then came his music video few months ago, where he is playing love games with his lady, there is a beach and your dream vacation stuff. Filmed in Lebanon in partnership with Sony whose products are placed in this music video. It's worth mentioning that the best part of this song is the music, and it has been composed by the singer himself.  

saber roba3i ya 3asal 2012 - YouTube.FLV


Saber Rebaï - Ya Assal | Carthage 2012 صابر الرباعي - يا عسل

Listen: Latifa New Single اغنية لطيفة - أسمر | جديد 2013

Rookies are not the only ones making songs in Khaliji songs, but other more seasoned entertainers are joining the ranks. Tunisian songstress and icon is out with a radio version of her new single. A song where she is singing to the tanned colored boy toy.

Latifa's heart is in the right place. I know for sure Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Egypt are on her mind. She has always been a proud Tunisian, but it seems she has no plans to go home anytime soon. I know she continues to make media appearances and interviews. She is an icon who has many hits throughout her career. Trouble is, the last good song she recorded was about five years ago.

Latifa has her fans, I was once, I am waiting for her to dazzle me once again. Her new single did not have people like me on her mind when she recorded this random mediocre song.    

اغنية لطيفة - اسمر | نسخة راديو


اغنية لطيفة - أسمر | جديد 2013

Watch: Mourad Bouriki Wins The Title At The Voice الحلقة الاخيرة - فوز مراد بوريقي باللقب

The proud kingdom of Morocco took home the title for the Voice, his mentor Assi Hallani is so proud. The winner of the first season of the Arabic version of The Voice is Mrad Boreqy. This was a stunning surprise for many observers who have not taken special interest in Mourad Bouriki and his dazzling performances.  The Moroccan flag flew a little higher in Beirut where the episode aired on Friday the 14th. The judges now can take a break after an informal finale--where Sherine brought her little girl who ran on stage.

This is the closing ceremony and each coach gave a closing speech and so has the four contestants. A class act speech by Katehm Al Saher who has recognized the suffering of the children and those who are living under attacks and bombing in the world. The final four came from Tunis, Iraq and two from Morocco. Mourad was the most professional and most loyal to his signings  He won because he was good, not because he was the most charismatic.

As for Mourad has dominated with his covers of the Syrian oldies--a t ouch singing form where high low pitches are needed to dazzle. I congratulate the young singer and wish him well, he has the voice and has now won The Voice over. His next move is important. I hope this is the begging of a Moroccan music revival.

MBC made a lot of money from this big in rating show--I was suspicious at first. Moroccans almost always do poorly in those shows whereas Egyptians tend to win more often. Some refer to RedOne, the world class Moroccan music producer interfering in favor to the Mourad. Mourad won the night with a cover of Oum Kalthoum song--always a crowd pleaser.

Mourad won few things, a big truck from a famous America company model 2013. A contract with Univrsal Music where the popular Moroccan native RedOne would oversee the production of the album.  

MBC The Voice - Ep14 / الحلقة الاخيرة - فوز مراد بوريقي باللقب


The Voice MBC - Ep13 / مراد بوريقي - يا مال الشام

Qatar Jails A Poet And Screens Movies At Tribeca

A poet will face life in prison in Qatar after penning verses that state officials deemed insulting to the nation's emir and an incitement to topple the government, his attorney told news agencies Thursday.

Rights activists say Mohammed Ajami was arrested over his “Jasmine Poem,” which skewered governments across the region, at one point declaring, “We are all Tunisia in the face of the repressive elite.” He had previously recited a poem criticizing the emir, according to free speech groups.

But who cares about one poet? The government clearly does not, and that's not stopping them from promoting films and freedom of speech at their own version of Tribeca film festival that's being held at the moment with the presence of many Arab and few international stars. Whatever you do just do not insult the leader of the land....this is a farce people.

Mohammed Ajami did nothing wrong, he spoke his mind in a place that has seriously promote free speech for all those who have something nice to say about the Emir. Do not get me wrong, I love many things Qatar did and how they are trying to do more, but they have also done a number of mistakes as well. Jailing Mr. Ajami should not be one of them.

Here's how I see this ending, the Emir of the land will parson the poet, and the poet will come out and apologize about his poem. Not fair by any means, but the Emir doe snot need the bad press as the story has been picked by the global press now.

As for the film festival in Qatar, it looked like the Algerian and Tunisian cinema were big winners, as they have collected the top awards. An Egyptian women won an award for the documentary she made about men and their role in society. A young Saudi women director also won for a movie she filmed about women of Saudi Arabia.

"التائب" يحصد جائزة مهرجان ترايبيكا السِّينمائي

Hedi Jouini, The Protector of The Tunisian Song

Hedi Jouini has been rightfully dubbed the Frank Sinatra of the Arab World. From the theme song of a popular Tunisian soap opera to pop singers’ cover songs, including international superstar Ishtar, Jouini’s music still resonates twenty five years after his death.

Behind the usual story of siblings fighting over their inheritance lies the powerful dynamic of men’s and women’s roles in 1930’s Tunis and the sad but often funny story of Papa Hedi’s, a man and his legacy. Performing live accompanied buy his "oud" lute and an orchestra of people who are set on making beautiful music. The star Hedi Jouini seems to enjoy his live performances and inviting his audience to participate

Hedia became a star away from the center of the Arab star making system in Cairo. Like countless of his peers he started his career by reading and reciting the holy Koran. He moved into memorizing songs of singers that came before him. Then he studied under an Italian music professor, then in a French institution. He would go on to dominate the 50s, 60s, and 70s in the Tunisian song. Most of his songs have been inspiring young and old Tunisian artists to recreate them.

His early songs were light and had a lot of humor. Then he moved into romance and duets. And from there to the social issues. He was a leader in conserving the Tunisian song and had joined a group to promote and protect the local song--he would compose songs for a number of vocalists in that group "Jama'at Ta'aht Al Sor"
Hedi Jouini - 7obi Yitbadel Yitjadid


hedi jouini - lamouni live

Carole, Elissa, Wael To Join The X Factor

While the contracts have not been signed yet, but that would not stop the press from talking about the latest celebrity panel to join a singing competition. It seems, at least three Lebanese pop stars will be sitting on the judge chair on the popular singing competition, Elissa, Wael Kfoury and Carole Samaha are rumored to have accepted the roles.

Meanwhile, it seems the need for an Egyptian judge is key, so Tamer Hosny has been locked in talks with the producers in the hope he would join the panel. Tamer Hosny has not giving his OK yet, the others have.

The X Factor airs on CBC, the casting and talent scouting will start in Jordan on November third, then the UAE on the sixth, Morocco on the twelve, Tunisia on the fifteen and then Egypt, the last stop on November 21.

Now, we have big Arab names on the panels of Arabs Got Talent, The Voice, Arab Idol and now The X Factor triples the dose of A listers.

Mohamed ft Shamia - Youm Wara Youm

The Tunisian Farah Bin Rajab, A Media Darling

Farah Bin Rajab, the Arab TV personality darling is a hit in TV, she has worked on a half dozen of Network. Not only does she present, but she also works on themes for the network. Her opinions are often heard. Farah is well known for being a favorite among men, that's why she speaks she does not intend to give men a hard time.

I never knew she is Tunisian, I grew up watching her shows. She speaks Arabic, but a mix of Lebanese and Tunisian. It's cute. DMTV network is one of her homes, as this network is dedicated for men viewers. Really? Men should go find jobs, not watch TV and drink tea all day.

Can anyone tell my why is she a huge deal? Not hating, just trying to get an education.

فرح بن رجب لا أتعمد مشاكسة الرجل في برنامجي الجديد

The Old Saber El Robae'i Had It Going On, What Now?

Remind me of one great song that Saber El Robae'i has made in the last three year? Chances are, you won;t be able to. This Tunisian singer who had a great 2000 is working his way back into the music business. He does not hold as many concerts--or maybe we do not read about them. He has been in Beirut for years now where his work is based. His latest album tanked.

He remains with Saudi production company Rotana--where non Gulf native singers go to die and be ignored.    His career is far form over, but I do not see him making any music or talking about his latest. Saber has a warm voice and a romantic style that makes many people believe. He has a good name in the industry. But such good will does not last long if he does not give us anything new to celebrate.

I know he did a good song for Tunisia more than a year ago, celebrating the new change at his home. I think, he needs to comeback with a funky Tunisian song that reminds us all of all his great moments like in Sidi Mansour , romance has too many singer at the moment, but not enough cool singers with a good voice are doing Tunisian flavored song.

Saber El Robae'i - At7ada El Aalam - صابر الرباعي - أتحدي العالم

Lamia Jamel Dazzles "The Voice"

Star Academy Season 8 sent her home, the fans lost it. But thanks to "The Voice" she was given another shot. And most are happy to see Lamia, the daughter of Tunisia back on the spotlight with a microphone. She is a kindred spirit and has a warm voice, and a bubbly personality.

After three seconds of opening her mouth, she had a concert in Assi Hallani as she performed Summertime. Then when she did an Arabic song by Asmahan, she won the rest of the judges over including her country man Saber El Robaei. She can sing, and the fans love to see and hear her. I would say she stands a big chance in taking home the title. She does take on a different personality when she sings Arabic and when she does songs in English.

Kazem sang a song for her too, filtered with her and seemed to really want to by in the Lamia business. They fought over her and pushed one another. She joined Team Saber. One a side note, I love how the show manufactures drama and tension by focusing on family  freinds of the contestant getting excited when a judge turns his chair.

اداء لمياء جمال | The Voice