Times Are Changing Saudi Arabia Is Making Movies Now

Dubai Film Festival saw the screening of a new Saudi film that has competed and won in Europe At the Venice Film Festival. A Saudi film with the title "Wajdah" is the talk of town now. The director has made shorts before but this is her first full feature that has been filmed entirely inside the Kingdom.

The director Haifa Al Mansour who wrote and directed the film--she has also acted in the past. This is a movie to celebrate and learn  from--you really cannot limit the human spirit. Saudi Arabia is a conservative society that has shun entertainment--especially the one where females appear. The Sundance Film Institute has supported the film and the director and helped them get into more festivals.

The movie has German producers, making it the first Khaliji--Gulf film brought by a cultural collaboration between Europe and the Gulf region.

"وجدة" فيلم سعودي في المحافل الدَّوليَّة

Tony Qattan Blames The Father Of The Girlfriend

Jordanian pop star Tony Qattan should have gotten an ward at home when they handed them to dozens of Arab pop stars. Frankly, the guy had more sold out concerts than most Arab stars. He had few singles that were amazing and he keeps the pop dream alive  For a guy who is neither Egyptian, nor Lebanese he has taken Jordan to new pop territories.

Who helps the young star? Not a government entity. But the love of his fans in both Palestine and Jordan. The kid knows how to party, this is why his festival book is getting full each day. And when he speaks he is not selling bullshit, he means business and always thanks his fans.

Tony's style evolves, but always blends what's known to Jordanian and Palestinian music scene, very similar to the Lebanese one, but distinct. His ability to play both the guitar and the piano has impressed his family at a young age. He is one rare bread of singers, he has made it into the major league without taking part of a singing competitions. He has taken singing professionally since 2005 and has been a role model for many young singers in both Palestine and Jordan  

طوني قطان - بيا يا بيا - عندك بحرية يا ريس

Despite Its War On Mali, France Gives Special Award To Diva Magida

Lebanese diva Magida Al Roumi picked another award at the French embassy in Beirut. The embassy that likes to think, they play some kind of role in promoting culture by their actions. Magida Al Roumi was giving this special recognition. The award came right after Magida returned from a sold out concert in Qatar where imagination, dreams and good art came to play.

The embassy wanted to do this even in Paris, but Magida insisted on having the award event in Beirut where he home and his family is. Magida wanted to bring some cheers and joy to Lebanon at those difficult times. The award is designated for artist and literary figures. Yes, but France is waging war in an African country at the moment. But war should never get in the way of a good party.

Magida spoke about the award, the very cold weather in Qatar, note how low her voices is. The surprise guest is Magida's mother who was in attendance. Other Lebanese celebrities attended the event and brought their best wishes. 

فرنسا تمنح ماجدة الرومي وسام الفنون والآداب الفرنسي
   

Amr Diab Picks The Next Amr Diab (Wafae Chikki/Mohannad Zohair)

The fresh idea of a star picking the young talents who can best perform his own songs is pretty awesome. Through his radio and social media outlets two voices have been picked by the votes of Arabs based on their performance of a beloved Amr Diab song.

Amr Diab has picked five voices, the ones you see in the video below. And then the audience had more than a month to vote them in. This plan generated so much buzz online and offline, it was one of those creative ideas that has win-win written all over it.

Amr Diab Academy - The 5 Finalists الفائزون بالمرحلة الثالثة


The votes came in, and the first winner is Moroccan native and German resident Wafae Chikki who did a fine job covering one of Amr Diab's most romantic songs. I think Wafae tells me you can never be too young  to enjoy the modern classics. Amr speaks to you, and the language does not matter.

Amr Diab Academy We Malo Wafae Chikki


The other winner is the song of Egypt Mohannad Zohair who owned the song and reminded us of many emotional songs Amr Diab has given us. Mohand did give it his best shot, but now he is in the spotlight and he is form the motherland, so he has to shine.

Amr Diab - Medley | Mohanad Zohair - ميدلي | مهند زهير



Those are two great voices, and I hope to hear more of their own original songs. The award cemony was held in the Four Season Cairo. Mohannad and Wafae are set to appear next to Amr Diab in his next big concert. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Needless to say this is a smart business idea to drum up support for Amr Diab's social media presence. Where his academy received about 1000 submissions and more than 100 thousand people have sent in their votes. I am sure other stars are now thinking to copy Amr Diab and do their own competition. Either way this is a good way for internet hooked young people to stand out.

Amr Diab Academy (English Subtitle) أكاديمية عمرو دياب

Video: The Complete History Of Arab Artists And The World Music Awards

Egyptian pop was hungry for recognition, they wanted another trophy on a global stage, and they had that in 1998 when one of their own pop stars took home the award. Amr Diab had a hit song in 1998, it was so fresh that traveled the world and back. It was something Amazing, something out of this world. And I recall, that song of his meant so much more than a song.

The music was genius, the bear sounded like one of those hit songs America is used to exporting to the world. Looking back at that song, it sounds alright now. But when I first came to the States, people form Latin America knew this song ans asked for it. I love the dance and the energetic it comes with.
  
The song sounded something espanol, something dynamic and it has won Amr Diab the world music award in 1998 for best selling Middle Eastern star. That time Amr Diab looked like he always has, not trying too hard and it worked for him. But something changed the pop legend, he is now making music with a wider audience on mind. Mike Tyson handed him the trophy as he tried to speak the little English he knows to thank Egypt.

I know we did not have internet everywhere back then, so the video aired on TV, and we made sure to see the performance at the award. He worked is and had the confidence to mesmerize the attendees at the awards. This event would always be held at Monaco in honor of the Prince of the land. A big deal for the artists, but as someone who like the music, it changes little.

This was his first appearance on that award show, he would go back few more time and so would the Lebanese songstress Elissa. Algeria's finest singers would win the same award the following year. In 2000, Cheb Mami would collect the same award in 2000 for his feature on Desert Rose. In 2001 Amr Diab would go back and collect the award for the second time, he gave a good speech. In 2003 Morocco would take home the trophy through Samira Said, the pop diva from the West side--she alluded to Iraq. In 2004 Tunisa through Latifa who brought down the house.

Elissa was bestowed with the award in 2005, the first Lebanese to bring back this award. Elissa would take the award the following year in 2006, making her the first Arab entertainer to win it two years in a row. But Amr Diab would win the award in 2007--his third time. I call that his best appearance to date Enter the stage Nancy Ajram pulled the 2008 victory. She deserved that award and it has finally caught up with her. in 2010, Elissa takes home the award to tie the number held by Amr Diab.


Amr Diab - Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist, ًWorld Music Awards 1998



Ya Rayah Cheb Khaled , Faudel ,Rachid Taha


Sting Feat Cheb Mami Desert Rose


World Music Award 2002 - AMR DIAB






Music awards 2005 Elissa


Music awards 2006 Elissa


World Music Awards 2007 - AMR DIAB


Nancy Ajram - World Music Awards 2008


Elissa, Tsadaq Bmein Live At The 2010 World Music Awards YouTube

Dubai Cares, Oxfam Collects Their Cash

The British charity Oxfam travels to where the money is in order for them to deliver to where the money is not. In Dubai and during the Dubai International Film Festival, tens of Arab, Indian and British entertainers turned out for a charity auction put together by Oxfam. Colin Firth supported and took part of the auction--he is a big supporter of the charity.

Some stars donated items, bid on certain items and some spoke about their presence will increase the value of the items being auctioned off. Wealth businessmen and women bid on the items and it seemed to have raised almost half a million dollar to support charities of Oxfam. This is Colin's second visit to Dubai as he was there in 2010 at the Dubai International Film Festival. Frida Pinto also took part of the fundraiser.

The UAE is also celebrating the special relationship it has with the UK. So naturally many celebrities form the United Kingdom are in Dubai. There were lots of jewelry, clothes painting and other donated items of interest. One thing I take issue with, the large salaries officials of Oxfam pay their employees--they really do pay themselves a lot of money for their services.  

Oxfam auction Dubai 2012 12 18

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

They Pretend To Mourn In Cairo And Dance In Morocco

The Dazzling Moroccan city of Marrakesh brings the best on film during their big film festival. This year they were celebrating Indian films and Bollywood. Even though the rain was all over the city, the film goers, and celebrity did not shy away form the event. Dozens of Indian movie stars blessed the film festival with their attendance.

I take issue with the Egyptian entertainers who flew to Morocco to attend this event  only 48 hours after they have pretend to mourn the deaths in Egypt and protest the sitting president. There they showed a lot of skin and fashion. But a day before in Cairo they wore black and looked conservative. I do not like people who speak form both sides of their mouths.

You are one thing, but not the other. You are either sad and broken standing in solidarity with the people of your country of just all about you. This was a great day for the Moroccan cinema and for the politicians of that land. Youssra, Ennas El Digidy and Nour El Shireef were there. Among many global names, Bollywood sent its biggest stars and so did China. I see the envy in the eyes of the Egyptian filmmakers, this is a truly global film festival.  Egypt will be back soon.

مهرجان مراكش يُكرّم السينما الهندية تحت الأمطار

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

Dinosaurs Attend The Beirut International Award Festival "BIAF"

Dinosaurs are no longer roaming God's earth but if you were in Beirut last weekend, you would have ran into some of those extinct creatures on a red carpet. This event tells you that those celebrities do not really care about people in trouble around the Arabic world. They do not have the people of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine on mind--they love themselves so very much.

Beirut International Award Festival (BIAF) was held in the city of Beirut where dozens of Arab entertainers collected awards....and spoke to the media. What has Latifa done in the past two years get an award? And Who is Lubna Abdel Aziz? And Elisa Rahabni takes home another award?

Eighteen people took home BIAF Awards including the legendary singer Hany Shaker--who has not released anything new in more than two years now. The only thing those self-loving and self promoters had to say is smile and pose for cameras, they have also talked a great deal about having real concerns for the Arab people. But that doe snot seem to have stopped them form enjoying themselves in a night of food, music and self-promotion.

I am all for a great time, but this is hardly the time for celebration and big dinner galas. You may say, well, what are they going to do? Nothing, they should just sit at home and pretend they can change nothing, they are no change makers.

مهرجان BIAF يستمر بالتألق في دورته الثالثة

Red Cross Hands Out Certificates In Lebanon

The Red Cross put together a music festival for peace, non-violence, non-discrimination, tolerance and mutual understanding. The event was called Salam. Needless to say, a number of Lebanese celebrities attended and performed at the event. To show their appreciation the good people at the Lebanese Red Cross held an ward ceremony for those celebrities that have supported the event

1. Pop star Saad Ramadan took part of the festival and received a certificate from the organized for his services.  
2. Lebanon's finest manly voice Hisham Hajj was given a recognition certificate 
3. Lebanese actor Carlos Azar was also given an appreciation certificate. 
4. Marwan Al Shami wasn't present, but he was recognized for his donated time.
5. Stephanie Fakhih also participated in the Salam music event and was recognized -even though she was in Morocco for the award event.  

Mid Day News 21 Nov 2012 - الصليب الأحمر يكرم الـmtv

This Award-Winning Egyptian Chick, Nouran Yehia

Nouran Yehia is not the type of singer chasing contracts and record deals. She had an idea for a song and she recorded with a guy named Khalid. They confessed their love for Egypt and sang about what it means for them. The warm song swayed hearts and reminded people of the great land Egypt and its fun and life loving people.

In appreciation, the 21st Arabic Music Festival held in Cairo recognized Nouran and gave her an award for her songs below. Nouran has few songs of her own, but she has also done justice to many classical songs with her gracious cover for those timeless pieces.

If the time is right and if music networks are green-lighting projects, Nouran Yehia will be the first to get her deal. But Nouran has not quit yet, she is just getting started and the audience are starting to notice her and her talent.

احلى الاسامى خالد ونوران


ختام الدورة الـ 21 لمهرجان الموسيقي العربية

Jordan Awards Is A Big Farce Says Tony Khalifa

Someone in Jordan thought it would be a great idea to hold an award ceremony for Arab entertainers from all walks to life. They did a good job at first  but then it seems that have been doing nothing right. At first they denied the local press from entering the big gala. They allowed anyone from any Arab countries, the local press were told to go home. There's video of the bickering and we have posted it on the blog.

Now comes celebrity and TV personality Tony Khalifa, he spilled the beans on the organizers  At first they called me last year and told me, I am getting an award. I told them I accept. Then they never called me back to give me more details and all of sudden I read the award ceremony took place and I was not notified.

Then they called me again this year and he accepts their award, but asks them to call him back to give him the travel plans. He thought they might have made a mistake last year. Surprise, they never call the TV host again, and instead the give the award to some other nobody. Tony and a number of media outlets are now wondering if they organizers take their event seriously and their awards seriously.
"اليسا افضل مطربة عربية فى حفل "جوردن اوورد 2010

Video: Tyche Awards Festival Of Jordan

Many those who are willing to host an ward ceremony for Arab entertainers across the Arab world. Every country would love nothing more than bringing the big names to their home to pimp out their country in front the stars and the locals.

As you may have noticed, Arab stars are at home unemployed so that means they will come to you. Look no further than Tyche Awards Festival in Jordan. Folks in Jordan are also unemployed so they would want to chill with their peers.

The awards are sold to Jordanians as something that would help promote the local culture and encourage new entertainers. Meanwhile, the folks are being murdered in Iraq, Gaza, and Syria. The funny thing those awards are giving based on votes, voting is not a very real thing in the local Jordanian or Arab culture.

If you want to learn how lame those award are, the Tyche Awards gave their own Diana Karazon an award for being the best Jordanian singer--she has not done anything new this year. Other than off course wearing some bizarre outfits. There are names like Tony Qattan, a Jordanian who had a great year in 2012.

Hamaki @ Tyche Awards Festival (Best Arabic Singer)


Assala In Tyche Jordan Awards/اصاله وجائزة افضل مطربه عربية

Talal Madah, The Legendary Saudi Singer Who Made Music Mainstream

Talal Madah is an iconic singer in the Gulf and in some Arab countries. The late composer singer had many hits in his career. He made really good music that can rival the best of Egypt on his era. His music sounds like those you expect to hear for Abdel Halim songs.

The one song of his that separates real singers from clowns is Maqadeer, which most people in the Gulf use to test real singers from posers. Talal had many titled throughout his tenure, "The Golden Throat" is one, The "Harp of The East" He has caught the attention of legendary composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab who befriended him.  Talal helped shape Arabic music in the Gulf during the 60s, 70s and the 80s.

He worked on a number of poems and turned them into hit songs. Most singers in Gulf would cite him as an inspiration to them from Mohamed Abdu, Eitab, Arwa, Abady el Johor to Nabil Shoeel and dozens of other celebrated singers. His warmth and his understanding of music allowed him to develop so many songs and most of all earn the love of his listeners. He has been given so many awards from Saudi Arabia to Tunisia.    

He had to struggle with religious people who wanted to ban him and his music, but he won them over. He would go on to develop the Saudi music school. He would sing till his last breath and dies on stage from heart complications. A 100 thousands fans would attend his funeral.

 طلال مداح - مقادير