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Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts

Thursday, April 25, 2013

That's Cute! Hamaki Gets A Squad Of Cheerleaders


Fans are crazy, and they would do almost anything to get the attention of their favorite star. But some Egyotain stars form some kind of an ultras, or cheerleaders who would follow them everywhere, cheer them on and praise them. Some call it an entourage, others call it a lame attempt to be the center of attention.

The fans I am talking about here, are an organized group that wears matching t-shirts, get in for free and always drum up the event for any entertainer. Tamer Hosny may have invented this tactic, but others have copied him soon.

No doube, there are loads of fans of Hamaki, he is a cool star, but he is no prophet and he is a pop star whose sole act is to bring joy. He should not form a gang of young and confused souls who want to look cool. Just see the young man shouting and making Hamaki feel like a million dollar.

تحية الترس حماقى للفنان محمد حماقى

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Listen: "Open Letter", Jay-Z Wrote Cuba A Love Song


I’m in Cuba, I love Cubans. This communist talk is so confusing,” Jay-Z raps on the track, which is produced by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz and goes on to reference Bob Dylan’s song “Idiot Wind.” “[…] ‘Idiot Wind,’ the Bob Dylan of rap music. You’re an idiot, baby, you should’ve become a student. Oh, you gonna learn today.”


“I done turned Havana into Atlanta,” Jay-Z raps in “Open Letter,” which he released Thursday. “[…] Boy from the hood, I got White House clearance… Politicians never did s—- for me except lie to me, distort history… They wanna give me jail time and a fine. Fine, let me commit a real crime.”

“There seems to be some confusion regarding how Beyoncé and Jay-Z acquired visas to travel to Cuba. Just days ago, Jay Carney evaded questions on the celebrities’ trip,”

The U.S. Treasury Department that while it approved for the trip’s organizers to travel to Cuba as part of a cultural learning experience, they were unaware that the couple would be attending, as it is department policy not to require organizers’ to provide a list of travelers.

I am certain that conservatives will go to town on: “I got White House clearance.”



Monday, April 8, 2013

Bassem Yousef Gets A Guilt-Trip Song On Hafez TV


A conservative Egyptian TV is taking the Freedom of Speech argument to ridicule the funny man of Egypt. Hafez TV has a song--or something pretty close to it about the satire. You do not hear music, but you hear lyrics with sharply worded words for Bassem Yousef. Also keep on mind, there are only male vocalist on this song.

They sort of put him to shame, picking on him is a fair game. They are shaming to him using religion. You get paid but you seem to forget that the big man upstairs will take issue with your lies, edits and jokes. Hafez TV is a popular network, and they have followers too, they seem not to appreciate the man and his style.

They do end the song on a call from him to join in rebuilding the country. This is a heavy song that will get some fans out there, I think it sounds a lot more sobering that some of the jokes that have been flaying around. I do not think using religion is an effective tool, I think there are so many facts that can make a far better argument.

One a serious note, Bassem Yousef was cleared of some charges and a court refused to shut down his popular show.

#قناة_الحافظ تهدى اغنية اتفرج يا سلام ل #باسم_يوسف #الحافظ @Hafeztv

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Arab Justin Timberlake Strikes Again--Wissam Hilal





"Last Goodbye" is the title of a new single from the super-talented pop sensation Wissam Hilal. The song is already getting a music video with director Robert Cremona and the track has been picked by a number of radios nationally and internationally on some of LA radios that BT entertainment taking care of and African and African-American radios.

The music video for his song was filmed in Beirut, his debut hit "Single" was filmed in Dubai where the artists is based yet he is on the move. What I like about Wissam how he sounds jut line one of the Jackson Five without coming across as he is imitating anyone. This explains the interest in his songs in places beyond the Arab World--try Kenya. It's a tough market, but his good work comes through and hits the mark.

Wissam Hilal is a naturally good looking guy who comes across as a charming person, and that is reflected into his songs allowing him to be a lot more personal and communicate different messages to his fans. To be frank, you listen to one of his songs when you are in a certain mood, then when your mood changes you still find something fresh about the second take.

The latest is Last Goodbye is a little darker than the breakout song, this is a plea from a man who lost something but tries to convince himself that by trying a little bit harder he can have this thing back. This mindset makes better songs, gets the most complicated of emotions to the listener's core. The new single is different a lot wiser than the previous track from Wissam.

The bad news is that the music industry needs a shot in the arm, but with little help Wissam was able to release great songs. I cannot wait to see what kind of hits he will be able to share with the world once the music industry figures itself out.

For the time being, non-Arabs in Dubai and the Arabs who like English songs are slowly embracing this very talented Arab Justin Timberlake! Wissam has the moves, the looks and the music savvy to entertain a global audience 

As for the music video it should air internationally around May.

pilipili fm Exclusive Wissam hilal - Last goodbye 31st March 2013 وسام هلال


Wissam Hilal - Single (official music video) وسام هلال

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Models Washing Dirty Bikes On A Lebanese Beach


If freedom and democracy means getting young women to wash bikes for men as they stand by watching, I want no part of that. In Lebanon over the summer, some modeling agency and a bike shop held an event on the beach--a family friendly beach. Where dozens of bikini wearing skinny foreign girls danced to a loud beat as they pretended to wash already clean bikes.

The stupid marketing people, do not have to think anymore. Sex is their answer to any challenge they have. So when they wanted to amuse their demographic, overweight men with small private parts, they brought them the models to dance wearing next to nothing. Motorcycle agencies are trying to make a run for the Middle East. I hope those women showed up to their work and looked like they were having fun on the beach. I am certain their parents are proud of their child being objectified 

The good news the modeling agency is run by a well-spoken woman who is taking about her girls. The even organizer says, his event is creative. I disagree. Anyhow watch this lame video form Lebanon, a country that learns all the wrong lessons from the Western and Eastern Civilizations.

في لبنان: الدراجة النارية تُغسَل بيدّ أُنثوية

Friday, March 29, 2013

Rotana, Contracts and Young Artists.


Shatha Hassoun renews her contracts with Saudi Rotana and expresses her love and admiration for the company and what it does. Shatha was pleased with the level of response she had for her debut album with the company. Rotana is pleased to be in the Hassoun business, she has shown herself as one of the most prolific names in pop music.

One of the most exciting voices in the Gulf belongs to Mansour Zayd from the United Arab Emirates. The company has produced her debut album and the young artists was impressed by the level of support his album has gotten. The new contract is singed and statements of mutual understanding and appreciation has been made. Mansour is working on his big album and has already worked with a dozen of artists.

La 7es Wala 5abar Mansour Zayed

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Listen: غنية ايهاب توفيق - تحس بايه جديد 2013 HQ new Ehab Tawfik


Pop star Ehab Tawfik has left Egypt behind and moved to Qatar where he can concentrate on his music career--more so in reviving his career. And the fruits of this move is are clear now as he just released a new song about feeling abandoned.

A dramatic song that tell you, "it's OK, I know how you feel", A very good song that brings the best shade of this once popular name and a hit-maker has been reduced to one title "that guy"! Now he has located his center and playing up to his strength with the new single "Tihis Be Eih" a new track for the lonely heart, yes the kind you play on your head as you walk back from a funeral.

The song is also about having faith, some force out there is looking out for you....

اغنية ايهاب توفيق - تحس بايه | 2013 | النسخة الاصلية


غنية ايهاب توفيق - تحس بايه جديد 2013 HQ new Ehab Tawfik

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lebanese Pop Breakout Star Natasha Needs To Focus


Yo, Natasha.....you are a rock star. Just find your voice and your proper style and stick to it. I have been a dedicated fan since you released your first album more than four years ago, when you were a little girl that sang like a full-blown diva. Now, you are all over the map, doing Gulf songs for those who pay, and then flaying to Egypt for duets and interviews.

The Khaliji singing never gives artists a legacy, it does offer a big payday, in exchange for selling your soul. Egypt should be the place you launch your career from. Lebanon is too crowded and they might miss a good thing like you--even if it hit them in the face. You have been blessed with an awesome family that understands music, now, it's your turn to sing form the gut.

Your latest single, got picked by those who understand such heavy and senseless lyrics. Go back to catchy melodies , cute girly songs. You are a natural at those. Plus, you have a great voice for longer and more serious songs, you have shown that already. I think doing one good pop song that goes mainstream and hits-it big is much better than doing random songs here and there. you just chase those songs, they won't seek you--the almost never do.  

Do not worry about releasing an album, it's too much work, too much money and so little reward. just find yourself one good hit, live it and then bring it out. If it was genuine people will cheer you on.

 داوني - الفنانه ناتاشا

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Download Fares Karam 2013 Album البوم فارس كرم 2013

Oh, Fares Karam loved himself too much, he has two pictures of himself on the cover for his new album out today. What's better than one time Fares Karam other than another one? Once he is standing and another when he is sitting like a king. He is a king of Lebanese pop--there are too many imitations but he alone stood the test of time and has shown us that he can rock.

It's not summer season until we get an album from either Fares Karam or Najwa Karam, this time Fares beat Najwa to the punch. A dance focused album, think this is what would Justin Timberlake would sound if he sang in Lebanese. Fares maintains his style throughout the album, and stands tall as Rotana releases his album.

I find his songs catchy, and passionate all for once. The music is always the same, but the energy is what matters with Lebanese Debka style songs. They feel folksy, think river dance down south in the country. The album videos have not been released yet, I will post them once they make it, but the album is out now. So buckle up you are in for a ride. I know those world famous Lebanese lounges, hookah places and dance floors will be playing this track all summer long.

He is the blue-collar artist who refuses to stray away form his style and his motherland--he has not done many songs in other dialects.  Twelve tracks are a treat for Fares' fans, and I have yet to give the album a listen.


01 - Ajebni
02 - Al Asemah
03 - Am Dawir Ala Arouss
04 - Badda Asfourieh
05 - Bkhatrik
06 - Dadi
07 - El Raoucheh
08 - Elli Byekzoub Ala Marto
09 - Fawaa El Metre we Sabean
10 - La Mchilik Hafeh
11 - Marrou Al Ayna Bnayat
12 - Tfarkash Be Khyalo

Fares Karam NEW ALBUM Teaser / إعلان ألبوم فارس كرم


Fares Karam NEW HIT El 3asmeh / فارس كرم - العاصمة


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Jaroudi Media Attracts Talented Arab Singers


A business man with the name Youssef Jaroudi wanted to produce Lebanese entertainment so, he started a production company and went on to sing few names from home. Voices that can add to the Lebanese music scene.

Jaroudi Media will be working and investing in music, music videos, lyrics composing, and music arrangements. So, a number of B list and otherwise talented singers have singed up with Jaroudi. While mos production companies have shut down for the moment, Jaroudi is hoping to make a profit where others have failed. 

The founder seems fond of orchestra music and good times songs from Lebanon, among their biggest finds is collaborating with the iconic composer/singer Samir Sfier on two songs that will be releasing soon. Jaroudi's mantra is quality over quantity, music that promotes peace and harmony.

I am uncertain how profitable/how busy the company will be, but I like what they are trying to accomplish. They have already made two amazing music videos....

Clip George El Rassi - Temro2 Tetghandar 2012 - جورج الراسي تمرق تتغندر كليب

Friday, March 8, 2013

Egyptian Celebrities Shamelessly Chase The American Citizenship


Since the dawn of time and mankind wanted the best for himself and for his family. So it's no surprise more and more celebrities are seeking to give birth to their own babies in places that can be safe and protect them.  Some American celebrities have given birth to their kids outside America, now I am learning of half a dozen Egyptian entertainers who are chasing the American citizenship through their babies.

This is a totally legal process, you only need to afford the cost of giving birth in America, and not be part of a coordinated effort. More and more of them are lining up at American hospitals to have their babies delivered on American soil. Some Egyptians might not like this practice, it does not seem very patriotic. However, the same people if they could, they would do the exact same thing.

America is changing, and it might not always be the place people around the world idealize so very much. It's a wonderful place to life and have a family--just do not get sick.

Here's the most recent celebrities who have their kids delivered in American hospitals in the United States.


  1. Tamer Hosny: His wife and himself have been in the States for work, and she is along for the trip. Of course work is scheduled around the time of her delivery. In fairness the two got hitched in the Egyptian embassy in Washington DC.  The baby girl will be delivered somewhere in the area
  2. Ghada Abdel Razik: the biggest Mubarak supporter on the planet, took those steps prior to Tamer Hosny. She is not having a baby--she has passed that time but her daughter Rotana is pregnant and the two have landed in the States. Ghada spend ten days out here, Rotana has been around for four months waiting to pop up. Keep on mind, the father is a police officer in Egypt.  
  3. Khalid Selim: the original beef cake singer/ actor spend some time in California along with his wife--they just got married last year. The baby girl was delivered there and has an American birth certificate.  After that, the couple has returned to Cairo. 
  4. Nashwa Mostafa: made a statement on Facebook declraging that she has never thought about getting her kids to become Americans--their father is. She frimely belives Egypt is the best place on earth with all the trumoil. However, she regretted those belifes as she now she wants her kids to be protected and resepcted in the event of a problem.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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

@FragrancePost My Best Smelling Blog To Date


If you like perfumes, then chances are you like to be informed about the latest news, updates and quirks of this 5 billion dollar industry. Also, you know that your favorite celebrity have endorsed perfumes, and beauty products. Some Arab stars even have their own lines of fragrances.

I happen to be one of those Arabs who like perfumes, and colognes--there are so many of us indeed.  I am Arab and from what I read, we have contributed a great deal to the science and popularizing of perfume since the 6th century. The crusades and Muslim traders took this scents around the globe.

To keep short, I have started a blog to keep up with the trends in perfume, if this interests  you please visit my new blog which I have called The Fragrance Post

The blog will cater to both men and women--pets will also find things of interest. There will be reviews, lists, celebrity news in relation to launch of new scents-- Kim Kardashian will keep us busy. I hope you would join me.

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Monday, February 18, 2013

WATCH: Dounia Batma - Badri | دنيا بطمة - بدري


Dounia Batma has just shot a music video in Beirut--her first solo since she walked out from the Arab Idol program--a close second. The young Moroccan songstress is playing it safe by resealing a song in the Gulf-Khalij dialect. They are the ones who can afford her now, and they would pay to book her for concerts. The three finalists seem to have done well so far as they continue to make noise and talk about their careers.

She will also appear on a trio along side her former contestant on the Arab Idol, Carmin and Yousef. But her single "Badri" or "So Soon" will land song, but not before making few bucks through phone downloads and ring tones.  The clib has landed on YouTube this morning. Her Platinum Records company is hoping to make her a big success and make some dollars. I think they might be a good venture.

I do not love this style of the song, but I know it's a hop style in the Gulf region and if they are happy, I am happy. The music video tells a story of a house wife who sits in her million dollar home getting pretty and prapring surprises for her hard working husband. Nobody is this rich, this creative, this good looking and certainly no one has this much time to waste. But thanks for the fashion show    

Dounia Batma - Badri | دنيا بطمة - بدري

Nawal Loves Children But HATES Sandy



Lebanese pop songstress Nawal Al Zogby in the city of Dubai where she was doing a charity function. But her good deed went punished as reports of Nawal interfering to deny pop star Sandy an appearance at the same charity function. Nawal did not comment on this matter, but Sandy took issue and made a press conference about the ordeal.

Sandy wrote half a dozen press releases about the incident and is making a headache to the Lebanese pop star. Now Egyptian stars want answers as this has become an issue of national pride. Nawal flew first class from Beirut to sing in a posh hotel to benefit the little ones. If charity was her goal, why would she stopped another songstress from doing a good deed? 

نوال الزغبي تحيي حفل مركز راشد رغم الإرهاق

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Watch: Coke Bastardize Egyptian Indie Bands كليب أتجنن - كاريوكى و عايدة الايوبى


It's a sad day when the brightest rock music band in Egypt--and most indie one gets picked to do a song for Coca Cola. The insult does not end there, Coca Cola also hires Aida Ayoubi as she makes her way back into the music scene. I know it's a tough market out there, and that soda giant knows this very well...so they bribe those entertainers to try to appeal the young angry and indie spirit Egypt is experiencing those few past years.

Cairo, and Aida are awesome musicians, they come from tow different eras with very passionate and rebellious songs. I do not like to drink soda and wish less people would drink it, but I like the music of those two acts. But wait, a third act joined the party, Egypt's hottest rapper Zap Tharwat also gets his moment under the soda sun.

This is the promotional music video for the soda company and it's a really good song....Let Yourself Go, says the song....and that's what will happen if you drink too many sodas...Get crazy says the song and don' worry about people and what they say....they will say you are fat once you had too many sodas. Amir Eid, the lead of Cairokee wrote this song! He is a lyrical boy wonder.

I love how soda company try to get culture through music....and those bands like the extra cash they get in exchange for their music and promotional endorsements. There's a happy smiley face, balloons and such. You will balloon yourself if you keep drinking sodas. And yes, you are too crazy if you substitute sodas for health drinks.

كليب أتجنن - كاريوكى و عايدة الايوبى ..... كامل (CoCa CoLa)

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Kuwaits On Airplane By Faisal Al Rashid

The young Kuwaiti singer Faisal Al Rashid is releasing a new album, which he titled Tayara or "Airplane" The album will be distributed by Platinum Records, and they are sharing the promo with their bigger audience.  This is a mixed album Gulf music centered for sure. He works with young local talents and together they produce music with a broad local appeal.

I do not follow the young artist and I have not come across many of his songs before or music video, but I hope he enjoys a fan base. He sounds entertaining as his loyalty to the southern Gulf folklore music is hard to overlook. He transitions form romance to classical in a heartbeat. Faisal is a composer by profession who has chosen to sing. Among his repeat customers Ahlam and Rashid Al Majid. Like most regional singers, this Kuwaiti singer works from Dubai.

 Faisal Al Rashed Tayara - Soon| فيصل الراشد طيارة - قريباً

Thursday, January 31, 2013

WATCH: The X Factor Arabia Judges Promo 2013 اكس فاكتور ٢٠١٣,


The British are coming to invade the Arab world once more time, this time they are doing it through shows like the X Factor. Yes, I know this is the hundredth singing competition program, but it seems they have truly scored some of the biggest names in Arabia pop to judge the show.

Three Lebanese (Wael Kfoury, Elissa and Carol Samahe), and one hit maker form the United Arab Emirates Hussein Al Jassmi. The panel of four judges will be providing their skills, personalities and celebrity status to bring rating to the program, which will air on Lebanese network MTV.

Such shows are advertiser's wet dream, Pepsi seems to have a lot of control over the X Factor and its various editions around the globe. I am sure people will watch this show for few reasons I can think of. For starter, those are all hot names and active in making pop music. Second. those names do not particularly give many interviews, so people are hungry to get a peak at those celebrities when they are being themselves.

The first episode will air on February 8th, and the promos are already dazzling us with what to come.
  
The X Factor Arabia Judges Promo


The X Factor Arabia - إكس فاكتور فى الوطن العربى

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Lebanon's Hottest Composer Salim Salemeh Speaks


Salim Salemeh is one of most known and popular composers in Lebanon. He is never too busy, but most Lebanese stars seek him out and work in his studio to record songs they are hoping to release with the man. Salim likes to defend his work and he does not take criticism well. He is often caught in arguments with other singers and composers in Lebanon. Salim was on a radio show the other day and he has shed some lights on what it feels to work with those pop stars we love so much. Here are few nuggets of information from the composer.

  1. Elissa is the hardest singer to work with, she demanded a lot in the studio and hard to please. 
  2. Nancy is the easiest one to work with, she does not give anybody a heard time at all. He loves working with her and he gives her his best work.
  3. Melhim Zein can also be a headache and so is Mohamed Iskander and Ragheb Alamah--they all want good material and it takes time.
  4. Elissa's hit form 2009 album "'Aa Baly Habibi" was offered to Nancy Ajram first, but because she was pregenant at the time, it did not make sense for her to sing about wearing the bridal dress. 
  5. A hit song is the one that changes the career and the price of a singer, Faris Karam had his skirt song, Mohamed Iskander has "The Republic of My Heart" hit and other as well. 
  6. Saleem thinks Ragheb Alama is the Arab world's most important artist and not the Egyptian pop star Amr Diab.
  7. Assi Hallani is not a great singer composer combo, something Melhim Barakat argues. He still needs time argues Saliim.
  8. Not a big fan of Fares Karam's new song, he thinks it was made by a bunch of kids who little experiences. The song is about not lying to one's wife  
  9. Ramy Ayach needs a good heart and better manners, he has the right to say he would not work with me, but he is crossing the line when he says he does not believe in my talent. Ramy needs to go back to his old style that made him popular in the first place. 
سليم سلامه يغني عبالي - هيك منغني 31-3-2012

Monday, January 28, 2013

Networks Make Money, Young Stars Go To Therapy



Let's be frank, there are at least five popular singing competitions in the Arabic world at the moment. Those shows do well in rating, make money for the hosts, and make the network richer--thanks to advertisers dollars. But the real money makers are the talents the shows feature on their shows. The young should searching for a career, or a break to start a new lifestyle.

Those young untested soul are pushed into the spotlight and told they are stars, and for a second people love them and talk about them. The media pushes their stores too, and the young people start getting into their heads, "I am Famous", then the show is over or they are sent home...and all of sudden with no warning, nobody cares about those people. worse, no one seems to remember them at all.

The companies and the networks that bring those shows do have an obligation  which they often do not mean. They talk a good business model in public, but those young people, they do not educate the young people, they do not warn them to the perils of such sudden fame. They tell them you are an artist, and sell them the sky. The only artists I see are the scam artists who peek into people's lives and then abandon them.

The only show to produce real stars is the "Studio El Fan", the show form Lebanon who did not accept anyone and everyone. The producer of that show, wanted people who can sing, not people who look good on camera or people who have drama. Most of the pop celebrities you know now have appeared on this show and made a serious career. Unlike the other shows, who do not keep the interest of the artist on mind.

Young people want to give something, and they certainly can be used in the networks. They can get jobs and sell stuff, but with the crazy amount of talents such shows features this becomes almost impossible. Plus what do they keep making those new singing shows when the real stars who have been in the business for a long time are sitting at home unemployed. Thanks to the economic reality and the politician instability sweeping throughout the world.

This is a reckless practice really concerts do not sell at home anymore, most of the stars are now heading to America, and Europe for concerts and for dollars. While, the networks are making profit, the young talents go for therapy, and see doctors due to their new found depression. Others still make money be selling their body parts. Some-no need to mention names, prostitute their bodies to get new songs or new outfits.

Arab Idol - Ep8 - Top Ten Females - دنيا بطمه
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