Listne: A New Classy-Flavored Single By Sabine سابين - عيوني بحبوك

Sabine of Lebanon has a sing song out, but it's not your average pop song. That means the composer and the lyricists are different. For the new single Sabine has lyrics beautiful crafted by the golden hit-maker of Lebanese song Nizar Francis--the legendary songwriter.  And as for the music, it's the creation of Melhem Barakat the man with antics.

The duo of Nizar and Melhem created a unique sounding song that feels original and where Sabine can stand taller and place herself under a different light. The kind of this song is the type one can grow old with, the young people will tune in for Sabine's sake, the older will enjoy the throwback sounds Mehlem has perfected here.

And the recording was at Tony Saba well known studio, this song is about the eyes that love and Sabine wore a different hat to make this song her intro to a whole new world of awesome. This song helps give her some classy credentials by creating for her a song that will make her a memorable star. After this, it's all her she should go on and make Lebanon proud. 


 سابين - عيوني بحبوك / Sabine - 3youni Bihebouk

Why Arab Idol Needs Mohammed Assaf (محمد عساف) To Win

There's a skinny Palestinian guy from Gaza on Arab Idol, and he is making all the news. The judges love this very talented guy. He is a super star and no one can take this from him. His voice is so strong yet so tender. The question is, will he take the title back to Palestine?

He seems to be the best voices on the program, and I have heard and seen a lot of other talents who are very talented, but none of them has the back-story like Assaf does. He is not supposed to be on the show, but he made it and did he dazzle the fans?

Tell you what while he was on the show, he gave many people around the Arab World a reason to smile at those dark times. While far too many Arab states are seeing murder and fear upon them, None has seen it for as long as Gaza has. All suffering is painful, that does not make it easier. But Assaf is a rare talent, he is from a different bread. You give him a song and this guy brings it back to live and puts so much effort to entertain and stay loyal.

He clearly has blown away many Egyptian when he first performed that Abdel Halim song, he was the bomb. He got four yeses from the critical judges. Then he moved on to Lebanon where he did some of their better known songs....and you can see the Lebanese judges were speechless and handed him all the yeses they have.

I will watch him and will speak-up if he had a bad day, but so far out of the three songs he has covered, he won fair and square. There are 27 other talent on the show, I can see him being a finalist and a contender for the title. See him take on the stage and do his bit--it was the toughest part of the song and he did the high and low notes so well--it was a riot.

Arab Idol - مرحلة بيروت - انا يللي عليكي مشتاق


الفنان محمد عساف اليوم مقطع من الاغنية المشتركة انا يلي عليكي مشتاق arab idol


الفنان محمد عساف اليوم arab idol مقاطع أغنية على بابي واقف قمرين

Listen: Ommi - Mother. [Full translation And Vivian Mrad's Version فيفيان مراد أمي

The most surprising mother song of the year has to be the one with Vivian Mrad playing a Marcel Khalife song. You cannot relive the oldies, but you can breath a new air into them and bring in new fans to enjoy the classics.

Marcel's original song is timeless, I miss my mother's bread and her coffee. Most Arabs memorize this song from the activist singer and gifted musician who has traveled the world and performed at the most prestigious music venues.

Vivian Mrad is a pop diva with a warm voice, and this song shows she has some real talent. Aside form her dance songs, and gorgeous Photo-shoots, she can rock. I love the lute bit in both versions. Vivan's lasts for under three minutes, the original goes for more than nine.

Vivian really outdoes herself her and goes the length to show how much she loves two things, the first is her mother and the second this song which is for mothers.

فيفيان مراد أمي


Marcel Khalife - Ommi - Mother. [Full translation/

Listen: Stuff Of The Legends, Najat Al Saghira

You do not make a song for over 20 minutes, if you know you have something incredible to show for it. You need the classical music parade, and the warm voice that will perform the best poetic lyrics money can buy. Whatever the occasion, Najat doesn't care, there are plenty of good excuses to sit down and perform a sappy—er, heartfelt—love song to her special man.

 But if you don't know the first thing about how to begin expressing those "emotions" you seem to keep feeling, fear not—you've come to the right place. She always got the lowdown on how to spill her guts into a melody and make you swoon. Or at least laugh out loud. Najat's songs tend to excel in telling details which she captured with her very own style.

Najat Al Saghira may have the Junior as her last name, she is second to none in the type of songs she chooses to perform. She is about romantic song, her personal warmth, dreamy eyes and soulful honey dripping lyrics have stood the test of time


عيش معايا - اررروع ماغنت بصوتها الدافئ - نجاة الصغيرة

Video: Japanese Beautifully Cover Classic Arabic Songs

They have nailed the song on its head, and the music is so close to the real thing. I have never thought Egyptian music would be something that the people of japan care for, but things you learn. This is an ensemble of four ladies including the vocalist.

The Arabs is pretty decent. I think so far the have performed Oum Kalthoum songs. For a long time, bands and artists have performed songs in languages they do not speak as natives. The band behind the songs take the name "Le Club Bachraf" playing oud, nay and darboukka. Japanese singer Nao Koyasu sings Arabic songs "Inta Omri" and "Lissa fakir" of great Oum Kalsoum. These videos are from their concert in Cairo, Egypt, country of origin.

Le Club Bachraf ft. Nao Koyasu - Inta Omri : Japanese singer Nao Koyasu sings "Inta Omri" composed by Muhammad Abdelwahab / Le Club Bachraf Concert in Cairo 2012 at Beit el Umma(Saad Zaghloul Cultural Center), Cairo, Egypt, August 11th 2012 / Yoshiko Matsuda(Oud), June Chikuma(Nay), Chisato Yagi(Derboukka), Nao Koyasu(Vocal) / Presented by JSPS(Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) Cairo Research Station(Director: Dr So Hasegawa)

 / 子安菜穂、カイロでインタオムリを熱唱(ロングバージョン15'59") / ウンム・カルスームの名曲インタ・オムリ(ムハンマド・アブドゥルワハーブ作曲) / ル・クラブ・バシュラフ・エジプト公演2012 カイロ・サアド・ザグルール文化センター 2012年8月11日(土) / Le Club Bachraf：竹間ジュン(ナイ), 松田嘉子(ウード), やぎちさと(ダルブッカ), 子安菜穂(ボーカル) / Enta Omri / 日本学術振興会カイロ研究連絡センター主催(長谷川奏センター長)


(more info)

أنت عمري الفرقة اليابانية Le Club Bachraf - Japanese ensemble - Inta Omri



لسه فاكر الفرقة اليابانية Le Club Bachraf - Japanese ensemble - Lissa Fakir

Iraqi Folklore (فولكلور عراقي ) Gets Serious With Shatha Hassoun

We always seek advise from older people, thus making assumptions that they must know better. It makes us feel better when recount our trouble to someone who at least looks wiser. Many folklore songs do just that, a singer tells what's troubling him to a mother, an uncle, a grandpa, but almost never a father notice.

Checkout Shatha Hassoun a young women from Iraq/Morocco performs an old Iraqi song in one of his concerts. Her vocals are the only thing that matter, but also her stage presence is the one most people would not miss. She sounds very mature as this sobering song requires a certain level of zen and calm to do it justice.

I love those intimate concert formats, but the number of the backup singers tells me this is a serious performance. I love the live orchestra with men wearing their traditional dresses. There' no playback and lip syncing here.
Shatha Hassoun فولكلور عراقي - شذى حسون - ياعمه

Download: Carole Samaha New Hit Album البوم كارول سماحة - احساس

If there is one pop star in the Arab world that takes her albums seriously, I would chose Lebanese diva Carole Samaha. There are many others who are serious about making music, but very few of them invest in their music, most of them find someone else to pay for their songs. Carole goes her own path, hires the best names and tells them to be serious.

She gives her finest performances in the new album, with 13 tracks that come in different styles. She has written at least song songs in the album herself. She has traveled far and close to ensure her album is all her. She got Rotana to distribute her album--they really worked hard to ear her trust.

I have so far heard three songs, and boy are we in for a treat! This is one super ride, like a curated tour in world music with special focus on Arabic styles from the past. Salim Assaf worked on it, and so has Marwan Khoury and the golden touches of music producer Michael Fadel do show. Go to iTunes, and get yourself a copy--when made available. It should release on the 13th of this month 13 after 2013 and 13 tracks. She is unafraid of bad luck.

Smooth and bold is this album.


01 - Ehssas
02 - El Afrah
03 - Hakhounak
04 - Inta Tofl Kbir
05 - Ohdonni
06 - Ana Geet
07 - Wahshani Belady
08 - Yaoumayn Shahrayn
09 - Mosh Maakoul
10 - Mosh Tayaak
11 - Khedni Maak
12 - Wou Taawadet
13 - Ma Bnethammelsh Baad

Carole Samaha - Khallik Behalak / كارول سماحة - خليك بحالك

"I Love Her" Where Her Is Egypt By Abdel Halim

Do not even get me started on all the awesome hits Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafiz has given us. It's like he has never passed away, every time a song of his plays, it feels like we have not heard it before. We cannot help but listen and listen well.

This time, you do not get dancing girls and a lady with golden hair, just a dude happy to be in love, he gives free hugs, and embraces his cat too. But he is giddy because he has finally gotten it that butterfly in his stomach feeling. and he is out to tell the one he loves how much he loves her. I love the classy melody of the song, it does make you relate to this moment of time.

He will tell her tomorrow all that, but for now he is singing to himself building up the courage. He does not say, whom he loves, but it might be a woman, it might be Egypt. I wanted it to be Egypt. God knows Egypt can use a love song at the moment.

بحبهــا - عبد الحليم حافظ

The Amazing Native Indian Music

Not sure what region this music comes form, but I have known it to be from the South American nation of Peru. It's very common to hear them live in big cities selling their records while putting on a great show for the bystanders. But something tell me, this guy on the video is from North American Indians, not the southern nations.

The dresses and the face paint patterns tell me, they are from around the States or Canada, before it was the States as we know it. Regardless of the place, this kind of music has managed to captivate minds and hearts around the world. These guys do wonders with the flute, a very basic music instrument that makes me think of the mountains, waterfalls and eagles. .
 موسيقى خياليه ( هنود الحمر) Indian Music

This Saudi Prince Gets A Song By Zein Chaker الوليد بن طلال - ملك ٌ كريمٌ -غناء زين شاكر

I love the music for this new song, it's very classy and reminds us of the fine Arabic compositions that no body is making right no. Lebanese singer Zein Chaker is out with a new song for the Saudi Prince Al Waleed, the mogul and business man who also owns Rotana entertainment network

Prince Al Waleed can be seen cool and a fun person, he is a different kind of leader in Saudi Arabia and the world sort of adores him. Chaker's last song was about someone who used to be a guy, and his followup song is a flattery song for the Saudi prince. I must be a fan of the prince because he was the inspiration for this song that feels authentic.

He composed the song on top of writing the lyrics. The artists seems to admire the prince and call him noble king not a mere human. "Because He deserves it" is how Chaker replied to the prince inquiries. I respect this song if it came from the heart. It's an old habit where the old Arabs would shower those who compliment them, tell tales about them with gifts, and rewards.

الوليد بن طلال - ملك ٌ كريمٌ -غناء زين شاكر

Music From When Assala Cared More For Her Music Than Her Look

We all like good looks, but when Assala made her big dent on Arabic music she did it through her music and radio voice. But then the rule of the game changed with network TV, the internet and reality TV. Assala is a pioneer on all those. She made music videos when the times asked for them, she made a website and then a Facebook/YouTube channel followed. And now she has her own TV show where she hosts on her home groups of performers together.

But before this era, she worked with names like Hilmi Baker who kept her original and not pop-centered. The music they have given her were a bridge in time lining the Syrian Diva with the golden classical days. But there's little money in that. Money is in pop and in Gulf music so Assala as any business woman made the transition.

I do not see her doing gigs in houses of opera--it's not because of Syria no matter what she says. She still sings around the world. I loved her 2012 album, I thought it has some fresh ideas, but only a song or two have lasting powers  unlike the two songs below from the late 90s, they are the kind of songs everyone wants to copy.

Assala - Ya Sabra Yana / أصالة - يا صابره يانا


Assala - Sam7tak / اصاله - سامحتك

List Of Youngest Arab Singers By Names

1. Natasha, Lebanese a combination between Nancy Ajram and Warda! She is young, talented and under 20 years of age. Her father is a musician by training and her brother runs the business side. I love her many characters she is able to produce. She can be pop and fun, but when needed she can be classy and deliver heavy doze of mellow pure Arabic hits with the oldie flavor. She has two albums, but I think Rotana is not helping her career. Video
2. Carmin Solimna, Egyptian who finished high school this year, she shot to fame by winning the Arab Idol contest. She comes from a loving family and has yet to release one single original song. But the tracks she has left behind cover the classics. She has an astonishing voice that can move water and breaks glasses. She can convey complex emotions with few vocal notes. With Carmin the sky is the limit. She is a free agent, but she is often contracted for nights of music in big galas and cultural events. Video  
3. George Zogheb, the youngest on the list. He is a preteen, but his music is not for the young ones, but rather who those who have lived in the 60s and 70s. He also loves Lebanon and his first original song is made for the motherland. He appears in concerts around Lebanon and slowly but surely he is making a big splash every where he goes. On the list, he knows the most about making music as he is well trained on the Oud.      

جورج زغيب - قارئة الفنجان

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

Rola Saad Sabah Tribute Songstress

It's no secret that the lovely and golden girl of Arab light pop song pioneer Sabah is a huge fan of her friend and country girl Rola Saad. Together they made two duets and they were really well made. Rola never forgets her love and appreciation for the iconic diva Sabah.

I thought Rola Saad was going to play the role of Sabah form two years ago, but then Carol Samahe got the role. Yet Rola Saad is working on reviving one beloved Sabah song "Sa'at...Sa'at" a romantic song made in the 60s. Rola Saad record the song more than a year ago.

And just now she is making a music video for that classic Arabic song. There's a rumor that Sabah will share the screen with Rola Saad for the music video--something Rola rules out but maintains  this is a tribute song for Sabah and her rich career. The music video has been filmed in Beirut in three different locations. They will feature rare and never seen before images of Sabah and her career.

رولا سعد تكرم صباح وتغني لها "ساعات ساعات" T

Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 Concert With Omar Khairat

Egypt's most seasoned and better known classical music composer and pianist Omar Khairat will be standing in the city of Dubai early 2013 for a concert. Omar Khairat  is the type of composer and pianist  you would love in any language and in any country. He makes original and inspiring music.

Omar has been part of the Egyptian music scene since 1959 when he joined the music conservatory. His music has graced dozens of films and TV shows. He is a guy that means business and never repeats himself. So for him to hold a concert in the city of Dubai where a global audience will await him is a big deal.
Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013.

Omar is the pure the sound of the East made in away that Westerners can appreciate. He also teaches courses around the world including in England. He regularly performed at the Cairo Opera House and all the Egyptian and Arab ceremonies. Omar Khairat is a gift to Arabic music, and he has manged to make a career with a commercial success and without insulting his audience.

Omar Khairat in Dubai on 4 Jan 2013


عمر خيرت Omar Khairat - ''Slovenia'' - 2008

This Is My Favorite And Best Arabic Valentine Hit Song

I know Arab men like to give this tough look, but deep inside they are as much of lover boys as the next guy. We are very emotional people....and this Valentine day you will know this.....just see how the color red takes over most Arabic countries, and Muslims celebrate it sometimes when it's at odds with local dated customs.

Take it from me, Tamer Hosny has made so many love songs that break your heart and make yo say the word cute over and over again. Some Arabic songs will make you melt like butter with how sweet and how warm they are. It's hard to pick a good Valentine song.

It will always be subjective choice, but I know when I want to sing someone a Valentine song, this is the first song that comes to my mind every time. Simple the title makes the song sound new every time, it's timeless. Like "Every year and you will be the Love", in other word you are the renewed and eternal love. This is great because love should not grow old and it should never stop from getting a fresh feel.

The artists behind the song is Saudi Abdel Majid Abdallah, he put his heart in the song, and even his music video shows how genuine his emotions are. The music video made it into this platonic love song, which is amazing. But the song is very romantic.

عبد المجيد عبدالله كل عام وانت الحب


عبد المجيد عبدالله-كل عام وانت الحب

WATCH: The Arab Idol Trio Tribute Song ‫تريو عظمة على عظمة كارمن سليمان يوسف ودنيا

The two ladies and one guy who were finalist on Arab Idol are reuniting in a tribute song for the greatest names in Arabic music. They will be reminding us of some of the legends that have made Arabic music the way it's right now. Yousef, Carmen, and Donia are the trio behind this song....the song has been titled "Greatness Piled On Greatness"

The three young artists bring their best game to the song and they seem to be happy to take the center stage one more time. Each of them seems to have done well in their own countries and outside giving the circumstances, I think they have came a long way.

This is a common phrase Arab concert goers used to say every time, they are pleased with what hey hear during concerts with stars like Oum Kalthoum, and Abdel Halim Hafiz and their likes. A master version of this song has not been released yet, but sub-par quality versions have been leaked to the internet. I am dazzling.

The song has an Egyptian feel--which makes sense since the great majority of the stars are either from there or they have become who they are from Egypt. The music video has been filmed in Egypt, and inside the studio has been transformed into various styles from the different Arabic countries. This is one song, that will be something to look out for. It will be released in time for the start of the second season for Arab Idol.


اغنية كارمن ويوسف ودنيا - عظمة على عظمة - H.Q


‫تريو عظمة على عظمة كارمن سليمان يوسف ودنيا

Rest In Peace Folks Music Legend Mohamed El Ezaby

At age 75 Egyptian folksy music legend has left this earth. On February 5th 2013, Arabia has lost one of its most entertaining and authentic voices, Mohamed El Ezaby. The Cairo native and better known singer who has took the folksy song of Egypt and made it into something one can see at the house of Opera. The iconic Egyptian singer own father was a well-known drummer who wanted his son to go to college. Ezzaby did, study business, and worked for the petroleum agency for a while before he landed on his singing career.

No one is able to tell better stories that he could, he told the country stories and made his fans want to go back and live in the old country. The singer have had a health complication and was being treated in one of the  Cairo hospitals. I know he has quit singing about two years ago. El Ezaby was on high demand, most concerts and cultural events and even some movies would seek him out. He is the all Egyptian voice, the story that never gets old.

Among his fans are people who have never lived in Egypt, but came to be reminded of home and mothers as a result of the ballad he told so well through his songs--many of whom are classics. Take in 2003 when he was on a duet with Lebanese pop star Diana Hadad (here). Also in 2007 he appeared in the Arab Dream Operetta, he actually kicked it off next to Legendary Wadei Safy (here).

Among the venues where he has performed is London's Albert Hall, Olympia Hall in Paris as well as dozens Arab stages. He was a personal favorite of King Hassan of Morocco. He married once and now is survived by three children, the oldest of whom is a dentist.

I came to know of the legend through my dad whom adores the man and so does my grandfather. The man who aged gracefully and kept his folksy voice. He started singing in 1954, then years later the radio picked him. He joined Rida band in 1957 and he kept much of the magic through out his five decades journey. He has also been credited in a number of films. His songs will never leave this earth, they will remain with us to speak volumes of this gifted entertainer.  

محمد العزبي - شفت حبيبي


محمد العزبي - بهية

A Touching Song In The Syriac Tradition ترتيلة سريانية - فرقة جسور & إيناس لطوف

Joussour is not your typical band, it's a throwback band to the ancient history of the Middle East region. The band is made-up of musicians from different cultural background. Which makes it a lot easier for them to turn out a diverse mix of music from Mesopotamia and the Levant including folkloric, contemporary, instrumental and vocal pieces, and the various types and stages of oriental songs in general.

The Band employs a style reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the region's varying cultures and traditions. This is done using a new creative musical language which reflects their capabilities as musicians to perform various types and styles of music, and expresses at the same time their renewed faith in their heritage and the importance of its interaction with contemporary musical genres.

The Band's namesake 'joussour' illustrates that, the word itself means 'bridges' in Arabic, more like a time-machine I would call them. The band weave together different cultural background, which comes with a unique musical style deeply rooted in history. The band started in 2007, and is led by Syrian musician Salah Ammo. Since its establishment, the group has performed several concerts, inside and outside of Syria, and is today considered one of the most important groups in Syria, due to its representation of the songs and cultures of the region. The band has yet to reach out to Europe, even though their music is the exact kind that has the across culture appeal.

So, if you think Arabic or Islamic music is too modern for you, you can go back in history and enjoy this the Orthodox Syriac tradition, a song about the divinity of God. This song is about breaking bread together.


Joussour Group & Inas Latouf ترتيلة سريانية - فرقة جسور & إيناس لطوف


the Orthodox Syriac tradition. It was written by Mar Yakoub al-Sarouji, and is performed either improvised or according to an ancient musical arrangement, as it appears in this recording. The topic of the song is peace, love and the divinity of God. Musicians: Salah Ammo: bouzouq Milad Bahi: oud and arrangement Imad Morci: cello Bassem Al Jaber: contrabass Firas Hassan: percussion Dima Mawazini: qanoun Mohamad Fityan: nay & kawlah Walid Khataba: violin Wessam Al Chaaer: accordion

Melhem Barakat Talks Sh*t On #Egypt

The moody and brutally honest Lebanese composer Melhem Barakat has never disappointed in alienating people and insulting friends. Last year, he criticized one of Arabia's brightest diva's Magida El Roumi for not featuring the song he composed for her--it was included on the first track of the album. Months later, he was in a concert and used a very dirty word live on stage to insult the drummer in his band (see here).

This time the gifted and obnoxious composer aims low, he is out sending Egypt's entertainment industry insults, speaking to a Kuwait publication "El Raei" among the gems:

1. Lebanese singers should be banned from singing Egyptian pop songs, the minister of media should enforce this band
2. The love of Egyptians is not worth nothing, most of my money  I made in concerts in Syria, Jordan and the Gulf--not even one concert in Egypt.
3. Egyptians biggest priority is to fight off ant successful Lebanese singer.
4. Egyptian media TV, radio and online publications hardly air any Lebanese songs, and they only air what the Lebanese singer sang in the Egyptian dialect.  

Those allegations come from a guy with temperament issues, a man who has lost his bearing. Ask Fayrouz, Sabah, Wadie El Safie, and more recently Wael Kfoury, Ragheb Alama, Wael Jassar, Elissa, Nancy Ajram and many many more names.

Those are self centered comments from a guy who thinks the entire universe rotates around his work and his persona. I do not deny that there are some names in Egypt who insist on celebrating the success of the Egyptian entertainers, but Egypt has always been warm toward artists form Lebanon and other Arab countries. 

melhem barakat - jet bwatak