Video: Rola Saad Sabah Tribute Song رولا سعد في كليب ساعات ساعات

Sabah has moved mountains to entertain the masses across the Arab world. This time Sabah gets a tribute song done by one of her young friends and protegee Rola Saad. A classy cover for a classy song about a women who feels lonely or abandoned.

I did not think this is the best cover for the song, but I know one thing Rola is loyal to Sabah and her legacy. A walk on the beach is all what the Lebanese golden girl wanted to do. I love the mixing of the Rola Saad footage with that of Sabah from the original song.  

The song closes with Rola Saad sitting along on empty theater house watching a Sabah picture, and then a quote about the life of the living legend Sabah. I think the song will bring some joy unto the lives of those fans. As for Rola, I think the song could have been a little better production. But the low production value make you think you are hearing the original recording.

My general  rule is don't mess with the classics, you may get burned in the face by the purists and the loyalists. Unless you know you can add something, do not even think about it.

رولا سعد في كليب ساعات ساعات

Karim Mohsen, The Egyptian Pop Kingmaker

Funny how life works, Kareim Mohsen had a boy crush on then hot record artist Tamer Hosny, he  chased him down and hoped to work with him one day. Tamer gave Karim a shot and listed to his amazing melodies. Tamer would become one of closest friends in the business. Tamer would work with Kareim Mohsen and get his best and finest melodies. Karim would even appear in a number of films for Tamer Hosny.

Karim becomes one of Tamer Hosny's entourage member. Karim branches out and gives some of his melodies to other names in the pop business. Karim would go on and make his own album, months before Egypt starts a historic revolt. Tamer Hosny's stocks drop, and he is no longer the mega star he once was.

Karim Mohsen would keep quiet and tried to push his own record, he does many concerts in universities and malls around Egypt, and he would press on as a composer for the young voices striving for something fresh and dancey.

His first hit came in 2006, after the release of his hit single Yalla Maa El Salama with singer Shady. But Karim wanted something more so he began by composing many hit songs for various Arab singers such as: Waeid Aalia for the Egyptian singer Zizi Adel, He also composed Kan Feen Min Bardy for Khaled Selim. Karim became more prominent as a singer, actor and composer after his collaboration with singer Tamer Hosny. In 2008, Karim worked with Tamer on his "Haeesh Hayati Album". Karim composed four songs: Kol Ely Fat, Taaba Kol El Nass, Haeesh Hayati and Beyhsedoni Aaleek. He also composed the English song "Come back to me".

Karim Mohsen - Ehlawet El Donia / كريم محسن - احلوت الدنيا

Listen: Best Arab Single From Tamer Ashour تامر عاشور - بنحبها يا قلبي

Not in a million year, I would have imagined the guy behind some of the most serious and mos dark pop songs would be the same guy to also bring a happy song. Tamer Ashour, for those who know him is a doctor of pain, he helps us manged and navigate through the world of pain induced be failed relationships. His level of maturity and the style of his melodies heal the soul and cure the heart.

But this is the time for him to do a happy song, Egypt needs a lovely catchy tune that gives them a break from all those troubling times. Tamer Ashour rose to the occasion and crafted one of his finest songs to date. Ever time I think Tamer has finally reached his highest point, only to be surprised a month or two later with new material. Material that makes the other previous stuff pale in comparison. So now you know I am a fan of this seasons and sure thing hit maker.

I am ready to call him one of the few Arab singers/composers that have a perfect understanding of two things. The first, his fans, he knows what they want. The second, he knows how to translate all his ideas into catchy songs. He does not need to go to another person to translate his ideas. Instead Tamer writes his own music and picks winners. Just look at his new romantic dance single released last week.

Tamer Ashour - Ben7ebaha ya Albi

Listen: PSY - New Song GENTLEMAN Pop, Dance And Viral?

That's South Korea, Dennis Rodman. "Gangnam Style" rapper PSY has released his new song "Gentleman," and while its fast and familiar beat isn't quite as catchy as his mega-hit, be forewarned: He's unveiling the song and a dance affiliated with it live on YouTube Saturday at Seoul World Cup Stadium. So we ain't seen nothin' yet. But here's the song:

The odds are stacked against an artist hoping to achieve success in pop, but if success does come, then building it into a lengthy career rests on recreating the series of happy accidents, coincidences and right-tune-right-time-right factors that secured the initial burst of interest. That is why pop history is strewn with decent but disastrous second albums. But for novelty hits, and internet memes, and collisions of the two like Gangnam Style, the theory is condensed and accelerated. Psy does have a secret weapon, of course. Amazing as it may seem Gangnam Style did not succeed on musical merit alone and was as much a meme as it was a pop hit, helped by a video that was so strong that it even worked without any music.

I could see this song   being picked up around the world just because PSY is the cool thing he has become. DJs and clubs around the world will cheer this hit-maker and wish he would never go away. But the question is will those short-attention span generation stick with PSY. "I can't tell you about the dance but all Koreans will know this dance," the rapper told a local TV station. "But [those in] other countries haven't seen it." The release of a creative and appealing music video by PSY might prompt the fans to fall in line.

PSY - Gentleman [OFFICIAL] + LYRICS!!

PSY - GENTLEMAN(싸이-젠틀맨)

This April 26, One Iraqi Hit-Maker محمد السالم - قلب قلب In A Virginia Concert

He will be accompanied by the Iraqi pop band UTN1 (Unknown To No One) This is the one concert that will bring all the 50 shades of Iraqis and appreciators of the rich Iraqi music scene  living in the Mid-Atlantic region for a fun night of music that the autnicity of the land it draws its inspirations form. This is a popular hit song that took Iraqi by storm "Qalib Qalib" by the lovable Mohammad ElSalem who has toured the world with this song and other Iraqi songs.

He is a hot commodity and this time, the music will be upped as the Iraqi rock band will be to his side warming up the crowd and doing what the love doing best, live music that brings home to those who long for it. The band walks onstage and look like your there to play through your songs and to have a good time as well. They tend to do their rituals and let the audience let you know you're there.

The interesting thing about the band is that they play through each song until you know whats happening each second. They have mastered each song by playing them off by heart and concentrate on what everyone else is playing. Thus, the band members are a good live musician is one that can feel the pulse of the crowd and become fueled by their energy. It takes more than practice practice practice to be a good musician. Some things can't be taught. UTN1 Band-mates were born with the chops for those live gigs.

As for AlSalem, he is the kind of entertainer who talks to the crowd and allows them to be apart of the show. He knows how to just relax and have fun. He is not a a show-off, but he knows that he is the attraction and the audience appreciate that.

Tickets are here

محمد السالم - قلب قلب وين وين فيديو كليب الاصلي HD 2011


يا رايح وين مسافر - UTN1 حفلة (تراث جزاىري) ya rayeh

Listen: #Egypt Exclusive: Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

Bahaa Sultan is a Muslim, he producer and mentor is Christian and they are the best friends in the world. When this team saw the massacre in Egypt and the attacks on one Christina Church, they worked around the clock for a song. They were moved and their song came through to move you.

 His song is about bringing worshipers closer, it's about reconciliation and peace. Trying to bring people together, we are always friends and same kind--let's not be victims for other people. Bahaa does not do the knee jerk songs, he is the apolitical figure, but this time is seems very personal to him. Ramy Gamal wrote the music. Moammad Atif wrote the lyrics.

Starting the song with an interview of an eye witness who saw the incidents and then Bahaa picks it up. This is less of a song and more of prayer to appeal for common sense and reminding people of what brings them together. The footage that accompanies the song help create the mood for this toxic topic, one people, religion should not be a wedge issue.

Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

Rest In Pease Salah Abdel Ghafour, Iraqi Legendary Singer And Intellectual

He sang in Arabic and Kurdish, this way he is very Iraqi. Not too many Iraqi singers have this kind of appeal, not only does both Arabic and Kurd love this talented and popular iconic singer, they have come to enjoy his singing in any language without regard to politics. His last album was recorded three years ago, and he has a number of unreleased tracks he has been working on. On his final days he spoke about the toxic mode in Arabia and the many tragedies that make it very hard to release new music.

Salah Abdel Ghafour is the folkloric Iraqi voice that gave Iraq one of its most hit songs that have come to define Iraqi music for decades, "Shlonak" This song of his is one of half a dozen songs the entire Iraqi nation knows like they know the back of their hands. He passed away in a tragic car accident in the Kurdish city of Erbil. One thing you need about him, even the Americans and other nationals have come to appreciate his music and his songs. Shlonak was later released in Turkey by a pop-folk singer ibrahim tatlises.

He has released 30 albums, he excelled in doing Iraqi styled songs as well as Folkloric dance songs. His first singing gig was when he was eight years old on the Iraqi TV and radio corporation he chose to perform songs of the mega Iraqi legend Nithem Al Ghazaly in 1961 "Rokin El Howa" Amateur Corner.

In 1973 he would join the national theater group and make his own path. In 1977 he want back to school to study music and composition where he learned to play the violin. He stayed in the music institute for six years perfecting his talent. He would become on of Iraq's finest voices for generations and would inspire droves of young Iraqis to make better music. He was the go to guy of Iraqi Maqam music 

To me, he was one of those artists who refused to objectify women and he spoke about it for a long time--he was very critical of sexualized music videos by many half baked Iraqi talents (for more about his opinions read here). He also released many sport songs for the national teams, and has sang for Palestine. A singer, an intellectual and patriot passes away in an accident, what's not an accident is his talent.


Shlonak - Salah Abdel Ghafour


صلاح عبد الغفور حلوة يالبغدادية.

WATCH: Haifa Wehbe New Hot Music Video MJK \ هيفا وهبي ملكة جمال الكون ريمكس فيديو كليب 2013

Call her an old lady, but this older lady (compared to her peers) knows how to look fresh, rock the scene and get news stories out. She is the diva made for this age and her army of followers do the distance to make her number one each time. She give them her A game and they give her their hearts, tweets and likes.

MJK as filmed in a studio in New York days after she broke the news of her divorce. She moved beyond her divorce and now back to making waves being a single lady that has ruled the pop scenes and made few enemies. She is doing her thin on camera, wearing dazzling outfits and showing off her bud.

Hearing the song over and over again, time after time, I find it never grows over-familiar. It plays like a favorite album; the more I know it, the more I like it. Haifa has that kind of appeal, while she is grownup her fan base has the young and the old, the energized and the tried. She offers something interesting for everyone and she has done so for the past decade.

She does not age she just looks good. Astounding makeup, captivating shoots and not a dull moment. They have done wonders to use some affects with colors and motion caption techniques. I think the mirror dress is something new. I like how comfortable Haifa with the camera bring up in her face.

Haifa Wehbe - MJK (Heartbeats Remix) By Lenz Garcia & Noor Q هيفاء وهبي - ملكة جمال الكون

Listen: Amr Diab New Single اغنية عمرو دياب - تخيل " بالكوبلية الجديد " 2013

The dude is out with a party track from a live concert, he loves Egypt but only when Egypt is doing well. The moment Egypt was having a hard time he shipped out to Dubai and some say he spends a great time in London. "Imagine" is the title of the song, he has performed in one of his concert now it's now made available.

Keep on mind he was a friend of the Mubarak kids, no question he is a huge deal in Egypt. He is a wholesome entertainer and his live concerts are the closest thing to what they call concerts in the West. His new and improved single, it has one more line and it made people happy.




اغنية عمرو دياب - تخيل بالكوبلية الجديد

Listen: Yuri Mrkadai's Best Song In A Decade

I danced, I cheered and I got in the zone when I heard this song first. But this song keeps getting better the more I listen to it. Yuri is not 20 years old anymore and he does not care to make average pop songs that no one remembers. He makes contemporary classics rooted in poetry but also offering upbeat music.

He makes no secrets about his love and admiration for Arab women, always has. But his comeback singles more exciting lyrics and really impressive mixing. The way he reads poetry, sings then slows down to read more poetry only to go back into the singing mode perfect the song.

Mrkadai's songs are meant for gentlemen who want to get closer to women in the classic fashion. It's not a shame to be outsmarted by them--the song is about a fighter who has never lost a a battle until he has met her. She handed him his first defeat and he was proud of this defeat.

Yuri mrakadi - Ana Elmowaka3 Adnah يورى مرقدى - أنا الموقع أدناه

WATCH: The Drunk Arab Diva Leaked Video Scandal فضيحة نوال الزغبي سكرانه في الفندق

Not a proud moment for me, but this beloved songstress of mine had a leaked video out where some dudes are talking to her and she seems to be out of her element. Watch for yourself. She does have a lot of enemies including a loser for a former husband.

Whoever leaked this video better explain himself/herself. This seems to have been filmed in a hotel where the diva had her guard down, or she might be trying to make it to her room when those guys stopped her and took their shoot. She is a mother and she had a legal battle with her husband over the custody of the children.

It seems that she knows at least one person in this group, and while we have no date on this video, it might have been leaked by her deranged husband. To her credit  she sings so well even with having had too much to drink.

أخر فضايح نوال الزغبي سكرانة


فضيحة نوال الزغبي وهـي سكرانه بالفندق

Tickets: Adnan Sami To perform in DC on April 12th at the Patriot Center

Per Wiki

(Urdu: عدنان سمیع‎,Hindi: अदनान सामी) is a singer, musician, pianist, actor and composer. with a command on Indian and Western Classical/ Semi-Classical notes, Jazz, Rock & Pop music. Born to Naureen and Arshad Sami Khan in London, United Kingdom, he is a Canadian citizen of Pakistani and Indian ancestry and currently works and lives in Mumbai, India. Having received his formal training in Indian Classical music from the famous Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, his music merges Asian and Western music styles and instrumentation. His career has ranged from Classical Music (Indian and Western) to Jazz to modern Pop-Rock.

He will grace our Nations's capital with a once in a lifetime show at the Patriot Center

For Information click here, Who will be going? You cannot say you know world music without skipping over India and if it's India, Adnan Sami is the man for all music seasons.

Noor-E-Khuda - My Name is Khan 

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

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

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

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

فايز السعيد - انت مين 2013


فايز السعيد انت مين

This Is Not Lady Gaga, But You Should Know Who She Is Anyway

Her album is forthcoming, and I really like the album cover, it's so classy and so like anything Arab pop album cover we have seen. This is Maya Nehme everyone and she is one of those super talented Lebanese songstresses. But unlike her peers, she has another career next to music, she runs a popular dance studio and her dances are always something to watch for. She is also a song-writer with some accomplishments.

The new album will come in two editions, the standard one and has the 16 tracks with some never before heard material and singles we have seen and heard before. The Deluxe Edition where we get an extra DVD with all of her work on video with some pictures. Her skillful husband Walid Al Massih knows his wayy around records, and music production, so he is always in a supportive role.

She has a number of hits, her biggest to date song is "Habiby"
Maya Ne'ma - Habiby / مايا نعمة - حبيبي

WATCH: Carole Samah "Ehsas" Official Music Video كليب كارول سماحة - احساس | جديد 2013

With her gigantic googly eyes, Lebanese super diva is judging you. The scene starts with a guy who is a cheater--note the difference between a cheater and a player. Filmed in Paris, telling a romantic story about those who are in love but the other person is not being upfront about his past. This music video is about breakups and heartache. But aside form that, I do not think Thierry Vergnes added much to the music video. It feels average.

This is a romantic story when it took a wrong turn. When you cheat, do not comeback for a do-over, Carole won't let you easily off the hook. Some people move on and others get stuck in the past, with nothing good going their way emotionally. The song came on her album released on March 13 with 13 tracks, this was the number one hit song and it did deliver the heat. Its composer's name does not sound Arab, he might be Turkish.

This is the curtain call when you want to turn the page once you have had your closure. Salime Assaf wrote the lyrics and showed once again he is the most sensitive lyricist who has show he really get women. The song is not about roses and sunshine, but dark moments. I like some of the affects the director have used.  There are so many tears.

According to this site, the clip was removed by Rotana several minutes after its release. This might be a publicity stunt to get more media stories. According thing according to this Tweeter guy, comes the following image:

Carole Samaha Ehssas HD VC / كارول سماحة - إحساس

My Choice For The Best Female Entertainer Is Houda Saad - Bik N3ich 2013 هدى سعد - بيك نعيش

Housa Saad is a world-class and well rounded entertainer. The songstress-cum composer-cum lyricist is a credit to her people in Morocco. She is truly one force not to be reckoned with. She has so much music training under her belt, but most of all her feel for what's fresh and good is unmatched  Most Arab pop divas pay other dudes to write and compose music for them.

Not Houda, she has all the skills to go it alone. And you know what, sometimes this is risky, but Houda is always dazzling and never repeats herself. She is an innovator and knows how to make them hits. The size of her gift keeps on growing. I love how much energy her songs have, but the lyrics are very poetic and meaningful at the same time.

I only say this because I am enjoying the one single from her "Bik N3ich"  It's a great mix song, perfect for dancing. Another thing about Houda, two years ago, she said she will try to take the Moroccan song into a new territory. And she has done just that. With her touches, the song from Morocco is something special unlike no other. The new track is so crisp and so rich with thrill of a hit song that you have the privilege to hear fro the first time.

Some artists have good voice, others have good showmanship! Houda has those naturally. Yet she ups the bar and has perfected her writing skills and her music composing talent. I wish she gets a chance to own the prime time for a little bit--she has a lot to share. I know she gets little help in Morocco, but she has decided to stay and fight.

Keep them coming, I love your new single and have always considered you one hell of an entertainer. It's about time Moroccan music had its very own proud mascot who inspires hope and shows strength. Houda might just take the Moroccan song beyond the borders of the Arab World. Lebanese song has Najwa Karam, the Egyptian song has Amr Diab, and now the Moroccan song has the very skillful and never dull Houda Saad


 Houda Saad - Bik N3ich 2013 هدى سعد - بيك نعيش

WATCH: لقاء محمد فؤاد - الحلقة الأولى - The XTRA Factor 2013 Mohamed Fouad

The mega star, the song of Egypt Mohamed Fouad bright so much energy and interest into the X factor that the judges are wondering if this guy should comeback again. His warmth and affection are written over each of his songs. And he took time to speak with the Xtra Factor segment answered some questions and spoke about being part of the show.

He is king among his are the ones who are competing on the X Factor, they had so much love for him and spoke on how much he means to them. Each has its favorite song by Fouad. That's something you cannot buy with money.  He is so mature and knows how speak with a realist tone and give hope. Cannot wait for his new album....he ignited the stage.

The low of the interview when he spoke about him being on the judges--he said I could not do it, and disappeared. He is the big brother each of us wishes to have.

لقاء محمد فؤاد - الحلقة الأولى - The XTRA Factor 2013

Listen: Amal Maher & Abdel Majed Abdallah - Lel Zein Ser / امال ماهر و عبد المجيد عبد الله - للزين سر

This is not just your average song, it's an epic track that lasts 13 minutes. A duet between two artists you would never see sing together, yet they came together for this odd pair song between the Saudi romance and pop icon Abdel Majid Abdallah and his peer from Egypt Amal Maher. This new song of theirs is like panting with words, they do get you to see something using nothing but words and your rich imagination.

Amal Maher seems to have locked in the best voices in Saudi Arabia, the legends. Last month she had a song with the elder of Saudi song Mohamed Abdo. This time she has teamed up with another talented Saudi super star. Abdel Majid Abdallah, not sure how they get to work together. Something tells me the song writer or poet gets to chose who sings their songs. 

It's a sweet song that starts very slowly and then picks up 5 minutes into the song. I think the music could have been a little bit more exciting than what I hear. I like both artists, they are classy voices who have a brand and prestige. I do not see as a great song, but it has great elements and Amal Maher seems to be holding back. The title is true as all women will attest, "Beauty Has A Secret"

Stay tuned, the last bit of the song, you know for sure this is a wedding song, in the House of Saudi, there is a big wedding and the song picks the dance in the last two minutes.

Amal Maher & Abdel Majed Abdallah - Lel Zein Ser / امال ماهر و عبد المجيد عبد الله - للزين سر

WATCH: Tamer Hosny FT Akon - Welcome to the Life ( Behind the scenes)

Tamer Hosny might be doing American pop a huge favor, he is stimulating the economy by his big spending as he pays top names to collaborate with him. The latest star to charge Tamer Hosny a fee is American rapper Akon (by the way of Senegal) Tamer went to Akon's home and studio and we have the footage from the behind the scenes.

I think there is a new Tamer is town and he means serious business. I do not think he will ever become a global icon, not for his lack of trying, but he is already big in the Arab world. He has already singed with top companies who want to sell their stuff to Arabs. So his new duet with Akon might not do that much, other than adding to his resume.

I like Akon and think he is a smart business guy. Watch the two work together on the song as Akon tries to pick few words and they are working on a music video too. There are simply too many douche bags in this video who think they are all that  important.

I think this would be a fun project, I would ask Tamer, take it easy, save your money and go back to Nasr Mahrous--he knows how to bring the best in you and how to put you in a hit.

Tamer Hosny FT Akon - Welcome to the Life ( Behind the scenes)

Listen: Fadel Shaker New Song أنشودة نوري اكتمل - المنشد فضل شاكر

Did God find Fadel Shaker or did later found him? Either way, the now retried pop and romance hit-maker is back with a new spiritual song or a hymn that he just released. I got to say, it's not half as bad. I may not see eye to eye with the singer, but he still has what God has granted him--his voice.

And if doing spiritual songs would keep him rocking, be my guest. This is would be a pop song had it talked about love and not God. But this is a smooth song about vice and virtue. I like it and happy to see the artist doing something that fill him with joy. His political opinions aside, I won't pile on Fadel Shaker.

 أنشودة نوري اكتمل - المنشد فضل شاكر