Watch: Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Bring Down The House

Appearing as guests on the popular and provocative news satire show with Bassem Yousef, those artists brought down the house. Cairokee is the firm believer in the power of the people of Egypt and what they can do. Zap knows how to entertain one's senses and deliver some of the finest raps. Their latest collaboration offers an entire platform for alternative music, the Arab world has never met before.

Together they have put forth a song about holing one's ground, a call to the activists and the idealists to hold their ground. You call for justice, they call you a lowlife. Amir Eid (Vocals, Guitar) did a very fine job with Cairokee, he has taken it from a small garage band into the headline making band. Activist through music is nothing new, but Cairokee has a lot of stories to tell.

Not only does the band make great music that is capable of impressing even Western audience, they also find heart-filled lyrics. Zap brings his A game, he is Egypt's biggest rapper--and perhaps biggest household name. Zap keeps his eyes on Egypt, but he has never forget about Palestine. They want you to be an alternative person...he raps. Zap has also tackled issues of drugs with another singer, he seems to be opne to working with any star whom he shares a message with.

Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Esbat Maknak From Basem Youssef Show - كايروكى و زاب ثروت

DOWNLOAD: Massar Egbari New Album البوم فريق مسار اجبارى - اقرا الخبر

Aside from making perhaps the coolest and most artsy and meaning rich album cover, Indie band Massar Egbari makes delightful music, and their new album "Eqra El Khaber" or "Read This News" shows the band has morphed into something huge. Not to mention how the band also has one of the catchiest names MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, which resembles the society we live in today. They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners. Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics.

In 2007 the band made its international debut and has traveled the Arab world (and Turkey) taking their music into new lands. I have come to appreciate their balance in finding good lyrics, and fresh sounding music--while they sound a bit more Western than Egyptian, their stories will always be told in Egypt for some time to come.

It seems that their music constantly gets better, the more live shows they book. They really inject a lot of excitement in the indie music scene  and by the way other than ticket sales and record, they have not gone commercial like doing soda and hair gel ads. This allows them to concentrate on their music, and perfecting their craft. I have also loved how they keep away form politics, yet kept up their connection with the people and their woes.

You get a little funk, a little jazz, some rock and a hell of a ride the minds of the band members have created. I appreciate the variety in vocalists the band features. Unlike many other indie bands in Egypt, MASSAR EGBARI has more than on vocalist who can hook listeners. I love the songs I listened to so far, El-Mroor if funky. The title song plays like a lounge music yet its lyrics are very dark about unemployment. This album is a successful attempt to declare the band's inception into the mainstream.

1 - Mat5afeesh
2 - Al-leal
3 - El-Mroor
4 - Hawei
5 - Adef
6 - Sheta
7 - Egbari El-Msaar
8 - Ana Mawgoud
9 - Eqra2 El 5abar
10 - Adef " Remix "


مسار اجباري - المرور / Massar Egbari - Traffic


مسار إجباري | أنا هويت - من مهرجان زروني كل سنة مرة

مسار إجباري حاجة | ختام منتدى حوارات المصرية

The Muslim Entertainer Mohamed Abbas Is Egypt's New Face Of Indie Music فك الكلابش - محمد عباس

A name one needs to know is the indie artist from Egypt Mohmed Abbas, he is indie because he is that young voice who speaks about social injustice without being angry, jaded or political. And if this is not a delight, he has great music and a very intimate style that we have not heard in Egypt in a really long time. This is a breath of fresh air because Abbas is a popular Muslims Munshid that means he does hymns like songs with religious tone. Those have been popular as more and more networks are dedicated to such material. I welcome him to the ring.

His style is similar to that of Sheikh Imam and Sayed Darwish, while he is brand new, his fans are there each time he performs--he has an upcoming concert in a mall. I am a fan of his voice expresses a great deal of sadness underneath his lines--it's like a not very angry volcano.

The sitting of his music video is the well known Egyptian cafes where people go to tell stories and relax. A charming music video for a wonderful song that needed to be sang. Mohamed is a cool dude in my book. He tells the stories of the people who work hard to get by, there are far too many beautiful tales that needed to be told.

Release me from you handcuff, aka unshackle me is the title of this song from the new comer Abbas. I like the feel good the song brings, it talks about many topics in a poetic style.

Fok El Kalabsh - Mohmed Abbas فك الكلابش - محمد عباس

Listen: Ramy Essam - Gika رامى عصام - جيكا عايش

Ramy Essam, the activist who likes to sing and rock. Released yet another song calling for change and promoting the more secular parties in Egyptian politics--the very ones that failed to win. Ramy sort of have moved into Tahrir Square and made it his home. He has performed there many times, and have become the voice of the revolutionaries and the source of their entertainment.

He has his heavy base, and the song is in the third person using the voice of the Shaheed--the fallen. Where those who have been murdered in cold blood ask Ramy not to give up the fight and continue the protest till bring justice and freedom. This song I like, but when Ramy goes on the attack attacking certain factions he loses me.  

Ramy Essam - Gika رامى عصام - جيكا عايش

WATCH: Mat Elkalam Cairokee اغنية كايروكى - مات الكلام

Egypt's hottest and biggest rock band started as an indie band till they all of a sudden got big. Commercial money started flowing, promoting soft drinks, energy drinks and just about anything. They are covted on TV shows and asked to comment on all things Egypt. They have toured the world and back, and still they are still the most popular band in Egypt.

Their fan base keeps on growing, and they sort of reach out for the cool aisle. More and more they are focused on their look, and outfits. New haircuts and grooming are in order, they now look like every other mainstream American band. What still sets them apart is their lyrics, passion and messages about changes in Egypt.

They are back with a new song that serves as the soundtrack for an upcoming indie film about the Revolution in Egypt. This is an A list film with top talents, the song is way out there, about the meaning of change and to quote, the nightmare in your dreams.

They pick on the security officers in Egypt, their torture and abuse methods. And doing all that in an abandoned building. But do not worry their guitar and vocals are still on the money. This is the anti-establishment, it sets Egypt as the people vs. everyone else including the politicians and people with authority. Amir Eid wrote the dazzling lyrics and I tell you they sound as a shot in the ear. Their fire in the belly is still on.

Mat Elkalam Cairokee

WATCH: Asala Nasri - Ela Mata (Cover by Alaa Wardi & Sultan Al-Jameel)

Saudi Alaa Wardi is out with a new  cover song where a cappella meets the beat box. Alaa is his very own singing group but this tme he brings a similar minded artists who takes care of the vocals as Alaa handles the music so beautifully with his mouth.

Alaa has made so many incredible videos, and he has done so well himself where he performed in indie concerts with other young artists. He shot to fame when he did an amazing cover by one of Nancy Ajram's best songs of 2010. Released few more followup  but the new Asala Nasri is his serious effort to stage a viral comeback.

Sultan Jameel does an amazing job with this share of the, they both sport the Saudi style outfits and it goes well with the Gulf dialect song.

Asala Nasri - Ela Mata (Cover by Alaa Wardi & Sultan Al-Jameel)

Listen: Fadi Andrawos 2013 Single / ما بعرف كون - فادى أندراوس

Fadi Andrawos is the original indie rock star from Lebanon by the way of Palestine. He is one of those artists that have always found their own path. He is not the one to hold a contract, put on a suite and talk to some company. He just wants to make music, as he likes to be free.

This is why he rocks in both English and Arabic, and he is flawless in both languages  He has some hard metal chops, he enjoys that look very few Arab stars can pull off. And yes, he is a musician, and a rebel inside. Where in his new song, he is asking to be loved the way he is--unconditionally.

He sings, if you want to love me, let me be me! I love his style and have come to admire his creative process. He makes music that crosses cultures, and sings lyrics that crosses the gender boundaries. His style is getting around Arabia just not...many Egyptians indie artists are taking his approach. Fadi is never controversial  he is just distinct, you cannot really copy him. He does not offend, and neither does he ask people to be like him instead, he seeks to live and let live.

Such artists are perfect for live interactive concerts, because they make the experience more vivid and real. He approaches his music as if he was a regional star with a global sight--like most rock stars in Latin America. Local is the new universal. Fadi might not be on a TV near you, but his near cult fellowship has stuck by his side for years. 


Fadi Andrawos - Ma ba3rif koun 2013 / ما بعرف كون - فادى أندراوس

On International Women's Day Comes This Subtitled Dream

Women do not exactly have easy in Egypt, it's an observation from watching from the outside and the many dramas airing on TV today.

So this International Women's Day comes a song by one of the finest rappers Egypt have come to know Ahmed Zap Tharwat. He is the socially responsible rapper who promotes good virtue, patriotism and being good. And a first time guest or perhaps the main attraction vocalist Sherine.

Together they have a song about achieve one's dreams--mostly catering to women on their day of empowerment. The song puts to focus all the negative commentary and treatment women are subjected to in Egypt and beyond. They are not the only ones locking in the females. Some even make the case about the mistreatment of women even in places like America.

A song against violence, harassment, and discrimination. It's a smart song about women who want to take a challenge and make something new.  I dig the guitar and the many back stories the music videos brings to light.

@QabilaTV هوصل - شيرين عمرو وزاب ثروت

Indie Music Cannot Move Past The Spirit Of January 2011

More than two years have passed and the indie music scene is still milking the January  revolution for all it's worth. The last band to join the exploitation is 050 Band--one of the hardest working bands in the post Mubarak years.

Their latest single is about how the spirit of January is still kicking around, the motherland has not heeled yet. I do not know if they will ever stop making music about this topic, but for the common man it might be one too many songs about something that has already happened yet make little sense.

050 band has achieved in very short months a great deal of fame that comes with fan base. This Arabic rock Band From Mansoura , Egypt  has manged to release the Middle East No.1 Song @ TripleW ME Charts and Middle East No.2 Band. Their cool name is inspired by their native town's area code. As for the band members, they are a group of friends who like to play guitar and sing.


Osama El Hady - Vocals - Guitar
Peter AbdelMeseih - Lead Guitar
Hesham Samy - Bass Guitar & Backing Vocal
Hossam Samy - Drums
Safa - Keyboard



050 Band | Yanayer Fel'olob 3ayesh [ Official Video ] يناير فى القلوب عايش

These Young Pharos Have Moved Me

On X Factor there is a group of R and B / Rap band made up of there young folks who go to college. There are two dudes and one fine lady that sounds to have come from a place like Chicago or Detroit Motown. They are 17, 18 and 19 years of age and they have already rocked the show unlike any other act.

I am not a big fan of rag tag rap, but these guys really have a working formula to bring a wife audience to their songs--Angry Arabic lyrics and smooth English lines that make you think. The trio blends a number of styles and Arabic dialect to talk about issues of important to the Arab mainstream and the young people. The judges have showered them with love and praises.

Check them out, and get to enjoy their own writing which give them an extra zinger as they take on the stage, they really know how to cheer up the room. They got four Yeses and they indeed deserved everyone of them. I am consider myself a fan, now the burden on them to make a worthy followup for this song that has won them fame.

فريق Young Pharos - The X Factor 2013 TheXFactorArabia

Funky Jazz Fifties Style With Us We Lazq

It seems some musical eras get their fans decades later. The popular colorful band from Egypt Us We Lazq just put out a song that sounds like a fifties party. They are being lead by one of their female vocalists who put it all together for this track about imagination and having too many choices--when in fact you got none.

The song plays politics and talks about land owners, the broke and the uneducated folks. This is a humoreous song from an idealist with nothing to his/her name. It's easy to speak ill of those in charge, but if you are placed in charge, you will learn that you can change little.

As far as music goes, I love how the song ends on a very Egyptian folkloric and dance friendly melody. This is how Us We Lazq keeps their rivals guessing, invent something and break the mold.

Us We Lazq - Lw Kont I قص و لزق - لوكنت

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)

Alif Ensemble Spices Up Arabic Music

Good bands start out by being the fruit of the labor of many friends who think they are good enough to entertain. Hence, comes Alef Ensemble, a band that emerged from a broad spectrum of talent from all around the Arab world. The namesake draws inspiration from the Arabic Alphabet and team up talents from from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt and Iraq.


Oud-centered music by Khyam Allami, in partnership with two of the most resourceful and independent Arabic musicians of today, Palestinian composer and vocalist Tamer Abu Ghazaleh and Egyptian electronica musician Maurice Louca, the Alif Ensemble is a pan-Arabic collaboration. Many are the bands that take credit for brining varying musical styles. But in the core of Alif Ensemble one finds both traditional and contemporary Arabic music disciplines, including percussionist Khaled Yassine (Lebanon) and bassist Khaled Omran (Syria).

Their strong suits include contemporary Arabic poetry by writers including the late Iraqi-Assyrian poet Sargon Boulus (the first time his words have been set to music in Arabic) and late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Young people appreciate poetry, but they love it if music accompanied it.

Their efforts have already caught the eyes of the global press, the UK's The Wire magazine witnessed their first ever performance and came to described the Alif Ensemble as: "a vehicle for original composition, attuned to the traditions of Arabic music, but applying a rock dynamic to their delivery."

Something that allowed the band to perform in the  summer 2012 at many UK based music festivals. The Wire went on, “The dominant Alif character is one of a collective sound, each member working at the service of the compositions, rarely stepping forward to solo, and usually sounding equally balanced,"

Few things can motivate musicians like good press, but a great audience always helps. This is a band that offers two different things, the Western listener can appreciate the dealing musical instruments and Arabic twists. The Arab listener will enjoy the poetry and the the throwback music


Alif Ensemble - Intadhirha (Wait for Her) Live / فرقة الألف - إنتظرها

I Ain't No Knight And Shining Armor By 050 Band

Girls are expected to be on the lookout for the knight that will sweep her off her fee, make her feel like a million dollar and keep her safe. You will win her over if she can do that. But rock music likes to pull a buzz kill often. Pop does this idealistic image, rock mocks that image and tells you life can still be worth it--even with some imperfection.

Guys tend to have different images and different expectations for them ladies, and that's why they took on rock and roll music to tell a different story--far from perfect one. Unlike pop and romance music, rock does not engage in false advertising, let's not waste time in talking and spring into action.
050 Band - Manish Fares | زيروخمسين - مانيش فارس (LIVE)

Salalem Band Finds The Stairways To Heaven

Among the many diverse Egyptian rock bands, stands Salalem. A band that takes it's name from an Arabic word that means stairs. They might not make as much noise and fireworks as the other bands, but they constantly make better songs that promote hope. I like hope and optimistic voices in Egypt, the people need some joy.

Salalem is funky without being silly, they are retro without being overbearing. This is the feel I am sensing from their new song and music video. They are just a group of friends who happen to be musicians."Life is a bedroom" is the title of this new light rock gem.

You must really love those t-shirts the band members sport. This is the band's second music video following another one they released in 2011. They filmed this music video at a local liberary in one affluent Cairo pocket.

Salalem | El Donya Oda | Official Music Video سلالم | الدنيا أوضة

This Song Will Embarrass Abbas And His Clowns

There are a different breed of Palestinians, and yes they do occupy the biggest Palestinian city Ramallah. They are the business types who want to sell, sell sell! They would chase a buck even if it meant they have to go to Israel and make a deal with the occupation itself.

Moneeb Al Masry, one of Palestine's biggest business people has hosted the Israeli businessman on his home in Nablus. He has banned the journalists form the meeting. Other losers to have attended the meeting were Egyptian Amro Moussa. Ramy Levy, the Israeli tycoon was present.

In their minds, they are heroes who want to build Palestine.  I would believe that had they not have questionable history on many national history. When two young lute players read about a business meeting between some of those business clowns with some Israeli business leaders, they flipped out and wrote a song that has some vulgarity too.

Those businesses open shops in Palestinians towns selling them goods made in illegal colonies, as you will see some Palestinians have broke into one of those stores and protested them. Palestine is like any democracy, it's about citizens not consumers.

شرفت يا رامي ليفي


الفلسطينيون يقتحمون رامي ليفي قرب رام الله

WATCH: Hamza Namira - El-Midan | حمزة نمرة - الميدان #Egypt

Hamza Namira is back everyone, he has timed his worthy comeback with the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. The song that marks his return is "El Midan" Arabic for The Square in reference of the Tahrir Square. He is showing us why he is different, it's easy to make a new song each week, there are many things that are going wrong in Egypt. But for a dreamer, someone who looks farther than any of his peers are willing, he sees meany great things happening in Egypt.

The song is about unity, the right call in the right time. Hamza Namira chose not to pick fights with the new Egyptian regime, he is giving them the benefit of the doubt. The song starts slow, then picks up as the rock melody kicks in. Hamza is young, but his skill composing music, and writing lyrics tops his wonderful ability to perform an incredible live concerts.

The lyrics are about pride, you should be so proud, you stood next to your neighbor in the Square, you are belonging the good old Egyptian, the one we all love so very much. This is a live performance, the flags of Egypt are all over the music video-only the flags of the land not some sectarian flags. I like the fireworks on stage, but I wish the clip was shot with a little bit more light.



Hamza Namira - El-Midan | حمزة نمرة - الميدان | Official Music Video

What Would It Take For Ramy Essam To Go Away? اغنية رامى عصام - ثورة 2013

Ramy Essam had a good run since the revolution in Egypt took place. The singer activist who has spent much of his time in Tahrir Square protesting varying things at varying times. I have grown fond of his music and rock style. I really love his sense of humor and his faith in the power of words.

But has his time expired already? I do not know that, but I am feeling Ramy has made many great songs and his mini album was pretty good. But then he has started to hate any and everything the Egyptian president does. Morsi is not Mubarak, he might be different, but he is no dictator. He has won a four year term and he should be giving space to perform.

Sure, protesting him is great, but in a civil manner. You are not serving the democratic process by calling him to leave or asking him to resign. He should not have too, there are other forces in Egypt and he is not the sole power in Egypt--checks and balance are great.

It's really easy to be a rebel and express frustration in all things, but what is really hard is getting things done. What's really hard is trying to work against thirty years of an outdated system and laws. Ramy Essam is an idealist and that's a good thing, but he has no political experience or special knowledge  He is an average citizen with a guitar. Morsi does not speak about music and arts, by the same token people who sing for living should not pretend that are smarter than the person on the wheel.

After four years Morsi should asses and the people will either give him another contract or fire him. Now Ramy Essam's new single Thawarah  is meant to commemorate the second anniversary of the revolution. The song calls to let the people govern, not be subjects. Easy words, but the same people have already chosen a leader. Ramy is not the only one who loves Egypt, there are countless others who love the land as much as he does.

Ramy and people like him made the revolution possible. Now, they should take a break from being upset all the time and do something constructive like turning their fan base into a volunteer initiative to make Egypt streets clean. Feeling bad for oneself is not a good way to build a nation.
 
 اغنية رامى عصام - ثورة 2013 | نسخة اصلية

Generation X Egyptian Duet By Like Jelly

He wants to giver he iPhone 6, she wants a Blackberry instead, crowd eats it up. She tells him a guy just flirted with her, he gets worked up. She met his mom, she hates his mom. She plans to love him, he wanted to give her a teddy-bear.

This is Youssra El Hawary and band called Like Jelly, local band. They talk about Facebook where they claim in a relationship Together they perform with laughter and humor that filled the venue. This is a kind of cool twist for Indie musicians in Egypt, they are really making a lot of cool performances  and the audience are winning.

This is one of the good thing about bringing down the Mubarak regime, freeing the soul of so many gifted and repressed singers.


الأغنية الي احنا عاملنها مع بعض Like Jelly & Youssra El Hawary

The Big Star Of Nova Emad, And The Small Sky

Nova Emad should be so proud, she has done something for all a long time we all have been longing for. The classical Iraqi song with the right touches of Jazz. I thought only Palestinian and Lebanese vocalists were doing this style, but Nova showed me, that musicians from all over the Arab world, can rock it. Her Iraqi dialect makes me think I am back a thousand years and loving every bit of it.

You bring a melody from the folklore and tell an indie feeling story through lyrics and saintly vocal expression. This bears appropriate to Nova Emad, a young Armenian-Iraqi, who’s voice has seized the global podium. She is the second act with Armenian and Arab bringing to excel in this style--the other one is Syrian Lena Chamamyan

Needless to say the conflict riddled roots have contributed to Nova's artistic abilities, allowing her to address and mesmerize a steadfast world audience. Nova have benefited from being the daughter of a well known Iraqi vocalist, Seta Hagopian, and her mothers warm voice and kind manners. This is the kind of music that will draw minds and hearts to Iraq. What a breath of fresh air that makes us forget all about this computer monkey pop noise. Good music does not have to be loud to make us all so giddy.
Soon enough Nova took on the sounds of the 'golden age' such as Abdel Halim Hafez, Fairuz and, of course, Oum Kalthoum. Her voice is very close to be in the ranks of Norah Jones where same soft, sensual cadences she uses when she sings — that graceful blend of sun, elegance, and rhythm. Such combinations turns the familiar into something exotic and the exotic into something intimate.

Her Ghurbah track captivates the heart and tangles the senses of those living away form home--including many Iraqis and Arabs. The music of Beahar Hussam Al Azzawi serves as a vehicle to this gorgeous and intimate voice. The music video is similar to something NASA would air of the outer space worlds, it's magical, mysterious and remind us of how small we all are.

;نوفا عماد - غربة Nova Emad - Ghurbah Nova