Despite Clashes, Cairo International Film Festival Presses On

Violence no violence, the celebrities of the world ain't going to stop a party even if Cairo is on fire. The organizers wanted to party so they argued if we do not hold the Cairo Film Festival this year, we risk the event being taken out of the international film festivals agenda. They had to cancel it last year due to the brewing political and social climate.

So the 35th film festival saw the light despite the many hiccups it had--like the minister of culture forgetting his speech and a number of clashes few blocks away. More than fifty films were screened, certainly half of them did not have audience.  Few international filmmakers were present and you will see some of them speaking to the camera. North African cinema was alive and well in the film festival.

Joe Bou Eid won the best director category about his movie filmed in Beirut about his parents love story. and A French film won the best film.

cairo film closing 20121213

The X Facror Arabia Celebrates With Angham "أنغام "

XFactor Arabia had Angham on yesterday and the people on the show showered her with love. She brought her usual warmth and dapper outfits for the show. She is the classy lady who keeps a distance between her person and her fans. As an artist she is very accessible.

She is a fine lady who has rocked the stages around the Arab world, she communicated her emotions, but is a fun person to interview  because she is always open and honest in her conversation. she does not do canned answers as you will see.

Angham was the life of the party, her unique style is so hard to copy. She is the heart and the mind of the women where the conflicts rest. No other woman can expresses the complexity of being a woman as much as Angham has done. There's a halo around her when she takes on the stage, and she brings out the best listener and music appreciator in the attendees.   

This must have been a night to remember on the popular show. She has two looks and each of them were a hit. She rocked the in studio audience and the judges sat there and perhaps learned some of her secrets. I only wish she sang live, she has the talent, but the technical stuff might have been the roadblock. 

أنغام - الحلقة الثانية - The XTRA Factor 2013 لقاء المطربة


أنغام - أنا نفسي أحب - العروض المباشرة 3 - The X Factor 2013


أنغام - مهزومة - العروض المباشرة 3 -

The Hallani Family Business Is My Business

For a guy whose wife and his daughter have no Arabic names, it's pretty gutsy for him to claim he is some Arab knight. And his own daughter sings in English and talks about her Canadian citizenship. Might as well be a non Arab people. But wait, I doubt she speaks a sentence without dropping a French or English words in the midst.

And I am sure she did not go to an Arabic school. But enough about Assi Hallani and his family. I like real people who tell it as it is. It might speak more about Lebanon and its Beirut district. I get this Assi has a strong career, but why does his daughter have to be an accomplished songstress? Are the parents pushing her?

I think she can have fun doing those acts in here and there, but does the family need any more money? Or any more fame? I do not hate or envy success  I just do not take kindly on those who claim to be one thing and live and act in a different manner at home.

WHAT'S UP لقاء مع كوليت الحلاني و أبنتها ماريتا عن عيد الأم

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

Will The Real Lara Scandar Stop Faking It

Lara Scandar likes to think she bridges the gap between Egyptian and Lebanese styles. In between Western and Eastern music. She has done some work to show she she is a well-rounded pop star for the Facebook generation. She has a mentor in Beirut so she visits often.

But she is also part Italian--she sings in Italian too, and she is partial a Californian, so she is all about the party. Lara Scandar is like the star companies want us to fall in love with, she can sell stuff. Her songs are the kind of empty songs about let's sing together, enjoy the sunshine. That's fine if this feels organic, you cannot really force

Now, she is with Herbal Essence selling shampoo, she sat with Elaph to talk about her songs, concerts and the products she endorses. She is also ready to talk about Christmas, the white kind.
لارا اسكندر تجول في شوراع بيروت مع صديقاتها

Assala Nasri Brought Down The House On X Factor

She is the elder songstress who looks and feels younger that her peers who are sitting on the panel of judges. None of them can deny how talented she is and how of an important figure she has been. While appearing on the X Factor Assala owned the night and stole the show with her fashionable outfits.

You can tell, her performance of her latest songs were well revived. I have seen her before interview Weal Kfoury on her hit show, but do not know much about the extend of her relation with the other X Factor judges. The lady looks great and her show was a topic during the interview--Assalah gave a shout out to the judges and complimented them. 

This Syrian lady knows how to bring down the house. Assalah risked a lot of coming to Beirut to film the show, but she did anyway. 

اصالة - شخصية عنيدة - العروض المباشرة 1- The X Factor 2013

The Jacksons Hit All The Notes In Their Abu Dhabi Concert

Nobody believes that the Jacobson are mourning the death of their most favorite and legendary brother Michael. But the now troubled family is touring the world sharing the legacy of their beloved brother. The leg of the tour took them to Abu Dhabi, a city where many rich people live and many people who like to be rich dwell.

This meant to be a tribute concert performing Micheal's great songs in sold out venues. Janet has already performed there. Michael is irreplaceable, but the Jackson Five where it all started, so Michael has always done well with his solo act.

This is the first time the Jackson's get seen together performing. Four Jacksons took on the audience by storm. Watch them give an interview talking about his legacy and his spirit. The Gulf a great place to sell any American product, the Jacksons are among this nation's finest export to the world.    

"آل جاكسون" كرَّموا شقيقهم في أبو ظبي

Nancy Ajram - Dancing With The Stars نانسي عجرم في

Pop stars boom and others go boom, Nancy Ajram is one of those names that have not peaked yet or so it seems. She is enjoying the success of the new single--millions tune in to see her latest singles and media appearances. Then she took the song to Dancing With the Star, a pathetic Lebanese attempt at being cool.

Nancy is cool, no question about it, she seems to be the always nice girl and seems to give each appearance the right energy level. Her eyes reveal so much about her, and you hear her out when she speaks and so does her body language.

She will be a judge on Arab Idol, and I am sure they will be luck to have this nice entertainer. Lebanon loves Nancy as she is a goldmine of that country's entertainment industry.

Exclusive Nancy Ajram - Dancing With The Stars حصرياً نانسي عجرم في

"My Last Valentine In Beirut" The Lebanese Hooker Movie In 3-D

Many rich Arabs think of Lebanon as a brothel, some Lebanese women make a living giving those customers what they want. But Lebanon has one of the most educated and most sophisticated Arab women the world has ever seen. But no one is making movies about those cultured bunch. Only hookers get a movie telling their stories.

Lebanses music vidoe direcotr Salim Al Turk wanted to push the envelop and test the freedom of speech at home. So he made a movie telling a story of one of those hard working with heart of gold hookers. He gave it a cool catchy title "My Last Valentine In Beirut" and he had the film premier it in downtown Beirut at a local cinema house with a big gala.

The film also in 3-D and being dubbed as the first Arab film to be screened in 3-D technology and Salim is taking pride in that. He said the research for the technology took two years. The movie is not without controversy  Telling the story of a prostitute is never easy in a liberal yet traditional culture like Lebanon. It's not surprise Jad Chouery turned out for the screening and complimented the director.

Salim is the fourth music video director to dabble into making films, but they all seem to want to use sex for their movies as promotional strategy. I do not see this is a smart move for the long run. You may be liberal and creative in Lebanon but if your movies does not get a public screening, you lose--even if you win some awards in Europe.

فيلم لبناني عن بائعة هوى يتخطَّى الحواجز

Joe Ashkar @ His 015 Album Launch Party

Joe Ashkar released an album with 15 tracks last year, he titled it 015. It was a major step for the Lebanese party singer and charming entertainer. As you can see from the pictures for the CD launch party, he is a likable guy among the local Lebanese singers who attended his party.

In his new album he does sing in more than his native Lebanese dialect--he goes to Egypt and the Gulf for the first time, he sings in those dialects. He composed some songs himself, and a song he wrote for his own mother. He gave an interview and talked about the CD and the events. Joe makes a lot of music videos and tries to market himself....I just do not feel he is a hot concert ticket outside Beirut where he owns a club. His wife is always next to him, talking him up.

It seems some of Lebanon's funniest actors and stand up comedians have turned out for the CD launch party. He has done well for himself in the past 15 years when he entered the music industry.

جو أشقر: أنا مغامر ومعاكس دائم للتيَّار

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

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

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

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

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

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

فرنسا تمنح ماجدة الرومي وسام الفنون والآداب الفرنسي
   

Sheikh Fadel Shaker Donates 350 Thousand Dollars

Fadel Shaker is not coming back to singing, get that out of your head. His now long beard rules out any chances he will make a comeback. The only comeback this once popular romance hit-maker is the one he is making it to God. He know prefers to be called Shiekh Fadel Shaker instead of singer or artist Fadel Shaker. He has distanced himself from his music career. He has even went as far as asking his former fans not to listen to his songs.

Rotana Khalij had the first interview with him, they were with him as he made many hits, now they are walking with him as he finds God. He seem to have finally found peace--my wife thinks he is looking scary. He keeps talking about being assassinated, who would care enough to kill him beats me? He has been making phone calls to a number of shows defending his spiritual mentor, Sheikh Ahmed Al Aseer

He is hanging out with a Lebanese Salafi leader, and spending most of his time with a bunch of dudes. The timing of Fadel Shaker finding God has been linked to him speaking out against the Syrian regime. May be his fear for his life is real, maybe he is about to bring freedom and justice to Syria. But I know this, the ones he is keeping company are the scariest people out there.

Fadel is not holding any grudges, he does not mind keeping in touch with his old buddies and music contacts, they can find me in the Bilal Bin Rabah mosque, I will be there. He has also spoke about his money. When I decided to quit the singing business, I had 350 thousand dollars, which I have donated to causes for Allah.

فضل شاكر ينشد: فالموت ليس يخيفنى ومناي أن استشهدا

Happy New Year From The Biggest Arab Celebrities

The mega rich Arab celebrities are starring in this video where they wish you a Happy New Year, Music Nation was able to track them down and talk to them about the new year. Naturally, some got philosophical.

It's clear, there has been a lot of plastic surgeries done, some of them look really strange, it's like if they all go see the same plastic surgeon. Do not forget the political mess we have at the moment and the stars do not overlook that.

This is a great montage of Arab entertainers  actors, directors and singer send their best wishes. Seriously, Assi Hallani's face has seen better days. Latifa makes it hard to tell her apart.
 
 معايدات النجوم 2013

WATCH: Elissa's Most Recent Appearance And Performance

You may think the world of your songs, as an artists, but if the people do not think much of your song, it's not a hit. I have heard it many times, artists think some of their son gs are overlooked--they may be right. But if the song does not make it on its own, it's worth moving pass it.

The timing of the song may not be perfect, the music might be crowded, some disaster people are watching on the news, may bury your songs, but at the end of the day, if your fans do not ask for it, it does not matters. Luckily, Lebanese romance pop songstress Elissa did not have to deal with this problem. She may not had a New Year concert, but she was not to be missed on TV.

Eight out of ten of her songs make it and please folks out there. She might not be so great in live performances  she sounds convincing on CD. One thing, she does right is make the right call. She is a control freak when it comes to choosing her songs--I have heard stdio operators complain about how she is hard to please. I do not blame her, she knows her fans and knows her strength.

For example, take her most recent appearance on TV--she was the guest of honor at sawt-al-hayat, the popular reality show about singing and competition among up and coming Egyptian talents. She really looked good, she seems to have never looked better than she did that night, and people just adore her outfit.

اليسا - اسعد واحدة / صوت الحياة - الحلقة 13


Elissa - Interview أليسا صوت الحياة


Elissa's Word @ Sout Al Hayat Prog -- كلمة اليسا فى برنامج صوت الحياة

This Generation Poet, Mahmoud Abdullah

Among Egyptian lyricists, one particular young talent, Mahmoud Abdullah. He is new to the scene, met few people around through a friend and then he met Hamid El Shari, a producer who is always scouting new lyrics. He says it's about networking. First a friend introduces him to another and so it goes. I like young talented, they are often hungry for work and fame.

I like his bit about how he writes for singers and composers through Facebook, this is true because. He does also say, it's time consuming. He picks his words and poetry from incidents and situations that happens to him. That does keep his lyrics relevant and not too smart. See his interview
   
عز الشباب - الشاعر : محمود عبد الله

Bassma Boussil Interview About Tamer Hosny's Album

Last year, pop star Tamer Hosny needed a break and he needed it bad. So he lunched the ill-fated album "Elly Gai Ahla", the album was a dud had failed to have one good hit. Tamer did not do well and at that time he started dating or courtship with now his wife Bassma Boussil.

The album got something right, what's coming is better was the title and for Tamer things seem to have gone his way. As he launched that album with a big bash surrounded by many singers, composers and performers something was there to interview the people who love Tamer. Last year it was dangerous to be seen with Tamer Hosny due to his stands and opinions on the revolution.

But one of the people that were interviewed (minute 2:38) she was in attendance and spoke about Tamer who will become her husband. Bassma did have a duet with Tamer on that album. She said he was like her older brother giving her parts of his experience in the music business. Bassma spoke in part Arabic, part English like most of those pop stars of Arabia at the moment.

Launching Tamer Hosny's Album "Ely Gai Ahla" - 2011

Ragheb Alama "Not Kidding" In His Upcoming Album

While at MBC Egypt's launch gala, the Lebanese super star talked about next album project. It will be titled  "I Am Not Kidding" and it will have seven to eight tracks in a number of Arabic dialect. One of those Dialects will be the Iraqi one, something Ragheb has not done before. Ragheb is one of the few Arab rock stars who have made music only one side of their personality. As he has a hit TV show as a judge on Arab Idol as well as other ventures.

I hope Ragheb gives us a good album, the one before the last one was A, the last one was a B album. While he performed in the MBC gala, the notorious Egyptian dancer Dina performed an act to some of his songs while he was on stage.

Ragheb has been engaged in Lebanon in the aftermath of the bomb that went off there and he has attended the funeral for the government official who have been targeted.

راغب علامة

The Unwrapping Of Pretty And Talented Ziad Bourji

I was not aware that hip Lebanese singer Ziad Bourji was a composer. He has hit it big in the mid 2000 with few romantic singles. He did romantic singles and sounds like the guy you would want him serenading you. He can pull the charm very well. Then all of a sudden I learn he is actually a good composer. He composed one of the finest songs on Elissa's 2012 album and he has performed it live on stage at one of her concerts.

Now Ziad has been starring in Lebanese sitcom which according to him in this interview has high rating. This is a talented entertainer who also looks stylish. He is also speaking about his most recent statements about his lack of respect to journalists, a scene in the sitcom started the rumor mill.

Ziad started his career in in 1996 when he appeared on the hit show Studio El Fan then. But he has also taken part in the Star Academy show on LBS on its fifth season. He is an avid PlayStation player and has confessed to writing songs with a poet who also plays with him. He does romantic songs, and dance Lebanese songs. And his most recent project involved him working on a music in the Khaliji dialect.

Ziad will performed at two New Year concerts in Beirut alongside Naya and Ayman Zabib

زياد برجي: إحترامي للصحافة لا يزايد عليه أحد