Bassem Yousef Gets A Guilt-Trip Song On Hafez TV

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

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

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

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

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

With The Help Of Raef, American Pop Gets A Second Run

Maroon 5 had no idea that one of their popular and hit songs  [Won't Go Home Without You] would find a another life of its own. It wouldn't have gone to a new and more Islamic audience had it not been for Raef. The young American talent with who asks for redemption and forgiveness with his guitar.

Raef came a long way and he still has a long way to go, but as an artists I feel he is ready for prime time. His sense of poetry and strokes on the guitar are a perfect match for an audience looking for something hip. Raef's idea is to take popular songs that everyone relates to, and use those songs or their template to tell a story about being a better person.

I have seen Raef perform in a more intimate setting in George Washington University few days before he had a big gig with the poetic justice group performance. Raef sounds like he has a bit of Country music in him. I beilve this Maroon 5 cover is serving a good purpose and with Raef talent it remains a work of art.

Raef - Your Mercy (Maroon 5 Cover) [Won't Go Home Without You]

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

Vote For This! Awakening Talent Contest - Mc Dahab - Egypt

Awakening Talent Contest is heating up as submissions from around the globe are pouring in. They are searching for talents they can sign up and work with on a contract. Naturally  they want someone who promotes good citizenship and the teachings of Islam.

There are many talented people out there from the greater Muslim community who embody those principles  they just need to have something that can be cold. I watched many of the submissions, and I find myself partial to a young Egyptian lyricists and a raper who in very quiet ways has been rocking the boat. Not only are his words fascinating  but also attends one of the most highly regarded Muslim University -he is a student at Al Azhar in Cairo.

He has chose  a song about the virtues of the Hijab. He has a lot more songs about life, standing up and being grateful to those who help us. I wish the video quality was a little bit better, but one works with what he has.


Awakening Talent Contest - Mc Dahab - Egypt

WATCH: Awakening Talent Contest Wants You!

If you think you are a good moral person, and someone who likes to listen to music promoting spirituality an positive outlook, maybe you have another talent that can offer something fresh. I come to admire the work they do, the level of professional and tech savvy the company has and most of all their lineup of sensational voices and rock stars.

This is way the London based music label Awakening has launched launched Awakening Talent Contest where grand prize is signing contract with Awakening. Find the Press release here

Launch video is here by the Judging Committee members (including Hamza Namira & Maher Zain):
This is a high quality production company that makes money but also promotes positive message. Who knows, where your talent and skill will take you?

While the Awakening Records label makes music geared toward Muslims, their contest is open to anyone who has talent, regardless of faith, gender, age or race. I know there are so many talented buried out there, it's time to give them a hand and if they are good, I am certain they will get a call. There are so many Islamic stories, and teachings that need to be told and music is the right universal tool to communicate what Muslims hold as valuable with the masses. 

Give it a try and share your talent, maybe this contest will unlock your potential and unleash your creative juices. Keep on mind, this is not always about being cool, but rather about doing well by being good.  

Awakening Talent Contest - Launch Video by the Judging Committee | #Awakening

Please Forgive Those Who Murder The Civilians Of Palestine

The Israeli army has no shame in waging war against those civilians in Gaza, they like to think they do little harm among the civilian populace. But since Gaza is a dense area in terms of population, Israelis often kill many civilians including children. An 11 month old infant was burned to death by the "moral" army of the nationl of Israel. A 3 years old little girl was murdered at her home.

They may have a different attitude about murder, but when it comes to practice, they are no different. I do not claim to loving those who murder my family and my friends in Gaza, I can only ask God to forgive them and forgive us for what we humans do to one another.

Maher Zain delivered a song with a punch about forgiveness and making mistakes.
Maher Zain - Forgive Me | Official Lyrics Video

FBI Adds ‘rapping jihadi’ To Terror Wanted Lafrist

America has ran out of terrorists to hunt, so they are zooming in another threat, the 'rapping jihadi" Rappers might not have friends everywhere, but now among their foes is none other than the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Somali rap group is now running for safety as uncle same guns for them.

The FBI said Wednesday it had added to its list of most wanted terrorists the American “rapping jihadi,” an operative for Somalia’s Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents who uses rap as a propaganda tool.

Omar Shafik Hammami, who was born in Alabama but is now thought to live in Somalia, is believed to be a senior leader of the Shebab rebels, who were placed on the US State Department’s terror blacklist in 2008. The group has “repeatedly threatened terrorist actions against America and American interests,” the Federal Bureau of Investigations said in a statement.

Also known as Abu Mansour al-Amriki, Hammami has been releasing rap songs in English on the Internet since 2009 as a recruitment tool, although music is forbidden in Al-Qaeda’s strict interpretation of Islam. In the songs, Hammami says he hopes to be killed by a drone strike or in a cruise missile attack so he can achieve martyrdom.

I hope he gets his wish met, and I hope his wish of dying will be delivering by a drone dressed like Santa.  He invites young people to join the jihad to and he encourages strikes against the US military in Afghanistan and Somalia. Hammami, who has been indicted in the United States on various terrorism charges, has been the subject of an international arrest warrant since 2007.

I do not get it, if those ultra-Orthodox Muslims outlaw singing, why is he still singing? And if he hates America so much, why does he take a different role than singing? And to the folks in the United States, rapping ain't no crime. Justtmake sure you get him for the other stuff not for making terrible rap songs. 

Sami Yusuf "Salaam" The Game Changing Album

Muslim rock persona and hit maker of top-rated religious themed songs Sami Yusuf is releasing his fourth international album this December 2012. "Salaam" is the simple and straightforward album title. The album will be released international in the Canadian city Toronto with a mega concert in the city that hundreds of thousands of Muslims call it home.

You have it folks December 22, 2012 Convention Center. The album will lift up your spirit and change your world into a peaceful one, hopefully. We have already listened to a single from the album "It's A Game" where the London based and world famous musician stepped up his game.

The album has also been shared with the good people of Malaysia in a mega concert and the artists has singed hundreds of copies to his fans.

Sami Yusuf - Album Trailer (RIS International Release)

Congratulation @DrBassemYoussef You Now Have Blood On Your Hands #Egypt

One very successful comedian who has made it big when he ditched his patients in favor of telling jokes on prime time is about to realize, he has blood on his hand. Few days ago, I pondered out loud Why Do I Hate Comedian Bassem Youssef. Now, I am almost certain his contact jokes on the president of Egypt and his supporters are paying dividends.

For months now, the good doctor has been telling jokes targeting the Islamic Brotherhood and most famously, the Egyptian president Morsi. Jokes are a fair game, and they are easy to tell about people we do not really understand. His jokes tend to dehumanize the Islamist parties, and their president. For long he was waged war on their supporters, and called them names.

It's easy to mock people we do not understand--they did it here when they turned Arabs and Middle Eastern into a punchline in the wake of 9/11. But when people started getting hurt, and comedians realized the negative affects of their jokes, they toned it down.

Bassem did not do this, and he seems to has a limitless desire to escalate his criticism of all things Islamic and all things political. Like him, I take issues with Islamic political parties and the way sometimes, they conduct business. But we all cannot be irresponsible  Bassem has a huge microphone and a large fan base who take anything he says as a a matter of fact. The other issue is of elitism  the media folks, think they are they only ones who know how to run the country. They think the conservatives are wrong, before they even open their mouths. In fairness, this issue is not exclusive to Egypt. But when blood stars spilling like in Port Said, people need to step back and bring people together not, keep promoting fear.

We cannot incite people to go march the streets, and get in confrontations with the police and the army. Both people love their country, the issue comes when protesters started to believe that their country is under attack form the Islamic parties and supporter whom thank to Bassem, have been labeled by every name in the book.

His show does two things very well, tell people that things suck really bad, then blame the Brotherhood for all things wrong with the country. His fans are very young, and gullible, they are also unemployed, and have so much free time, so they go and join groups like Black Bloc that has been terrorizing the people of Egypt in the name of freedom.

Dr. Bassem's also shines on the social media where he is a leading voice, mostly mocking the president and his politics, organizing slacker activism against the regime. So, he is branching out into politics too, which is confusing is he a serious politician or is he is a comedian whose lines are not to be taken seriously.

This is the time to be a mature soul and stop pouring gas on the fire Dr. Bassem, your fans need you to say something along the lines of reconciliation. You cannot possibly hate the Islamists and the president more than you love Egypt. The sooner he and other talking heads realize this, the more of Egypt one can rescue.
 
البرنامج - الرئيس والاعلان الدستوري - حلقة ٣ - جزء ٢

WATCH: El Joker "Differences Among Us Are Mercy"

Factions, sectarianism, fanaticism and different theological school within the walls of Islam are meant to be a mercy for us all. But sadly, those are no longer a blessing for us when people use them to alienate others and build imagined communities to keep people out. People are naturally good, they are not all bad and they certainly not enjoy murdering and violating others.

El Joker took those people to take with a new and timely song of his about the real Islam that brings people together not pull them apart. He is rightfully angry because he seems his beloved religion is bring used by a vocal minority that makes people scratch their heads. All those difference are political in essence, and the young rapper puts those voices to shame.

People make mistakes goes the song, it does not make you a saint because your foe makes mistakes, we are all fallible. This is a song if you really understood it, you may weep at our state and weep at the violence one see in Egypt due to religious and political disagreement. The other bold issue the song highlights is the different schools in Islam, they allow certain things and deny others. No need for a Fatwa from you, or from your various TV channels and bearded men who claim to be all knowing.

They are mean to make our life bearable, but now, people use them to choke us. I like the song, and the guest artist Abdullah Alhussainy contributes to the song by creating a sorrow filled mood. Yes, kick the TV away and your life would be much better. El Joker put those voices to shame and hope he keeps going at it, for the betterment of all of us.

 "في اختلافنا رحمة" - "El Joker ft. Abdullah Alhussainy "Fe Ekhtelafna Rahma

Video: The Muslim Brotherhood Sponsors A Sexy Concert

The Muslim Brotherhood sponsored an event where a popular Lebanese pop star who hired to make an appearance and sing. The internet went crazy when they got an image of the Islamic party's logo and Dolly Shahine dressed ready for a party and performing. The concert took place in the Red Sea District, photos from the concerts have caused an internet uproar among activists.

Here's what I make out of this:

1. The Islamic party is trying to increase its profile and getting involved in more mainstream events.
2. They are a co-sponsor, that does not mean they control the agenda or the performers booked.
3. This might be embarrassing for the officer in the Islamic party who decided to co- sponsor this event.

This does not mean the Islamic party is trying to be cool, it also does not mean they is a scandal, just an embarrassing arrangement. Plus, the people at the concert are Egyptians  voters not some foreigners. As for the artists, they just wanted a paycheck, chances are they had no idea who is sponsoring the event.

The Islamic party issues a statement where they have confirmed their role in supporting tourim in Egypt, this concert was part of promotional effort to attract Russian tourists.

دوللي شاهين تُحيي حفلاً برعاية الحرية والعدالة

Listen: Prophet Mohammad Birthday Song محمد منير يا حبنا الكبير 2013

The birthday of the Prophet is today and most Muslim countries have taken the day off to mark the birth of the prophet of Islam. One Egyptian singer who has shown us before that he is spiritual made a song to celebrate the special occasion and called it "Our Big Love"

This is one that its time has come. Mohammed Mounir does not make a lot of songs, he has a very religious side, a Sufi persuasion perhaps. Mounir is a rock star and it's refreshing to see him doing a song on a topic ignored by many of his peers. The song has been performed before by the great Egyptian legendary Oum Kolthom who had done a fair share of religions songs.

I guess on the matters of religions most people agree, but politics pulls people apart in Egypt and other places. I salute Mounir for releasing this song at now. On another note, I am not too keen on celebration of the birthday. My fear is that many Muslims will mistake it for more than what it really it. As most Muslims understand, we worship not prophet Mohammed. He is our teacher, and the messenger of the word of God.

Update: the song is about the motherland, Egypt. Not the prophet as I had initially thought. The timing of the song tricked me and so have the lyrics. Thus, the song is released on the second anniversary of the January 25th revolution. The giveaway, was the last word in the song "Wattani" or my homeland.  


اغنية محمد منير وام كلثوم - يا حبنا الكبير | جديد 2013



 محمد منير يا حبنا الكبير 2013

WATCH: Mohamed Abd El Mon'em - Ahla Hedeya / محمد عبد المنعم - أحلى هديه

Egyptian folksy entertainer Mohamed Abd El Mon'em spends a great deal of his time hanging out with belly dancers, drunker at night clubs and sleazy parties. But this is not going to stop him from making a song about how much he loves the prophet of Islam.

In his heart he might be a saint, and he might not be the wicked soul his music video show him to be, but we would not know that ever. He might be sponsoring orphans to makeup for all his transgressions  that's between him and God.

The graphic work is sophomoric, I do not know why the singer had to bring his face to this song...most times, such songs go without the image of the performer to reflect a message of selflessness. One more thing, in Islam we pray for one God, there are no other Gods, not even prophet Mohammad  he is his messenger  read your holy book and you will know. So this song fails in my book.

Mohamed Abd El Mon'em - Ahla Hedeya

Supplicate With Muhammed Sary - Elah El Nas ... محمد سارى - إله النــاس

Muhammed Sary is working to release his debut album, the one that will make him a big star and a huge commercial success. In the meantime, he has a new track out, a supplication single, more of a prayer than a song. But it's becoming hard to tell those apart.

Kareem Hakeem wrote those lyrics or plea you hear. The new song is about intentions and having the pure in heart zen state. The son of Cairo dresses like he is one of those Khaliji boys and gets in the praying zone. Engineer by training, the sky is the limit.

Sary is a fixture in the Egyptian house of opera and the Saqy Cultural Wheel music events. This is not the first supplication voiced by the young singer, he had previously released on in 2011 and aired on a number of TV networks.

Muhammed Sary - Elah El Nas ... محمد سارى - إله النــاس

Umm Kulthum "Nahj El Borda" Epic Poem / Song

The world of Umm Kulthum seems like a never ending universe  Every time you think you knew the lady and her best songs, you quickly change your mind when you hear the next song that you have forgotten.

This legendary hit making Egyptian diva has managed to enrich the Arabic music library for more than 50 years. She has shaped Egyptian culture, befriended composers, politicians, kings and presidents. She has also waged wars against her rivals.

She is many thing to different people, no two people can agree on what makes the list as her best songs , she has so many of them. Among those songs is a poem for celebrated Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawki, a poem he wrote to honor prophet Muhammad.  Nahj Al Borda is the title of this beloved poem and its refers to another poem that was written in the 12th century to celebrate the prophet. The original poem is considered one of the best poems in honoring the prophet.

It's worth noting, that both poems are well received by the people, the religious folks and the poets. No wonder Umm Kalthoum wanted to bring that poem to life.

 أروع ما غنَّت أم كلثوم ــ قصيدة نهج البردة ــ كاملة

Cheb Rizki: A Guy Says, "I Was Wrong" A Guy Gets An Award

Cheb Rezki is a cool Arab dude from the West side, and he had one hit songs that went mainstream around the Arab world, French, Arabic and English track about him confessing to have made a mistake. Ladies cheer, guys do not often admit they have screwed up. But until the second line, things get messy.

I was wrong, I am the one that loves you, and you have not reciprocated. I think the song succeeded  but the singer did not.

Cheb Rizki has quit the show business, grown a beard, and disavowed his work in music , here's his video of his quite and religious message. I think Cheb did what's best for him, each one of us will do the same thing from their end.



أنا الغلطان ماش انتي - الشاب رزقي

Great Stuff! Breaking The Boundaries "Ya Mn Hawah" (يا من هواه)

Take that sexual love out of the picture, and what you will be able to see will break the boundaries and show you a whole new world. If you are a musician who somehow is able to see beyond the bodily and individual love, you will find a universe of a different kind of love.

Not sure if many bands are able to pull this one, but the ones with a religious purpose find themselves staring such realities in the face and thus their music talks about the whole picture without getting philosophical.

Breaking The Boundaries is the name of that band to show me a new way. For friends who like music as a hobby, they were able to come up with a middle ground. Making rock music without the drama and the fashion show. The makeup of the band is in lead Guitar - Mohab Omar and vocals - new vocal so will be revealed Drums - Omar Raslan Rythem Guitar - Moayed Al qurashy Bass Guitar - Badr Madani

Breaking The Boundaries is a local band with a global audiance hungry to hear of them. they come from the Saudi city of Jeddah. They have only been around since late 2010 and their focus is to play alternative metal / blues / hard and soft rock music. Here's the kicker, the band is formed of medical students who like to do something different in their free times and share their music, lyrics. I saw, welcome and where have you been all my life?


breaking the boundaries & abdulrahman mohammed - ya mn hawah (يا من هواه)

From Mohamed Dakdouk To Prophet Mohamed

When your name is Mohamed, I think you have a certain obligation, which is to defend your namesake more so than most other Muslims. Mohamed Dakdouk is one of the tens of stars who came to the music scene through the gates of Star Academe--he was on season 8.

After leaving the show, he had couple of concerts, interviews and such in between home in Syria, Cairo and Beirut. He now returns with a new single dedicated to the prophet of Islam--Mohammed. This songs comes as a reaction to the vile movies that made news on September 11, 2012. He sounds sincere and to have lived the song before he has recorded it.

He brings back that famed Syrian musical tradition with super charged vocal strength. It's those kinds of songs that show his skill, not some lame songs. He has to sing for a long time and hold his breath. Dakdouk has a winner here I feel the song unlike many before it, is actually well made with a high production value. Dakdouk challenged himself here to craft one song that speaks for a billion and a half soul. Daqdouq has a very strong voice which allows him to hits very high notes, which makes him easily perform Islamic anasheed style of singing with little instrumental music.

and he has chose the right time for this song.


أهدي النبي تحيتي وسلامي - محمّد دقدوق

Profiting From The Prophet With Maher Zain

Songs have the power to heal, they have the power to unite, bring love but they also have the power to do the exact opposite. Maher Zain would rather spread love, humility and bring good. He also likes to pay tribute to Prophet Mohammed and his life. Like all good things, nothing good comes for free and if it was free, it won't last for a long time.

Maher Zain released a single offering prayer and praises for the Prophet with good music and a typical Maher Zain performance that you have come to love. Blending Arabic chorus with English lyrics is a sure way to bring in new audience.

I have always wondering about making money, I know Islam is not against making money, as far as I can tell it supports the free Enterprise system, so making money is not something one has to apologize for. One, catch, remember the less privileged. I know people donate money, give free concerts and hold fundraisers, but at the end of the day, they have to pay their musicians, artists, airfare and such.

If this song was for free, know that someone has donated for it to make it happen. Either time, money or other resources, stuff adds up. I feel that Maher Zain and many of his friends are doing work, and making a career out of promoting good messages, there's no shame for them to reap some from of reward in this life and after.

Maher Zain - Assalamu Alayka | Official Lyrics Video

Video: In Qatar, @SamiYusuf Comes In Peace

Qatar loves attention, they crave it and sometimes they deserve it. One way to get attention is to bring popular stars and have them talk about your country and the achievements there. Another way is to bring a global star who comes with a great message and little baggage. Sami Yusuf is that global star and he is promoting a new album out "Salaam".

Sami used his time well in Qatar, toured some of the country's touristy places, and talked to the press and fans. He does it with humility and intellectual curiosity. The Official state TV interviewed him and so has the country's biggest radio station. The State's biggest news agency has also sat with him to talk about his visit. Half a dozen news agencies and publications interviewed him including the Gulf Times newspaper. Form the video below, you can see he has charmed his way through them all.

And if you are in Qatar and Aljazeera wants to do an interview--you give it to them. But the trip was to help promote the album by singing copies to the hundreds of screaming fans. Lots of kids turned out to the event and spoke with the artist. The cool thing Sami did in Qatar was listen to young talents who want to sing similar songs, he gave them tips and advice. He seemed gracious through it all. Many of his young fans came out and performed covers of his most beloved hits.

Then the trip to Qatar came to an end with the sold out arena concert, it seems to have been a lively experience attended by many Muslims form around the globe.    

Sami Yusuf - Qatar Show Highlights | Dec 2012