Bertha Abi Rashed Making Pop Songs For The Fun Of It

The hungry good looking people of Lebanon need to make a living and their favorite route out of poverty and average life is becoming famous. Middle class life is fine for those who like normalcy  but when you are an attractive young women in Lebanon, you are inclined to dabble into pop music, modeling or hosting your very own show on some channel paid for by the rich dirty old men of the Gulf.

As I am writing this, I am thinking one of those voices that meets this category is Bertha Abi Rashed! Young and attractive, voice wise she can carry a pop note. The sound engineers have had fewer more complicated challenges than Bertha. Bertha opened up her song in the very Lebanese tradition of doing a Mawal strong singing without music.

As for the name is interesting --Bertha is an old school name--American and British grannies perhaps. The second part of the name Abi Rashed is kind of cool in Arabic and shows some authenticity. It seems that Bertha got the pop persona out of her system as she has not given many interviews nor has she done any other songs.

Bertha Abi Rashed - Ma Beykfiny Atlak / بيرثا أبي راشد - ما بيكفيني قتلك

Haifa Wore The Same Dress Worn By Britney Spears

It's a slow music news day, but those with too much time on their hands, have pointed out that the Lebanese supernova Haifa Wehbe wore a dress that was seen before on Britney Spears. How do they dig this kind of stuff? Seriously, who has the time?

Nevertheless this is a cool music video, the MJK music video which shot in New York and Haifa sports a number of stylish and froward looking outfits. The two Djs she has used for this song did wonders...Lenz Garcia and Noor Q took the original song and turned it into something any given nightclub would love to play on their busiest night.

Anyhow, Brittney is a global celebrity and Haifa is making her way toward a bigger and global audience.

will.i.am - Scream & Shout ft. Britney Spears


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

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

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

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

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


 سابين - عيوني بحبوك / Sabine - 3youni Bihebouk

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

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

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

Listen: جديد - أمل حجازي - فين الضمير -Amal Hijazi Human Song

Lebanese pop songstress is out with a new song about doing the right thing, about the human conscious! Why do we not care anymore? Where is our heart? Why so much injustice? This is would be an easy song to write if you have been following the fallout of the Arab Spring.

Amal Hijazi is a unique voice, and a gentle soul, she is singing in Egyptian and this seems like a song that she wanted to sing, not your average I am in love and silly tracks. The message is bigger than one person. Unlike her peers, Amal is not great at promoting herself, she is not the biggest self-promoter but she is person with a good moral character. And she found the song that she felt.




امل حجازى - فين الضمير يا بشر - النسخة الاصلية -3 201

DOWNLOAD: Lara Scandar "About a girl" Album البوم لارا اسكندر

If you needed a pop album recorded in between Cairo and Beirut that rocks the boat and do something different, then you have Lara Scandar Album "About a girl", this album is new in some markets but it has been released more than a year ago in Lebanon.

I know the artists and her production team wish things were better at home at the moment, but it seems they could wait no more and the album came out. There 11 tracks if you count the remix version. There are songs in three languages, Arabic, English and cute Italian song performed between Lara and her father.


Egypt also get a praise song by Lara who calls Egypt--the mother of the world. There are varying styles throughout the album, but the emphasis is on pop dance songs. However, Lara allows herself to be seen as a strong vocalist.

There are personal songs on this album that tell more about Lara and less about the listener  but I find the album entertaining and has a fresh feel. This might be the finest English pop album that comes out of an Arab country to travel the world.

01 - Mission Is You
02 - Egypt
03 - Taalou Ghannou Maaya
04 - Who I Am
05 - No More
06 - Falling Out Of Love
07 - Chains
08 - Amci Di Sempre
09 - See The Beauty
10 - My Friend
11 - Mission Is You - Club Mix

Lara Scandar - Taalou Ghannou Maaya | لارا اسكندر - تعالوا غنوا معايا

Dance To Joseph Attieh - Rayhin Beytna / رايحين بيتنا

Joseph Attieh used his time on Star Academy well. Among his peers he has survived the post show fame and focused on building up his brand. He is a cool, and a lovable entertainer. He is drama free and works in silence, he speaks when he have something new to say.

We now know, he can sing romantic/dance/and Tarab style songs. But he is also a killer drummer, and he has surprised many with his direction of one of his hits. But largely  he has done most of his songs using the Lebanese dialect--his own. He has largely manged to do two things, be the dream boat voice for the young people. and be that fantasy for the older women who still think he is cute.

This time he is back with a new single about happy couple who are asking for blessings as they move in together, hoping to start a family. Joseph chose this song, or it chose him in the Egyptian dialect. I love the beat, and how the song is planned out, there is the happy Arabic dance stuff, but also the club people will like it as it has some house mix.

 Joseph Attieh - Rayhin Beytna / رايحين بيتنا

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

Do You Miss Elain Khalaf? Here's Her Greatest Hits

Pop singers may fade away, but some of their better known songs outlasts them. Even the most mediocre pop singer has a song or two that people have actually loved. That means, no fans might not come in, but the old ones feel the urge to playing such songs again for good times sake.

One of those pop stars is Elaine Kalaf, a Lebanese hot chick who has never outgrew her image of being a an eye candy. She appeared in the mid and late nineties and she made the leap to the new melinuem, but her fame did not stick around as much as she would have liked. For her time, she was bold. She did music videos in the bedroom, in the bathroom and just about any place you can imagine.

There was only her and three other pop singers from Lebanon, then all of sudden the floodgate has opened and we had a tens of them. That made it harder to a fun personal with an average voice to cement her stardom. Nevertheless, Elaine is still out there, making singles and trying to break into the Gulf music scene. She is battling depression and has seen a doctor. She is also worried about growing old. She has also met a streak of emotional bad luck where her fiance stole money from her.

While Aline or Elaine is working on a comeback with a new ten track album with songs in a number of popular dialects, she has not released new material lately. For good times, sake I have included two awesome and older music videos of hers and two more that came later.

ALINE KHALAF ألين خلف ـ دلع الحبايب


 يا صبابين الشاي - الين خلف-كليبات


Meny Leek - Elain Khalaf منى ليك - إلين خلف


Bardo Sodfa - Elain Khalaf برضه صدفة - إلين خلف


اغنية الين خلف - يا اخى لا | Aline Khalaf - Ya A5y La

The Manliest Pop Album From Fares Karam

Fares Karam would chop the head of the toughest son of a bitch and bring it to his loved one, he would fight a pack of lions, walk among snakes, and milk a beast. This is not me, this is one of the songs on Fares Karam 2013 album.

Do not act so surprised, this song was a hit song. And there 11 more songs just like this song on the album, do have no fear. Fares Karam will entertain you and bring you to the dance floor as you sing along his lyrics. The party album only man with the size of Fares can make.

Think about country songs, some of those songs can he funny, but if you are into this kind of thing, you would thing such songs are the greatest ever. I like Fares, he is one of those real voices, he does not try too hard to impress or blow his fans away. He is media shy, and this is hard to understand, but when it comes to making fun albums--he is never too shy to walk into a never before charted territory.



01 - Ajebni
02 - Al Asemah
03 - Am Dawir Ala Arouss
04 - Badda Asfourieh
05 - Bkhatrik
06 - Dadi
07 - El Raoucheh
08 - Elli Byekzoub Ala Marto
09 - Fawaa El Metre we Sabean
10 - La Mchilik Hafeh
11 - Marrou Al Ayna Bnayat
12 - Tfarkash Be Khyalo

Myriam Fares Parents Must Be So Proud Of Their Little Girl

I often wonder how do families of pop stars that overdo it on using sex as a marketing strategy feel about them. I am certain there's double standards, women are much easier target and i should not really be that way. I know I am mindful of that, and pick on guys as much as i do on women who make a bad music video or focus on the sex part and not the entertainment.

One curious case is the Lebanese songstress Myriam Fares. She has sold her body parts on camera, look no further than the way most of her music videos are filmed, Myriam does not tell the director anything off limit and she gives them what they want. Boobs, ass shots are abundant with any music video of Ms. Fares.

I really wonder how do her family members or her parents particularly feel about it. I know some of those people can look the other way if their son or daughter buys them stuff and gives them money. Myriam is a bright entertainer with a nice voice and a sweet personality. Maybe she is a good person and we are the bad ones pushing her to show more skin, bigger cleave.  

Myriam Fares - Eih Elly Byehsal / ميريام فارس - إية اللى بيحصل

Download Fares Karam 2013 Album البوم فارس كرم 2013

Oh, Fares Karam loved himself too much, he has two pictures of himself on the cover for his new album out today. What's better than one time Fares Karam other than another one? Once he is standing and another when he is sitting like a king. He is a king of Lebanese pop--there are too many imitations but he alone stood the test of time and has shown us that he can rock.

It's not summer season until we get an album from either Fares Karam or Najwa Karam, this time Fares beat Najwa to the punch. A dance focused album, think this is what would Justin Timberlake would sound if he sang in Lebanese. Fares maintains his style throughout the album, and stands tall as Rotana releases his album.

I find his songs catchy, and passionate all for once. The music is always the same, but the energy is what matters with Lebanese Debka style songs. They feel folksy, think river dance down south in the country. The album videos have not been released yet, I will post them once they make it, but the album is out now. So buckle up you are in for a ride. I know those world famous Lebanese lounges, hookah places and dance floors will be playing this track all summer long.

He is the blue-collar artist who refuses to stray away form his style and his motherland--he has not done many songs in other dialects.  Twelve tracks are a treat for Fares' fans, and I have yet to give the album a listen.


01 - Ajebni
02 - Al Asemah
03 - Am Dawir Ala Arouss
04 - Badda Asfourieh
05 - Bkhatrik
06 - Dadi
07 - El Raoucheh
08 - Elli Byekzoub Ala Marto
09 - Fawaa El Metre we Sabean
10 - La Mchilik Hafeh
11 - Marrou Al Ayna Bnayat
12 - Tfarkash Be Khyalo

Fares Karam NEW ALBUM Teaser / إعلان ألبوم فارس كرم


Fares Karam NEW HIT El 3asmeh / فارس كرم - العاصمة

Jaroudi Media Attracts Talented Arab Singers

A business man with the name Youssef Jaroudi wanted to produce Lebanese entertainment so, he started a production company and went on to sing few names from home. Voices that can add to the Lebanese music scene.

Jaroudi Media will be working and investing in music, music videos, lyrics composing, and music arrangements. So, a number of B list and otherwise talented singers have singed up with Jaroudi. While mos production companies have shut down for the moment, Jaroudi is hoping to make a profit where others have failed. 

The founder seems fond of orchestra music and good times songs from Lebanon, among their biggest finds is collaborating with the iconic composer/singer Samir Sfier on two songs that will be releasing soon. Jaroudi's mantra is quality over quantity, music that promotes peace and harmony.

I am uncertain how profitable/how busy the company will be, but I like what they are trying to accomplish. They have already made two amazing music videos....

Clip George El Rassi - Temro2 Tetghandar 2012 - جورج الراسي تمرق تتغندر كليب

Listen: Amal Hijazi Super Sweet Romantic Love Song

Amal Hijazi has survived those who have waged a war against her. Early this year, some made a big deal of hr filming a music video in Morocco near a mosque. She was never inside the mosque, the area was a tourist area and lots of tourists go and visit. Anyhow months later, there was a modeling show near that site, and no one has made a big deal....so Amal Hijazi felt vindicated.

Her 2010 song might be her most romantic song to date, and the lyrics music have been crafted by Salim Essaf, the hit-maker of Lebanese pop. He actually has brought the best in Amal, he wrote a song that only works for her and for her talent.

This is a super dreamy song, the song that can only come from the girl version every man wishes to get to meet. Amal has outdone herself in this track, she gave us the best version of herself and if you are a fan, you will cheer. None fans will appreciate this solid convincing performance.

أمل حجازي - بخاف: Amal Hijazi : Bkhaf

Listen: Fares Karam 2013 Albnum سيمبلات البوم فارس كرم

The original party guy from Lebanon is releasing yet another album, an album for parties and those who like them. Fares has aged in front of our eyes but his music and style never seem to age. I think the cover art for the album is pretty cool. He is doing the old/beat up man look with an old vintage car. Exactly, somethings never go out of style.

Your heart is my capital is the title song and it has hit the airwaves as the buzz is building up about this new release. To be fair, Fares is the Cadillac of Lebanese party artist, his songs are a must play at whatever wedding or happy occasion one has. He knows the crowds and he knows what gets their party juices flowing.

Those will be 12 tracks of amazing dance beats with some heartfelt lyrics, but in the tradition of Fares Karam, what he says is not that important how he does it is. He is never out of breath and he is not the guy to be short on passionate lyrics 


01 - Ajebni
02 - Al Asemah
03 - Am Dawir Ala Arouss
04 - Badda Asfourieh
05 - Bkhatrik
06 - Dadi
07 - El Raoucheh
08 - Elli Byekzoub Ala Marto
09 - Fawaa El Metre we Sabean
10 - La Mchilik Hafeh
11 - Marrou Al Ayna Bnayat
12 - Tfarkash Be Khyalo

Fares Karam NEW HIT El 3asmeh / فارس كرم - العاصمة

Fares Karam NEW ALBUM Teaser / إعلان ألبوم فارس كرم

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

See Shams Open Fire On Retried Fadel Shaker

She was a fan, she thinks he is a gifted musicians  Then she says once this sense is gone, the man is gone. She takes issue with his beard, and his lessons he has preaching in public. She thinks artists are meant ot unite people and not promote a certain ideology.

She is a Muslim just like he is, her trouble with him is his public feud on all other singers, he was not gone away quietly. I like Shams, and she has never shied away from controversy herself. She is no fan of the retired Lebanese singer Fadel Shaker who has been busy promoting the Salafi way. According to Fadel Shaker, he wants his fans to grow beards like he did.

I think Shams has some good points, but she should be careful not to mix the personal with the business. The Kuwaiti songstress seems really disgusted with Fadel and his choices. I think Shams really hates those religious conservatives who often attack her and her choices, so for her Fadel is their loudmouth spokesperson   

شمس تهاجم فضل شاكر لانة اعتزال الفن وصار متدين وملتزم


شمس - تهاجم و تنتقد و تشرشح فضل شاكر.

Not A Sausage Fest--The First Ever Saudi Art Festival

Citizens of the world do not equate Saudi Arabia for being the patron of art, to the contrary, they have a reputation for limiting freedom of expression in that land. But know this, the biggest Arabic music producer, promoter and marketer is Saudi Rotana. the biggest Arab TV networks are based in Saudi Arabia or funded by the Saudis.

In fairness, Saudis do these things away form home, in an effort not to offend the most religious and conservative elements in that country.--Lebanon and Egypt is where most of their work ends up being filmed and recorded.

for for the first time in their recent history, Saudi Arabia had an event where they have honored a dozen of Arab entertainers from TV and from the music scene. The organizers  said in their remarks  "We have a routine in Saudi Arabia, and we want to overcome that". The organizers boasted about producing 18 dramas last year. The city of Jaddah was the home of this event--at some hotel. Natacha the young and bubbly pop singer was the face of the festival.

I first thought the people would be in attendance are just men. But then pictures do not lie, see for yourself, the new Saudi Arabia? The event was organized under the foresight of prince Mohamed Bin Naser Al Sud, and the panel of judges was all Saudis.

مهرجان الإعلام العربي بجدة يكرم الفنانيين