That's Cute! Hamaki Gets A Squad Of Cheerleaders

Fans are crazy, and they would do almost anything to get the attention of their favorite star. But some Egyotain stars form some kind of an ultras, or cheerleaders who would follow them everywhere, cheer them on and praise them. Some call it an entourage, others call it a lame attempt to be the center of attention.

The fans I am talking about here, are an organized group that wears matching t-shirts, get in for free and always drum up the event for any entertainer. Tamer Hosny may have invented this tactic, but others have copied him soon.

No doube, there are loads of fans of Hamaki, he is a cool star, but he is no prophet and he is a pop star whose sole act is to bring joy. He should not form a gang of young and confused souls who want to look cool. Just see the young man shouting and making Hamaki feel like a million dollar.

تحية الترس حماقى للفنان محمد حماقى

X Factor Arabia Latest Stunning Updates

X Factor is very close to ending its successful run, they names of the bands and performers is getting shorter by the week, and I think we have surpassed the half point. Every week, the show loses a band/artist. The Egyptian hip-hop R&B band seems to all but have secured winning the first season--if they do they might be the first band to win such a show in the Arab world

Every act is trying to win the title, each has a story to tell, and each wants that contract, but most of all winning the people and their votes. I feel Ibrahim Abdel Azim from Libya might be in the danger zone. Same goes for the Miraya band, they may also be in the same position.

I feel the Moroccan contestant, Mohammed El Rifi will go far, he is the treat that everyone loves, so mark my word he will be among the three finalists. The same goes for Hossam from Lebanon for starter the show is being filmed in Lebanon and I think he will be in for some time. If talent is the only way, the kid from Oman will be traveling far, the dude is a beast on stage--not a great choice.

Marwa had a good night, and the judges showered her with praises. She got better, but not sure if she has the vocal muscles to shine. Iman had a classical song to cover, I think she did well and owned the song--I loved how she took the song and made it work for her. Each judge loves his/her teams, but this is becoming harder to hide as the list narrows.

وملخص الاداء - العروض المباشرة 4 - vote promo The X Factor 2013


 Young Pharoz - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 4 - The X Factor 2013


ابراهيم عبد العظيم - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 4 - The X Factor 2013


فرقة مرايا - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 4 - The X Factor 2013


محمد الريفي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 3 - The X Factor 2013


المنتصر بالله - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 4 - The X Factor 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are here

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


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

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

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

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




اغنية عمرو دياب - تخيل بالكوبلية الجديد

WATCH: Egypt Operetta With Wael, Amal, Hakim, Hany, Latifah Fouad, And Mehat أوبريت مصراوي حبيبي يا وطن 2013

This is the kind of song where you have good intentions but the organizing makes the artists feel weird about this song, but they press on anyway because there is too much at stake and they cannot pull out. The song or operetta is for Egypt and I love the title.

Amal Maher coming together with Hany Shaker and Mohammad Foaud is a huge deal for me. And Hakim has his fans out there, he will connect with them and bring them in. And there's Medhat Saleh with his octave voice and his heart beating Egyptian all the time. Those are all big ticket names who love the land and its people.

Hany Shaker comes back to singing again, and you know I am glad he is back. We miss his gentle soul and sweet emotions. He is the statesman of this song, the guy who the stars can rally around and look up to. The music has been composed by Waleed Saad and the storyteller is non other than Egyptian actor Ahmed Bidir.

Seven big names have come together for this song, and two of whom are not Egyptian but they are part of Egypt's music scene. Latifa of Tunis, and Wael Jassar of Lebanon. The song is recorded on a live stage with in studio audience. I do not get the dancers in the back, they need to be all over the place. Granted the official music video for this song is about to land any minute.

This clip is by the way of Hany Shaker official YouTube channel. This is a long song and cannot wait to see the properly edited and assembled song with a better sound quality.

أوبريت مصراوي 2013

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

Per Wiki

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

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

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

Noor-E-Khuda - My Name is Khan 

Video: Capella With Alaa Wardi Live In BAB

Alaa Wardi, the dude who looks like an orthodox Muslim, but rocks like super star on an energy drink. Alaa has moved form the viral video screen to the live concert venue where droves of fans cheer him on as he does his thing.

He now plays the guitar on stage as he performs one of his better known songs. He also plays a big screen of him making varies musical instruments and beats. He keeps a busy program and he joins other rock stars who hold similar events in Jordan and Beirut.

Not sure what will be the net step for Alaa, but he has held firmly unto his fan base. The toxic political mode across the Arab world makes it hard for entertainers to perform in public or yet make much money.

BAB - Alaa Wardi - Ela El Ex | Roya علاء وردي - الى الـ اكس | رؤيا

What's With Arabs Singing French?

The Voice is making a killing in ratings and advertisers money. One of the mentors is Kathem Al Saher, the classy voice form Iraq who has managed to largely keep his public image. He wanted to test one of the voices on the show, a young Moroccan with the name Youssra. Kathem kindly requested from the presenter and the young songstress to give him a taste of doing a song in a foreign language.

Youssra did not shy away, she picked a French song "S'il Suffisait D'aimer" by the French Canadian Celine Dion and did she blow it out of water? It feels like she did. I am looking at Lebanese and peoples of the West side of the Arab world who have adopted the French tongue. I like educated people and learning a new language should be rewarded.

But let's not sit here and pretend that speaking a foreign language make you a classy person. Class is something you learn form your family--namely your mother.


فريد غنام "عايشة" - #احلى_صوت #MBCTheVoice

Listen: When Women Celebrate Other Women Assala & Angham In "Hessa"

One lucky princess in the Khalij had not one but two accomplished divas perform a song on her name. The well off folks in the Gulf area have always liked poetry and have always enriched those who write up something nice about them--they are very generous

This time, their generosity brought together two ladies of Arabic song, Angham from Egypt and Assala from Syria teamed up for this duet where they are celebrating one princess Sheikhah--female sheikh. A song about a very proud women by two of the proudest humans on Arab TV.

The song is about a person and her accomplishment, her high sense and her manners. It plays like a book of poems. I love the music, but I feel while this song does not have the average listener on mind, it still offers. If I was the person named "Hessa", I would feel very special right now.

I love how both artists brought their A game and have challenged their past to make one touching track they have made for someone special. They sound like they really adore Hessa and it shows.

Assala & Angham - Hessa / اصاله & انغام - حصة

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

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

Is This Dude Wearing A Pajama At His Own Concert

When your lead singer is wearing a cap and a full casual look, why not wear a pajama. Or at least that's what I think the gifted and hard working Turkish Clarinet player Hüsnü Şenlendirici is wearing on stage. Seriously, what's he wearing?

Maybe this is some rehearsal, but it's on film the Saber El Rebai is kicking it with the band who seem to be hanging loose. I know both Arabs and Turkish people are keen on looking their best, but this clip confuses me.

I have seen similar pants at the Target sales bin on Black Friday. I have no idea where this was filmed  but I think it might have been somewhere in Europe. As for Hüsnü Şenlendirici he has been doing a number of concerts in Egypt where he is a celebrated figure. He has collaborated this year with Ghada Ragib on her most recent dazzling album.

Saber Rebai, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Aytaç Doğan (Soirée Privée)

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

Hala Turk Sets Jalast On FIRE

The Gulf people like to have a good time, they spend loads of money on their parties, the good news those parties are so much fun as the people spare no expense to make them special. But the bad news only dudes dance on camera. Women can sing, but cannot dance.

Dudes, do not mind those Jalasat they mix with ladies within reason. But the guys are the only ones who can show off their dance moves--just like they do in Dupont Circle here. I have always wanted to be there for one of those sessions. The clip below from the biggest produced Jalasat assembly. Watch Hala Turk and Mashael sing their song in both Arabic and English.

Something tell me those ladies are not your typical Gulf ladies, they duo have a chemistry where they play mother daughter. You do not get many songs in languages other than Arabic, but it took this very cute and clearly spoiled girl to break the mold

#جلسات_وناسة_2013 - مشاعل وحلا الترك "بنيتى الحبوبة"

Listen: Stuff Of The Legends, Najat Al Saghira

You do not make a song for over 20 minutes, if you know you have something incredible to show for it. You need the classical music parade, and the warm voice that will perform the best poetic lyrics money can buy. Whatever the occasion, Najat doesn't care, there are plenty of good excuses to sit down and perform a sappy—er, heartfelt—love song to her special man.

 But if you don't know the first thing about how to begin expressing those "emotions" you seem to keep feeling, fear not—you've come to the right place. She always got the lowdown on how to spill her guts into a melody and make you swoon. Or at least laugh out loud. Najat's songs tend to excel in telling details which she captured with her very own style.

Najat Al Saghira may have the Junior as her last name, she is second to none in the type of songs she chooses to perform. She is about romantic song, her personal warmth, dreamy eyes and soulful honey dripping lyrics have stood the test of time


عيش معايا - اررروع ماغنت بصوتها الدافئ - نجاة الصغيرة

Dear Suckers Of Israel, Please Watch This Song

Do not worry, the lyrics for this song are in English subtitle, so you won't miss any of the passionate lines Hamza Namira has for you. This is a song that came last year, and Hamza is a clam guy, he is one of those sober voices in Egypt. The world is not picking on Israel, they may not like their actions but none of them can do anything about it. Israel likes to believe it has superior ethics, but when it comes to their own interest-they would kill, imprison, abuse and discriminate. Yes, they are not all the same, sometimes people have legitimate concerns.   

I have no issues with Israelis, I do take issues with violent Israelis, the ones who incite violence, steal land, and murder people. And my most hates one are the racist ones who discriminate against us in places like Jerusalem. Jews have always been welcome in the holy land, but what is happening right now, is that they want to kick everyone out.

This song is about justice and about history. Hamza's guitar is more of a threat to the Israeli right wing, that the most lethal weapon. This is a war of ideas, and the right win in Israel have just lost it and the United Nation has just handed them another defeat.

Ana Ya Israel - Hamza Namira | أنا.. يا إسرائيل - حمزة نمرة

Iraqi Folklore (فولكلور عراقي ) Gets Serious With Shatha Hassoun

We always seek advise from older people, thus making assumptions that they must know better. It makes us feel better when recount our trouble to someone who at least looks wiser. Many folklore songs do just that, a singer tells what's troubling him to a mother, an uncle, a grandpa, but almost never a father notice.

Checkout Shatha Hassoun a young women from Iraq/Morocco performs an old Iraqi song in one of his concerts. Her vocals are the only thing that matter, but also her stage presence is the one most people would not miss. She sounds very mature as this sobering song requires a certain level of zen and calm to do it justice.

I love those intimate concert formats, but the number of the backup singers tells me this is a serious performance. I love the live orchestra with men wearing their traditional dresses. There' no playback and lip syncing here.
Shatha Hassoun فولكلور عراقي - شذى حسون - ياعمه

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

The Amazing Native Indian Music

Not sure what region this music comes form, but I have known it to be from the South American nation of Peru. It's very common to hear them live in big cities selling their records while putting on a great show for the bystanders. But something tell me, this guy on the video is from North American Indians, not the southern nations.

The dresses and the face paint patterns tell me, they are from around the States or Canada, before it was the States as we know it. Regardless of the place, this kind of music has managed to captivate minds and hearts around the world. These guys do wonders with the flute, a very basic music instrument that makes me think of the mountains, waterfalls and eagles. .
 موسيقى خياليه ( هنود الحمر) Indian Music