Mohammad Assaf Tonight On Arab Idol Brings The Sizzle محمد عساف يا طير الطاير

I am in Gaza right now and happy to report that the Palestinians in there are talking so much about the Arab Idol participant Mohamed Assaf, the folks love this young Palestinian artist who has a rare talent for performing real music live--the guy is a blast, his voice is a riot and even though he is young he has a unique way if making people happy. Tonight is the night he is supposed to make everyone fall in love with him. He has already secured the love of people watching the show...there are other talented people on the show. But Assaf is the whole package.

He is the old school and cool all at once.He is young, but he knows the stories and the songs of those people who came before us. He is smart, sharp, and energizing.  I would have said  he is ok. But to be frank he is a rock star whether or not he wins the title. He brings so much joy in the room. The young love his charm, and the older love his grace and his energy.

He has already had to defend his patriotism (wearing the scarf from Palestine and talking about the prisoners , his faith (reading the Koran and talking about prayer) and his art. He has survived it all. He is classy and we know it.

محمد عساف يا طير الطاير - Arab Idol

WATCH: Arwa - Marhaba (NEW 2012) / اروى - مرحبا

Arwa have had a slow 2012, most stars have but the Yemeni starlet took time off to have a baby girl--Nora. The star of the Gulf--Khalij is ready to reclaim her spot on top of the charts. I feel we kinda of missed her sweet pop songs with a catch dance beat.

Below, you will fine her latest single, she released it prior to her taking time off before her pregnancy started to show. "Hello" is the name of that single. Well, Hello back Arwa.

Arwa - Marhaba (NEW 2012) / اروى - مرحبا

Listen: "Open Letter", Jay-Z Wrote Cuba A Love Song

I’m in Cuba, I love Cubans. This communist talk is so confusing,” Jay-Z raps on the track, which is produced by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz and goes on to reference Bob Dylan’s song “Idiot Wind.” “[…] ‘Idiot Wind,’ the Bob Dylan of rap music. You’re an idiot, baby, you should’ve become a student. Oh, you gonna learn today.”


“I done turned Havana into Atlanta,” Jay-Z raps in “Open Letter,” which he released Thursday. “[…] Boy from the hood, I got White House clearance… Politicians never did s—- for me except lie to me, distort history… They wanna give me jail time and a fine. Fine, let me commit a real crime.”

“There seems to be some confusion regarding how Beyoncé and Jay-Z acquired visas to travel to Cuba. Just days ago, Jay Carney evaded questions on the celebrities’ trip,”

The U.S. Treasury Department that while it approved for the trip’s organizers to travel to Cuba as part of a cultural learning experience, they were unaware that the couple would be attending, as it is department policy not to require organizers’ to provide a list of travelers.

I am certain that conservatives will go to town on: “I got White House clearance.”

Listen: "We Hacked You Tel-Aviv" Song Released اغنية هكرناكي يا اسرائيل علاء رضا

This is a random song by someone who has little talent yet he sings. His new song is about the anonymous hack operation at Israel. It's a current event song, that mentions even the striking prisoners. Alaa Reda has way too many lyrics for this song and his song is about bragging of the operation.

Do not know where to begin, this singer might be clueless about security systems but that did not stop him from singing about something very complicated. He does drop all kind of social media references and so on. I found this song worthy of being blogged about. President Obama even gets his names repeated in this all over the place song.

Sure the young people would find the track of interest. I do not really know what happened. alaa Reda is not the first to sing about this, but his song seems to have gone the farthest.

اغنية هكرناكي يا اسرائيل جديد علاء رضا 2013 الاغنية كاملة

WATCH: The Drunk Arab Diva Leaked Video Scandal فضيحة نوال الزغبي سكرانه في الفندق

Not a proud moment for me, but this beloved songstress of mine had a leaked video out where some dudes are talking to her and she seems to be out of her element. Watch for yourself. She does have a lot of enemies including a loser for a former husband.

Whoever leaked this video better explain himself/herself. This seems to have been filmed in a hotel where the diva had her guard down, or she might be trying to make it to her room when those guys stopped her and took their shoot. She is a mother and she had a legal battle with her husband over the custody of the children.

It seems that she knows at least one person in this group, and while we have no date on this video, it might have been leaked by her deranged husband. To her credit  she sings so well even with having had too much to drink.

أخر فضايح نوال الزغبي سكرانة


فضيحة نوال الزغبي وهـي سكرانه بالفندق

Egypt's Jon Stewart Is No Hero

My latest post for the Huffington Post

Bassem Youssef, the famous host of an Egyptian satire news show, is being sued. Bassem is no hero of mine, and there are countless others who share my view. Facebook is riddled with pages and groups who declare their lack of affection for Bassem Youssef. The former heart surgeon has been gaining fans and building an audience throughout the Arab world with his jokes and zingers. At the get-go, I loved his jokes and delivery. I thought he was the missing breeze of comedy the Arab world has been missing.

Entire Post Here

Mohammed Assaf‎, The Palestinian Winner Of Arab Idol?

The young Gazan who appeared on Arab Idol was a welcome guest on Arab Idol, the judges received him warmly, and saluted him. That's even before he opened his mouth and sang, when he did she owned that room and had a freaking YES from each of the judges who had nothing but love for this young top gun.

I do not know how far Mohammed Assaf‎ will go on Arab Idol, I know this if he shows the same level of talent and skill in the audition, he is going home with the trophy  He chose to do a song for Abdel Halim, and he owned it. Assaf has been a local artist in Gaza and it took some miracles for him to be on the show--he had to go to Egypt first for the audition and had to do a convincing job over there.

I have been watching the comments on this young fine Palestinian talent, and I am seeing many fans out there for him--thanks to his skill first and the sophistication of the Palestinian media. Going forward Mohammed Assaf‎ has to give his best and always his best. He may compete and win the title but it won't be easy. He has to figure out the best songs for him and has to make the judges happy.

Assaf has already recorded half a dozen songs, some for Palestine and some romantic songs, the showing he had ar Arab Idol has made a lot of people happy. Hope he won't have an off day next time. Welcome to prime time.

Arab Idol - تجارب الاداء -محمد عساف

Watch: ليان بزلميط - بحبك يا فلسطين / Lian Bazlamit "B7ebik Ya Falastine"

The Ramallah native, the 23 year old up and coming pop star Lian Bazlamit has been thinking of bigger things than herself. Palestine, her love and her home. She has a new song that touches your heart and wamrs your soul. Something about the topic, brought the best we have heard Lian be. This is a personal song with a lot of heartache as one listens.

We still sing to Palestine since 1948, and will continue to do so. Lian is shaping up her career to be the best entertainer to come out of Palestine and continue to claim it as a homeland. Lian lives in Jordan at the moment where she goes to school.

I must show some respect to the lyricist and the composer, they have created a good thing here, something that Lian turned into a special song that will live on and be a credit to this young entertainers' career. She came a long way form her early days on Star Academy two years ago. She chose the right moment to release this song, land day in Palestine....every March 31, we are there.


ليان بزلميط - بحبك يا فلسطين / Lian Bazlamit "B7ebik Ya Falastine"

Models Washing Dirty Bikes On A Lebanese Beach

If freedom and democracy means getting young women to wash bikes for men as they stand by watching, I want no part of that. In Lebanon over the summer, some modeling agency and a bike shop held an event on the beach--a family friendly beach. Where dozens of bikini wearing skinny foreign girls danced to a loud beat as they pretended to wash already clean bikes.

The stupid marketing people, do not have to think anymore. Sex is their answer to any challenge they have. So when they wanted to amuse their demographic, overweight men with small private parts, they brought them the models to dance wearing next to nothing. Motorcycle agencies are trying to make a run for the Middle East. I hope those women showed up to their work and looked like they were having fun on the beach. I am certain their parents are proud of their child being objectified 

The good news the modeling agency is run by a well-spoken woman who is taking about her girls. The even organizer says, his event is creative. I disagree. Anyhow watch this lame video form Lebanon, a country that learns all the wrong lessons from the Western and Eastern Civilizations.

في لبنان: الدراجة النارية تُغسَل بيدّ أُنثوية

WATCH: Mat Elkalam Cairokee اغنية كايروكى - مات الكلام

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

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

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

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

Mat Elkalam Cairokee

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

The X Factor Judges And Guest Stars

The X Factor judges are taking a break and filming at each of their homes where they will play hosts to some 6 persons under their supervision. During the time, each judge has picked a star to be a guest of their home. As you can see the choices are many. Many of them look super cozy and all smiles--at least when the cameras are rolling. 

 Faudel a star guest of Elissa in romantic Istanbul.

Ahmed-Mekki, the star guest of Carole-Samaha in Cairo

 Mohamad-Abdo a star guest of Hussein-Aljasmi at his Dubai home

Nawal-Al-Zoghbi a star guest of Wael-Kfouri at his Lebanon home.
دويتو بين الحكام والمتسابقين - The X Factor Online Exclusive

WATCH: Harlem Shake - Gaza Style #Palestine

Too much time, and unemployment can drive young people to the edge of madness. But some young guys in Gaza with lenty of time to spend on YouTube  have came up with their own version of the Harlem Shake, not the first in the Arab world, but one of the best editions I have seen for this random music video of odd elements doing a twisted dances.

The Tunisians and the Egyptian may have done earlier versions, but I am biased to the one from Gaza.
This is a group of young Gaza artists who want to be heard they call themselves Gangnam Gaza Style....enjoy this fun video.

Harlem Shake - Gaza style

WATCH: #Egyptian Short Film "Youm Sa3b" "فيلم "يوم صعب

This is indeed a hard day, but this is also a movie that was made about the January 25th revolution of Egypt . A comedy about Mubarak. The old man who can get away with many things and blame it on age. While the film is supposed to be about Egypt, it's loaded with sexual references. And that's what sells in Egypt, never mind what they say in public.

"A Hard Day" is the title, and counts various stories about the political stalemate in Egypt at the moment, but the focus is on the people who tell the stores not the events themselves. There are too many odd characters  like the guy who seems to be from the  "Saw" franchise.

Thugs, torture, and women caught in the crossfire are all common tale we have heard form the Egypt, now we get to see them blended together. The short pokes fun of Mubarak, has kind word for the revolution, but it's entertaining.

"Youm Sa3b" The Movie - "فيلم "يوم صعب

On Her Birthday, See Haifa Wehbe As A Child Photo

All these old men who have been leering at her now feel like crap. Haifa Wehbe, the most notorious and perhaps most sexy among the female pop star population has released an old image of her--that that old I hope. Official Haifa Wehbe is 37 years old. Some say she is way older.

I do not know the picture shows that she is not really that old--the quality of the color picture may support her argument that she is way younger than what most think. Keep on mind she is a grandmother. March 10th is her birthday. We are being told this is her picture at two years of age--I think she might be at least four judging by the length of her hair.

Her fans are happy for her, and keep talking her up...what will be next for Haifa? Since her divorce and it seems too many knives are out to settle the score with her. She really makes men crazy, women jealous or dismissive of her star power. Indeed she has brought a lot of entertainment to far too many people, has enriched the celebrity news services and has made herself rich.

Watch a video put together where you van take a trip down memory lane and see her greatest hits.

Happy Birthday Haifa 2013/2013 عيد ميلاد هيفاء وهبي

Video: The Goofiest Chubby Kid Dancer In Arabia

This is cute, a kid from Jordan likes this song on TV very much and now the entire population of the internet is finding out about his secret and private moment when he goofed off to his favorite kiddie song along with his cute little sister.

To be fair, the boy stole the show with his unique blend of dance movies and yes some air guitar moves as well. Kids have always tried to play along their TV set, but this guy took it to the next level with all the animal and party noises he makes. He even incorporated some local folkloric and rap dance moves I do not know where he came up with them. Did he just try to do the moon walk too?

boys just want to have fun, and this guy should be singed up to promote something  he is a hero and celebrity around the Arab world

Egyptian Celebrities Shamelessly Chase The American Citizenship

Since the dawn of time and mankind wanted the best for himself and for his family. So it's no surprise more and more celebrities are seeking to give birth to their own babies in places that can be safe and protect them.  Some American celebrities have given birth to their kids outside America, now I am learning of half a dozen Egyptian entertainers who are chasing the American citizenship through their babies.

This is a totally legal process, you only need to afford the cost of giving birth in America, and not be part of a coordinated effort. More and more of them are lining up at American hospitals to have their babies delivered on American soil. Some Egyptians might not like this practice, it does not seem very patriotic. However, the same people if they could, they would do the exact same thing.

America is changing, and it might not always be the place people around the world idealize so very much. It's a wonderful place to life and have a family--just do not get sick.

Here's the most recent celebrities who have their kids delivered in American hospitals in the United States.

1. Tamer Hosny: His wife and himself have been in the States for work, and she is along for the trip. Of course work is scheduled around the time of her delivery. In fairness the two got hitched in the Egyptian embassy in Washington DC.  The baby girl will be delivered somewhere in the area
2. Ghada Abdel Razik: the biggest Mubarak supporter on the planet, took those steps prior to Tamer Hosny. She is not having a baby--she has passed that time but her daughter Rotana is pregnant and the two have landed in the States. Ghada spend ten days out here, Rotana has been around for four months waiting to pop up. Keep on mind, the father is a police officer in Egypt.  
3. Khalid Selim: the original beef cake singer/ actor spend some time in California along with his wife--they just got married last year. The baby girl was delivered there and has an American birth certificate.  After that, the couple has returned to Cairo. 
4. Nashwa Mostafa: made a statement on Facebook declraging that she has never thought about getting her kids to become Americans--their father is. She frimely belives Egypt is the best place on earth with all the trumoil. However, she regretted those belifes as she now she wants her kids to be protected and resepcted in the event of a problem.

Eighties Pop With Egyptain Mona Abd El Ghany

Arabic pop was born on the late eighties of the last century. Unlike the more class songs that ruled up to that point, pop music was not trying to impress listeners with fancy lyrics and creative poetry. At its start, the rule was use everyday words, simple and direct to describe a moment in time.

And the music will carry your song where people will dance and move along with your music. Among those pop pioneers is none other than the now retried Mona Abd el Ghany. She was making early songs with the help of Ammar El Sharei. And she made a solo or two albums under this lable. Her music videos might be silly now but they were hot then. I know my sisters were dazzled by those and the outfits Mona sported.

Also listen to 03 track and tell me that you are not hearing Fayros Karawya--the lead female voice of Egyptian music at this moment. It's scary how similar those two voices are as revealed by this song.


02 2alby Ydo2 - Mona Abd el Ghany / قلبي بيدق - منى عبدالغنى


08 E7na Meen - Mona Abd el Ghany / احنا مين - منى عبدالغنى


03 Been Delo3ak - Mona Abd el Ghany / بين ضلوعك - منى عبدالغنى

@FragrancePost My Best Smelling Blog To Date

The Fragrance Post  

If you like perfumes, then chances are you like to be informed about the latest news, updates and quirks of this 5 billion dollar industry. Also, you know that your favorite celebrity have endorsed perfumes, and beauty products. Some Arab stars even have their own lines of fragrances.

I happen to be one of those Arabs who like perfumes, and colognes--there are so many of us indeed.  I am Arab and from what I read, we have contributed a great deal to the science and popularizing of perfume since the 6th century. The crusades and Muslim traders took this scents around the globe.

To keep short, I have started a blog to keep up with the trends in perfume, if this interests  you please visit my new blog which I have called The Fragrance Post

The blog will cater to both men and women--pets will also find things of interest. There will be reviews, lists, celebrity news in relation to launch of new scents-- Kim Kardashian will keep us busy. I hope you would join me.

Twitter
Facebook
Blog

Palestine's Finest Raed And Ahmed Kabha Duet

Raed Kabha is one of the hottest pop/folk singer in Palestine. For a wedding singer who has done hundreds of weddings, he has done well having a career on the side as a mini celebrity. Checkout this song where Raed writes his son a letter about recording a new album.  They letter exchange could have been saved for something more serious like Ahmed going to school, but making an album is no huge deal.

It's a song for the son to show his love to his old man, "your voice is my guide dad" sings the young man. It's a low budget music video, a song meant to introduce the young Kabha to the broader audience that has loved his father for two decades. Some singers do not like their kids to take on singing as a profession, but the Kabha family has always been known for music.

The dad mentors his son in music, life and religion. It's all about having a blance in life.

جديد رائد كبها ونجله احمد كبها كليب يا ابني