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

Listen: #Egypt Exclusive: Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

Bahaa Sultan is a Muslim, he producer and mentor is Christian and they are the best friends in the world. When this team saw the massacre in Egypt and the attacks on one Christina Church, they worked around the clock for a song. They were moved and their song came through to move you.

 His song is about bringing worshipers closer, it's about reconciliation and peace. Trying to bring people together, we are always friends and same kind--let's not be victims for other people. Bahaa does not do the knee jerk songs, he is the apolitical figure, but this time is seems very personal to him. Ramy Gamal wrote the music. Moammad Atif wrote the lyrics.

Starting the song with an interview of an eye witness who saw the incidents and then Bahaa picks it up. This is less of a song and more of prayer to appeal for common sense and reminding people of what brings them together. The footage that accompanies the song help create the mood for this toxic topic, one people, religion should not be a wedge issue.

Bahaa' Sultan " Deny we Denak " / " حــــصــريا : بهاء سلطان " دينى ودينك

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

WATCH: The Hairy Esaf Sings For Mothers

B list pop star Esaf has not released anything new in more than two years, and when he returned to the music business, he comeback with a song for the mothers.

Esaf has made films too, so he is no stranger to the show biz, this song has made some buzz for the young artist. I like the new hair, and how the song is very focused on it lyrics. There are a religious undertone in the song, Moses, Jesus and the Virgin Mary are.

The music is pretty basic, nothing too impressive and so is the music video. I do not see this as a classic, if you do not sing along, chances are, the song will not outlive its artist.

Esaf Gabal Faker

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

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

Arabic Christmas Albums Are Coming From Lebanon This Year

Few months ago, Christmas season all over the world, and as everyone knows, it's not full blown Christmas until you start hearing that music. Lebanon is helping Arabs celebrate this lovely over commercialized holiday with music. In the past they had to listen to American songs, last year, they have received new albums with Arabic songs to help ring in the season

1. Yara is finishing her All Christmas album, with six tracks and a feature song by Lara Escander. This is Yara's first album in more than three years. The songs are composed by Nizar Francis and music is the work of Jan Mari chi. We wait for this album to see if the music will make you want to shot yourself or not. The cover album will feature a Christmas tree and chocolate to celebrate this very happy occasion where happy memories for the little ones are shaped. 
2. Julia Boutrus is also doing an album of 10 tracks, she recorded it life with the orchestra in Prague. Some of the songs will be celebrating the Virgin Mary. Lebanese composer Michael Fadel is involved with the music and he has shared a photo of his work trip with Julia who has confirmed the news. There will be hymns and festive songs. This album seems like a great production. anything with live music takes itself seriously. 

An Arabic Christmas Carol (Byzantine Hymn of the Nativity)



 

Download: Mostafa Amar Finds God البوم مصطفى قمر - مولاى سبحانك

Egyptian King of pop Mostafa Amar has found good in his most recent album. The guy who usually sings dance and romance songs--he also acts went on a quest to find God in all things, so he came back with a nine track album which was released today.

While Amar has done religious songs in the past--timed for Ramadan, this one comes at a slow season where we are not even close to Ramadan. But all times are good times to release such work. He may have been inspired to release it for his kids as he is a family guy. Often times religious albums help preserve an artist legacy.

The thinking comes, if the artist has passed away, such songs will stick around long after he has gone and those are good deeds. I like that line of thinking. I am looking at the titles and those are are straightforward songs, some fresh titles. Some new songs and others are covers. Mazzika , the label which produces Amar's albums has put together this album as well. At those dark times in Egypt, it's so easy to find faith or lose it.

Those do not have to be long songs, I like what I have heard in the promo, Amar delivers some of his finest performances in really long time.


01 - Amien
02 - Alb El Rasoul
03 - Mawlaya Sobhanak
04 - Sobhan Allah
05 - El Basmala
06 - Saly We Erfaa Edeek
07 - Wallah Zaman Ya Ramadan
08 - Ghairak Maleesh
09 - Salla Allah Ala Mohamed

برومو ألبوم مصطفي قمر _ مولاي سبحانك

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

Enjoy: حماده هلال - دعوة خير Hamada Helal - Daawit Kheer

Blame nobody and reach out to all....is not a hippie talk but a real song by Egyptian Hamada Helal. A Song about the little ones, he is appealing to all the Arabs and Muslims to stand next to the children in Egypt at those tough times.....while most are talking politics....few realize that children are suffering as a result of adults not acting likes adults.

Not sure what inspired the song, maybe Hamada is up for a new charity that he likes and supports. Whatever it's, this is a sweet song from a very sweet man who has always rose to the occasion. This time he is not crying the fallen, but the ones that are about to.

His compassionate plea comes at the end when he urges the Arab folks to come to the rescue of the little ones in Egypt. The stories Hamada bring out are too real and by far there are too many of them.

حماده هلال - دعوة خير Hamada Helal - Daawit Kheer

The Exotic Muslim Dude Who Rocks Is One Direction Zayn Malik

Zayn with His Little Sister

Zayn Malik is often referred to as the coolest member of One Direction. The incredibly handsome rebellious kid whose tattoos and nonchalant behavior, there is an observant Muslim boy. the young singer was still deeply hurt by the remarks — many of which attacked the singer for his religion.


This all started when Zayn shared a photo that showed his girlfriend and his family celebrating Eid, a Muslim holiday. On October 3, Celebuzz reported that Malik got a bunch of hateful messages on Twitter, making fun of his religion.

A practicing Muslim, Zayn, admitted he gets online abuse duty to his religious beliefs. “You can say whatever you want about me, I’m not really bothered. But when it starts to upset people I care about or I hear about it from my mum, then that’s a problem."

“My little cousin put up a family picture at Eid because she got a photo with Perrie and she was so happy about it. But then everybody just gave it to me double barrel,” he explained. I think the good comes with the bad. He also have fans all over the world, love it or hate it many of them are Muslims tween girls. 

"I believe that your religion should be between you and whoever your belief is in," said Malik in a recent interview. "I don’t think you should stick it in people’s faces. I think you should just keep it to yourself, and that’s how I’ve always been with it. I just had seen a few things that had annoyed me. I thought we had moved away from that and we’re living in the 21st century and people could accept people from different religions," he added.

To his credit he has done so himself  he is not sporting his religion around. He is not making points about things he can and cannot do because of Islam. He is just one of the guys who most of us find harmless pop stars who do well for their fans. He is not on One Direction because of his religion, but because of his talent, good looks and marketability.

He comes form a traditional family and he observes holidays, and celebrations with them. He grew up as a minority and with that you must hold into your values. Christians celebrate holidays and so do Jews and Hindus and what's not. If those attackers are against all religions, it's a one thing, if they are not for Islam--then too bad for them. It's all about family, we are born into a religion regardless of what people of faith have you believe   

Zayn Malik should really not sweat the small stuff, instead he he should focus on the millions of supporters that he has sending him love every day, it isn't easy to ignore the haters—especially when they are attacking your religion. It has not been an easy road for Zayn, who has gotten really upset over the angry tweets.

Speaking of abuse he receives from some people on Twitter, he told The Sun's Fabulous magazine: “Nasty things [were said] like I’m a terrorist, and this and that. How can you justify that? How can you call me that and get away with it?

"[They] shouldn’t have wound me up, but [they] did," he said, admitting that the negative, degrading messages that he has received have managed to get under his skin. Of course, this is normal—what can anyone expect from a 19-year-old kid? This is all new to him and, sadly, his religion has made him a target.

It really hurts when other Muslims attack him for not doing what they think is right, the guy is no saint and neither are we. We like to tell other people how to live their lives, but when it comes to our own lives, they are riddled with imperfections. Such ignorant comments will further isolate a young and talented man who can make a positive impact. He is just a kid who likes to sing and to self promote, if you disagree then go deactivate your Facebook account.

Zayn Malik's Audition (One Direction) - The X Factor 2010

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)

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

Sheikh Fadel Shaker Donates 350 Thousand Dollars

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

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

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

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

فضل شاكر ينشد: فالموت ليس يخيفنى ومناي أن استشهدا

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