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: Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Bring Down The House

Appearing as guests on the popular and provocative news satire show with Bassem Yousef, those artists brought down the house. Cairokee is the firm believer in the power of the people of Egypt and what they can do. Zap knows how to entertain one's senses and deliver some of the finest raps. Their latest collaboration offers an entire platform for alternative music, the Arab world has never met before.

Together they have put forth a song about holing one's ground, a call to the activists and the idealists to hold their ground. You call for justice, they call you a lowlife. Amir Eid (Vocals, Guitar) did a very fine job with Cairokee, he has taken it from a small garage band into the headline making band. Activist through music is nothing new, but Cairokee has a lot of stories to tell.

Not only does the band make great music that is capable of impressing even Western audience, they also find heart-filled lyrics. Zap brings his A game, he is Egypt's biggest rapper--and perhaps biggest household name. Zap keeps his eyes on Egypt, but he has never forget about Palestine. They want you to be an alternative person...he raps. Zap has also tackled issues of drugs with another singer, he seems to be opne to working with any star whom he shares a message with.

Cairokee Ft. Zap Tharwat Esbat Maknak From Basem Youssef Show - كايروكى و زاب ثروت

DOWNLOAD: Massar Egbari New Album البوم فريق مسار اجبارى - اقرا الخبر

Aside from making perhaps the coolest and most artsy and meaning rich album cover, Indie band Massar Egbari makes delightful music, and their new album "Eqra El Khaber" or "Read This News" shows the band has morphed into something huge. Not to mention how the band also has one of the catchiest names MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, which resembles the society we live in today. They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners. Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics.

In 2007 the band made its international debut and has traveled the Arab world (and Turkey) taking their music into new lands. I have come to appreciate their balance in finding good lyrics, and fresh sounding music--while they sound a bit more Western than Egyptian, their stories will always be told in Egypt for some time to come.

It seems that their music constantly gets better, the more live shows they book. They really inject a lot of excitement in the indie music scene  and by the way other than ticket sales and record, they have not gone commercial like doing soda and hair gel ads. This allows them to concentrate on their music, and perfecting their craft. I have also loved how they keep away form politics, yet kept up their connection with the people and their woes.

You get a little funk, a little jazz, some rock and a hell of a ride the minds of the band members have created. I appreciate the variety in vocalists the band features. Unlike many other indie bands in Egypt, MASSAR EGBARI has more than on vocalist who can hook listeners. I love the songs I listened to so far, El-Mroor if funky. The title song plays like a lounge music yet its lyrics are very dark about unemployment. This album is a successful attempt to declare the band's inception into the mainstream.

1 - Mat5afeesh
2 - Al-leal
3 - El-Mroor
4 - Hawei
5 - Adef
6 - Sheta
7 - Egbari El-Msaar
8 - Ana Mawgoud
9 - Eqra2 El 5abar
10 - Adef " Remix "


مسار اجباري - المرور / Massar Egbari - Traffic


مسار إجباري | أنا هويت - من مهرجان زروني كل سنة مرة

مسار إجباري حاجة | ختام منتدى حوارات المصرية

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

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

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

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

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

Download: Carole Samaha New Hit Album البوم كارول سماحة - احساس

If there is one pop star in the Arab world that takes her albums seriously, I would chose Lebanese diva Carole Samaha. There are many others who are serious about making music, but very few of them invest in their music, most of them find someone else to pay for their songs. Carole goes her own path, hires the best names and tells them to be serious.

She gives her finest performances in the new album, with 13 tracks that come in different styles. She has written at least song songs in the album herself. She has traveled far and close to ensure her album is all her. She got Rotana to distribute her album--they really worked hard to ear her trust.

I have so far heard three songs, and boy are we in for a treat! This is one super ride, like a curated tour in world music with special focus on Arabic styles from the past. Salim Assaf worked on it, and so has Marwan Khoury and the golden touches of music producer Michael Fadel do show. Go to iTunes, and get yourself a copy--when made available. It should release on the 13th of this month 13 after 2013 and 13 tracks. She is unafraid of bad luck.

Smooth and bold is this album.


01 - Ehssas
02 - El Afrah
03 - Hakhounak
04 - Inta Tofl Kbir
05 - Ohdonni
06 - Ana Geet
07 - Wahshani Belady
08 - Yaoumayn Shahrayn
09 - Mosh Maakoul
10 - Mosh Tayaak
11 - Khedni Maak
12 - Wou Taawadet
13 - Ma Bnethammelsh Baad

Carole Samaha - Khallik Behalak / كارول سماحة - خليك بحالك

Indie Music Cannot Move Past The Spirit Of January 2011

More than two years have passed and the indie music scene is still milking the January  revolution for all it's worth. The last band to join the exploitation is 050 Band--one of the hardest working bands in the post Mubarak years.

Their latest single is about how the spirit of January is still kicking around, the motherland has not heeled yet. I do not know if they will ever stop making music about this topic, but for the common man it might be one too many songs about something that has already happened yet make little sense.

050 band has achieved in very short months a great deal of fame that comes with fan base. This Arabic rock Band From Mansoura , Egypt  has manged to release the Middle East No.1 Song @ TripleW ME Charts and Middle East No.2 Band. Their cool name is inspired by their native town's area code. As for the band members, they are a group of friends who like to play guitar and sing.


Osama El Hady - Vocals - Guitar
Peter AbdelMeseih - Lead Guitar
Hesham Samy - Bass Guitar & Backing Vocal
Hossam Samy - Drums
Safa - Keyboard



050 Band | Yanayer Fel'olob 3ayesh [ Official Video ] يناير فى القلوب عايش

Andrew W.K. Is America's Cultural Ambassador To The Middle East

Because drones, military force and tanks do not make good ambassador of America's wide cultural landscape. One rocker can build bridges and make the Middle East fall in love with America all over again by partying loudly.

In surprising and odd news of the day, the U.S. Department of State of has named Andrew W.K. the Cultural Ambassador to the Middle East. He is  an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entertainer, motivational speaker, and music producer. He is the host of the television series Destroy Build Destroy. In November 2012, he was named a United States cultural ambassador to Bahrain. As a musician, he is perhaps best known for the 2001 hit single "Party Hard", from the album I Get Wet. Bahrain is an island, so he would have to get wet. Andrew has also lived and grew up in Ann Arabs where many Arab immigrants also live.

"This is a tremendous invitation," W.K. said in a statement on his website. "I'm very thankful to the Department of State for giving me the opportunity to visit a place I've never been before. And I feel very privileged and humbled by the chance to represent the United States of America and show the good people of Bahrain the power of positive partying. I can hardly wait for this adventure!"

The performer's website reports that W.K. will visit the Middle East "to promote partying and positive power." The story also explains that "Andrew will begin his journey the first week of December, 2012 and will visit elementary schools, the University of Bahrain, music venues, and more, all while promoting partying and world peace." Partying does help bring peace, but if the music is too loud the cops will shoe up and things may get hairy.

W.K. once told HuffPost his personal tag line would be, "I'm not here to impress you, I'm here to party with you."

Andrew W.K. - Party Hard

New Release Carole Samaha 2013 Album سيمبلات البوم كارول سماحة - احساس

On the thirteenth of March in the year of our Lord 2013, one Lebanese diva will release her album of thirteen tracks. Bringing attention to the number often associated with bad luck 13. She wanted to defy it and release her album to tel that number to back off.  This is the story of the new and forthcoming album from this multi-talented diva.

She sings as a proud women, she sings the ind of songs that even the most manly man can find appealing. The samples are out and one will get to enjoy whopping of 13 tracks! There's the dance pop songs, and the touchy feely tracks. She gives a good balance of happy and heartbroken songs, and her collaboration with the best names is a long standing tradition. She also works with few names on this project.

There will be plenty of hugs, kisses, breakups and chances to dance in this mixed album--her first since 2009 when she released a dynamite album. The production went to the seasoned Lebanese composer Michael Fadel. I like how the album feels like a menu from all over the world of music and varying styles that showcase different notes.

Carole has shown that when it comes to her songs, she spares no expenses, unlike many of her peers- who tend to cut costs of recording and spend more on music videos. Carole spends on both of them. I look forward to this album, as for the money, this album will be the biggest release in 2013 from a star who has been rocking it since 2000! And by the way, she is a judge on the X Factor at the moment.


01 - Ehssas
02 - El Afrah
03 - Hakhounak
04 - Inta Tofl Kbir
05 - Ohdonni
06 - Ana Geet
07 - Ana Geet (Version 2)
08 - Yaoumayn Shahrayn
09 - Mosh Maakoul
10 - Mosh Tayaak
11 - Khedni Maak
12 - Wou Taawadet
13 - Ma Bnethammelsh Baad

سيمبل كارول سماحة - ما منتحملش بجد


سيمبل كارول سماحة - انت طفل كبير | من الالبوم القادم 2013


كارول سماحة احضنى من الالبوم القادم 2013


سيمبل كارول سماحة - احساس | من الالبوم القادم 2013


سيمبل كارول سماحة إحساس

These Young Pharos Have Moved Me

On X Factor there is a group of R and B / Rap band made up of there young folks who go to college. There are two dudes and one fine lady that sounds to have come from a place like Chicago or Detroit Motown. They are 17, 18 and 19 years of age and they have already rocked the show unlike any other act.

I am not a big fan of rag tag rap, but these guys really have a working formula to bring a wife audience to their songs--Angry Arabic lyrics and smooth English lines that make you think. The trio blends a number of styles and Arabic dialect to talk about issues of important to the Arab mainstream and the young people. The judges have showered them with love and praises.

Check them out, and get to enjoy their own writing which give them an extra zinger as they take on the stage, they really know how to cheer up the room. They got four Yeses and they indeed deserved everyone of them. I am consider myself a fan, now the burden on them to make a worthy followup for this song that has won them fame.

فريق Young Pharos - The X Factor 2013 TheXFactorArabia

Checkout This Fun Lebanese Hippies Song By Zuhair Francis

Smooth, very much so! Zuhair Francis has the right nostalgic song brought to him by his kids. He remembers the 1974 when he has a big concert with his pals. His song is about the youthful days when he was ready to party, fall in love and try to make it right. The artist enjoys a great deal of affection from the crew, his sense of humor made this music video much better. He has already recorded a fun song that people form different generations will find appealing.

I was impressed by how cool this song feel, the song makes me want to go back to that colorful time where style was more about being care free. I love the ending when we learn he got the girl and has a gorgeous famous with her.  The character the song brings out if that for "Abu El Zouz", the very Arabic word that could fill in for "The Dude" Anybody can be that guy according to the song.

I love the rolling good times, the music and the dance beat where the East meets the West, and the old meets the modern. Groovy melodies remind me of the simple time I can only watch on YouTube. These guys knew how to party and how to make decisions  Life seems so simple and they could care less about what people on their Facebook think.

Zuhair Francis - Meza'alha / زهير فرنسيس - مزعلها

@StevenSyden Releases The International "Lonely" Hearts Anthem

Some artist with the name Steven Syden has a cool marketing concept, give his music video for free. He allowed music notworks all over the world to air his music video--this would make sure his song is out there and his new hit "Lonely" travels the world and then back. Then folks can buy it on iTunes for price.

This is your average pop song, with a cool vocal guest in L'Mars. This is how I found this video on Melody Hits YouTube official. The dreamy Syden may feel some guys feel repulsive, but that's all fine as younger ladies find it interesting. I do not find much info on the two artists, and I do not see them linking themselves to a given country. I am inclined to say Australia.

I have grew out of this phase, feeling lonely and wanting some texting skills. The shower scene and that crying might turn on some teens. But you may find the song fresh on your eyes. I like to see some more on the artist, other than that he started in 1996.

Steven Syden & L'Mars - Lonely

Listen To Alaa Zalzali's Finest Song To Date

He is no Iraqi, but Lebanese Alaa Zalzali may have just released the best Iraqi song in the year. The father of three little boys who sounds like a voice of reason if asked about the political reality in Lebanon is also the same guy who likes to party live. The balance of the romance, pop, blues, and funk elements in the song are done in harmony

The new song is a perfect dance companion, made just right for that unique Iraqi group dance known as Chobi dance. She warns him her family might beat him up, her dad is related be the president of an Arab republic, to keep him away, he won't go away. He wants to fight for his lady and form the words she chose  she seems not to mind this romantic tale. It's the most romantic exchange where passion meets cultural defiance. She lets him know that her brother might stab him with a knife if he comes asking for her in marriage at home. She says, nothing will keep me away. 

Alaa should be excited about his new hit he has under his belt, it's a total concert magnet. The Lebanese party singer is back after months of mourning for the loss of his new born little girl. I am certain the appreciation of this song goes beyond Iraq and Lebanon it's a trans Arab hit.

 علاء زلزلي عشقت الصبية Alaa Zalzali 3echegt el sabiya


عشقت الصبية اغنية جديدة وحصرية علاء زلزلي

Blondes, Chicken Wings, Chips And Pajamas With Lela Al Maghribyah

The bros have a dream, never having to wear anything buy pajamas, eating potato chips all day, and watching TV with a peace loving blonde lady who likes groovy dance. There's a Moroccan pop personality that understands that and she is honoring this culture with a music video. Better yet, chicken wings/wife beaters are involved. This s a man dream set to the tunes of a catchy pop song. Lela is not legend but she is great at the choices she comfortable making.

Lela is posing as a popular chick with too many dudes wanting her affection, she is taking them all for a ride as judging from the Identification cards she has. She is some assassin and a sort car collector too (hint, there is a racing scene). Get this, she likes hamburgers too. Seriously  who is this lady?  This is one foxy lady who understands what it takes to get every man's attention and thing things he truly appreciates.

This is an upgrade clip from Lela's last music video, she has something the bros want and she will make it out there with the song that translates to "For The Thousandth Time" I like the dance floor bit, it makes the video feel like a retro funk feast. The reason I liked the music is because some of the finest names have touched it, Mohamed Yehia composed the music and the production went to Touma--an A team indeed.

Lela Al Maghribyah - Alf Marra / ليلا المغربيه - ألف مرة

Nadia Ali Makes Time For Desert While In Egypt

The global pop star of American and Pakistani/Libyan origins Nadia Ali visited Egypt, while there she stopped by s fast food joint and ordered some Zalabya (sweet fried dough). This is the third time for Nadia visiting Egypt in the past six years. Her biggest musical inspirations at an early age came form Madonna.

Beginning in 2001, Nadia’s lush vocal style would take the world by storm, becoming a globally recognized trademark in the dance music industry, and keeping her in nonstop demand by the hottest innovative DJ’s worldwide. Her tracks often rank the # 1 DJ in the world Her dance tracks have been generating a white-hot buzz. Jointly, Nadia and Armin shaped the brand-new dance track: “Feels So Good” and are currently carrying out a rigorous tour schedule on the "Armin Only Mirage" tour. “Armin Only” is an entirely sold-out world tour, filling arenas with tens of thousands of fans nightly.

Nadia Ali - Rapture (Avicii Remix) [Official Music Video]

Watch: Coke Bastardize Egyptian Indie Bands كليب أتجنن - كاريوكى و عايدة الايوبى

It's a sad day when the brightest rock music band in Egypt--and most indie one gets picked to do a song for Coca Cola. The insult does not end there, Coca Cola also hires Aida Ayoubi as she makes her way back into the music scene. I know it's a tough market out there, and that soda giant knows this very well...so they bribe those entertainers to try to appeal the young angry and indie spirit Egypt is experiencing those few past years.

Cairo, and Aida are awesome musicians, they come from tow different eras with very passionate and rebellious songs. I do not like to drink soda and wish less people would drink it, but I like the music of those two acts. But wait, a third act joined the party, Egypt's hottest rapper Zap Tharwat also gets his moment under the soda sun.

This is the promotional music video for the soda company and it's a really good song....Let Yourself Go, says the song....and that's what will happen if you drink too many sodas...Get crazy says the song and don' worry about people and what they say....they will say you are fat once you had too many sodas. Amir Eid, the lead of Cairokee wrote this song! He is a lyrical boy wonder.

I love how soda company try to get culture through music....and those bands like the extra cash they get in exchange for their music and promotional endorsements. There's a happy smiley face, balloons and such. You will balloon yourself if you keep drinking sodas. And yes, you are too crazy if you substitute sodas for health drinks.

كليب أتجنن - كاريوكى و عايدة الايوبى ..... كامل (CoCa CoLa)

اغنية محمد حسن - ده يرضى مين | Egypt Captain Mohamed Hassan - Da Yrdi Meen

Here's a heart breaking song from the youngest gun in Egyptian pop, singer Mohamed Hassan, he is back with a lot of tears, and he sounds to have no dry eye, shedding tear on the Egyptians who are killed every day. And the ones who walk in a funeral only to go home dead.

Speaking of somber songs, Hassan nailed this one on the head, the music and the melody almost make you cry even before you hear those tear soaked song of this Egyptian artist. This song is not about rage, and revenge, but rather about the rights of people and the obligations of the government.

Stop with the blame game and mourn the dead, do not go and be dead yourself--for once it's unclear who is killing whom.

اغنية محمد حسن - ده يرضى مين | Mohamed Hassan - Da Yrdi Meen