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

Listen: The Voice Of Samer Abu Taleb Lightened Up The Voice اغنية سامر ابو طالب - شئ ميخصنيش

Egyptian raising pop star Samer Abu Taleb has just been eliminated from The Voice, but he might be the only one on the show that I cared for. His confidence and skill make all the difference for me. I love his warm and versatile voice. He has a long range of styles and vocal strength that he has been blessed with. The two music video below will show you some of his finest songs.

He is also a young composer who have studied music. Singer and composer and poet, and music arranger. He came to the music business at first by representing Egypt in the of March art in the age of 8 years. A graduate of the Alkonsr Vetoar And moved him to Higher Institute of Music Aribh Traveled international festivals in Russia, Romania and China.

Prior to joining the show as a contestant, he has released an album, a full pop album with many surprising hits back in 2009. So I am hoping his time at The Voice was well spent and his career will see a revival soon. I was in love with this song of his in my engagement period. I see he has stepped up his game a bit and in a matter of two weeks, he has three new singles out.

Samer just released a new single to create the needed buzz for his upcoming album where he tries to relaunch his career after four years of virtual inactivity. The track show the sad boy trapped inside this mega super star waiting his turn.

اغنية سامر ابو طالب - شئ ميخصنيش - النسخة الاصلية 2013


سامر أبو طالب "غريبة الناس" ‏- #MBCTheVoice


سامر ابوطالب "امانة عليك" ‏- #MBCTheVoice

Bassem Yousef Gets A Guilt-Trip Song On Hafez TV

A conservative Egyptian TV is taking the Freedom of Speech argument to ridicule the funny man of Egypt. Hafez TV has a song--or something pretty close to it about the satire. You do not hear music, but you hear lyrics with sharply worded words for Bassem Yousef. Also keep on mind, there are only male vocalist on this song.

They sort of put him to shame, picking on him is a fair game. They are shaming to him using religion. You get paid but you seem to forget that the big man upstairs will take issue with your lies, edits and jokes. Hafez TV is a popular network, and they have followers too, they seem not to appreciate the man and his style.

They do end the song on a call from him to join in rebuilding the country. This is a heavy song that will get some fans out there, I think it sounds a lot more sobering that some of the jokes that have been flaying around. I do not think using religion is an effective tool, I think there are so many facts that can make a far better argument.

One a serious note, Bassem Yousef was cleared of some charges and a court refused to shut down his popular show.

#قناة_الحافظ تهدى اغنية اتفرج يا سلام ل #باسم_يوسف #الحافظ @Hafeztv

Video: Khaled Selim Enables Saudi Racing Fans On MBC "Driven"

What's with Khaled Selim, the once beloved pop star and cars? I have no idea. Dudes and bros like sweet rides and talk about them like they would talk about gorgeous women. I have never been obsessed with cars, but I know many how do. So, Saudis who have been seeing a surge in death due to a number of racing accidents, are about to get a new racing show.

The show will air on MBC Action and I am seeing a Lebanese racer in an energy drink car ready to do some stunts. I think it's irresponsible to do these shows when last week few young Saudi died in a car racing accident. Driven is the name of the show and Khalid will help bring in new viewers to this new show. This show is on its third season now and more to come.

There has been many stars on this show before, and simply put you cannot stop young people form doing crazy stunts that might lead to their death.

Khaled Selim ...Promo Program DRIVEN S3

The X Facror Arabia Celebrates With Angham "أنغام "

XFactor Arabia had Angham on yesterday and the people on the show showered her with love. She brought her usual warmth and dapper outfits for the show. She is the classy lady who keeps a distance between her person and her fans. As an artist she is very accessible.

She is a fine lady who has rocked the stages around the Arab world, she communicated her emotions, but is a fun person to interview  because she is always open and honest in her conversation. she does not do canned answers as you will see.

Angham was the life of the party, her unique style is so hard to copy. She is the heart and the mind of the women where the conflicts rest. No other woman can expresses the complexity of being a woman as much as Angham has done. There's a halo around her when she takes on the stage, and she brings out the best listener and music appreciator in the attendees.   

This must have been a night to remember on the popular show. She has two looks and each of them were a hit. She rocked the in studio audience and the judges sat there and perhaps learned some of her secrets. I only wish she sang live, she has the talent, but the technical stuff might have been the roadblock. 

أنغام - الحلقة الثانية - The XTRA Factor 2013 لقاء المطربة


أنغام - أنا نفسي أحب - العروض المباشرة 3 - The X Factor 2013


أنغام - مهزومة - العروض المباشرة 3 -

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

Bassem Yousef Shouldn't Go To Jail, But He Should Think Twice

The famed Egyptian host of some TV show with satire news is being sued. For more on his legal woes, visit this Arabic link it details some of the charges. To be clear, Baseem is no hero of mine. You too should be tired of being told who your heroes are. I am sick of lies circulating around the internet that conservative Muslims are the ones who want Bassem Yousef in Jail. I think it's safe to say, a lot of business interest people want to see him in jail. This is not a joke, you see laws of defamation and libel are tricky even in the West. You could be in serious trouble if someone has a serious case against you.

Per US Legal Journal

Most defendants in defamation lawsuits are newspapers or publishers, which are involved in about twice as many lawsuits as are television stations. Most plaintiffs are corporations, businesspeople, entertainers and other public figures, and people involved in criminal cases, usually defendants or convicts but sometimes victims as well. 

Bassem is not doing his show for free, he has a contract worth millions, and with that comes a great deal of prestige and access. I bet he enjoys all that fame and media attention he received from around the world. I love how American media is using this ordeal to further damage Egypt and get back at president Morsi--the guy who won an election.

I have one question, do you think if Bassem Yousef was a support of the president of Egypt, the international media would care what happens to them? No! Not in a million year. It's all about self-interest. CNN and such follow Bassem only because he is casing trouble in Egypt and because he is critical of the democratically elected president.

All he has to know, those media folks who cheer him on, will be with him so long as he stays on the same page with them. The moment he tries to do or say something un-american or hostile to the West, they all will jump ship. So he would lose at home and lose abroad.

Every night of the week, Bassem Yousef finds a way to call the Morsi an idiot, and when he is not on air, he is tweeting about him. As someone who holds freedom of speech to be absolute  I know there is no such thing.

Bassem Yousef is milking his 15 minutes of fame, and his friends are talking about him as if he is some modern-day Martin Luther King. MLK did not have a million dollar contract, MLK did not insult people for money, MLK did not try to embarrass his foes. Let's stop pretending Bassem is fighting the good fight. He is just fighting for a pay check.

Now, I do not want to see him jailed for stuff he said, he should not have to be subjected to a witch haunt. He must now know, that he is playing with the fat cats, and if he tries to rock the boat too much, he would be shown the door.

On another note, is Bassem Yousef being patriotic? I do not think he puts Egypt first! It only takes one deranged person to ruin the reputation of an entire nation, Bassem Yousef has entertained so many people and in the process he has mocked all things that make Egypt the place loved by so many people. Because last thing, Egypt needs is a voice that promotes divisions.

If things get serious  I am certain he would not have a hard time moving somewhere else and doing his who--I think he might actually end up doing that, I see him doing his show in Dubai or even Beirut. It's sad but Egypt right now is in a delicate state.  

The Best (Winners And Losers) On X Factor Arabia

I think X factor is getting to narrow their list of talented names. They are ready to show off their finest voices and show off. One of those is a guy with the name Ibrahim, he is Libyan and he is ready to make them proud--I like him. He makes good choices and shows a level of maturity when doing cover songs. He might be going home, Elissa and Wael were unkind to him. Hussein and Carole were supportive. He was hurt becasue Libya could not vote due to their issues with telecommunication.

ابراهيم - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The other lady is Salwa whose talent is hard to miss. She seems to have the face for it, she is ready to entertain. Her covers of those English songs are something of a novelty, she has it figured out. She has the stage presence and gets in the act. She does the rock star persona very well, though her latest performance left something to be desired. She is also the youngest contestant and she is from Morocco.

سلوى أنلوف - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Merayah, the band that knows what they want and have their own way of doing business. They are a boy band from Egypt who have the sweet and bad boy sides. I think they can do so much more than the soft song they performed. They are a crowd pleasing, but again they song did not allow them to show the happy side.

فرقة مرايا - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


He is the statement on the show and his name is Hussam, he has a strong voice, and a highly classy style. He has been singing fro some time since he was an 8 year old boy. I like this guy, he seems to have his quirks going right for him. He does the old man trapped in a young man's body so well. He is Lebanese and from the same area as Wael Kfoury.

حسام ترشيشي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Egypt gets her own lady on X Factor and her name is Marwa. She has that zen when she performer the oldies, she never races in her voice and she seems to need not to worry about her taking a breath. She comes across as comfortable and confident--thanks to growing in a music loving house\hold.

مروى أحمد - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


She is Moroccan and ready for prime time. She started singing in her school and has taken part of a singing show in Morocco. Now she is ready to perform something from Fayrouz. Iman is a strong contender. The judges seem to love her, she chose a song that everyone knows, so messing up in this song means she will go home--I feel she delivered it. She has the Wow factor!

إيمان كركيبو - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The guy who does not seem to want to be there comes from Jordan. He knows himself and not shopping around for an opinion from pop stars. He has something to share with the world. I like him fro that, he does not sell his charisma, but he sells high quality songs, this is Adham and I think he is a solid voice and he may actually win. I think the judges have challenged him to bring the best in him.  He is very good and Jordan will vote him in and push his brand.

أدهم نابلسي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


This is the most unique voice, he is a young Moroccan artist. I love his voice, he is very different and no one out there will be able to copy him. Think a unique George Wassouf, a voice that you cannot help but love even so you may not always understand it. The fans love this dude, and give him the votes. Certainly the boys love him. He is the candy of this show, he actually has divided the panle Elissa and Hussein are among his biggest cheerleaders.

محمد الريفي - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The most talented band on the show, they are the creative force, they bring so much energy and charm , the band members are best of friends, there is so much chemistry. I love the Young Pharoz and something tell me, they are the number one band on the show and they are ready to smoke their competitors out. They are so smooth and Egypt has loved their style. The lady (Shahad) on this trio brings so much flavor in both English and Arabic. They put on a show each has their own talent that sells, but together they are something not to be overlooked.

Young Pharoz - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Ali or Aly from Saudi Arabia, he is 20 years old and he loves his family so very much. He lacks the stage presence, he is good, but I do not think for the big league. He choses to stay withing the Gulf dialect and he is already a star. He does not know this, people love him, he just does not know how to show how much he loves them back

علي حامد - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


The Omani dude who is like a magician. I love this dude, he always thinks about the song is his last song, so he goes all in. The judges really like him and he is a crowd pleaser  he knows how to show love and appreciation. He does wonders when he holds the microphone. It's safe to say he will go far, because even people outside Oman\love him--he might be the second artists to be born in that country.  Another thing, he performs like he is a Western star focuses on the show part, and not just the song.
المنتصر بالله - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013


Another band with a very cool name, ninja is ready they come to us from the West, they have the hustle and flow thing going for them. They do rap, and each come with a story they have gone far with the Western bloc of the Arab world. They are all about energy and joy. They are fun to see them live, their fusion works to their advantage. I believe they are Tunisian. They took a challenge and turned a Lebanese dance song to their own style. Tunisians have to be really good to make it out and thoe guys are no different, they hit all the right notes.

Les Bledards Ninja - العروض المباشرة - الاسبوع 2 - The X Factor 2013

X Factor Guest Pop Star Mohamed Fouad Shines

Arguably, he is one of the most beloved and most real Egyptian singers, he is the home boy and the one who has always been close to the people. That means he never pretend to be something he is not. But for the past two years Mohamed Fouad was not feeling too healthy--he has spoken about his struggle with his weight and low energy.

But, you would never know that when you watch the man work the stage as he performed some of his better songs in a crazed in studio fans. He had the biker look, gosh we miss this fine entertainer and I am very pleased with his rocking comeback.

You cannot take certain things, like the love and loyalty of his seamlessly never ending fan base. He performed a number of songs including the sweet romantic one and the upbeat dance number. Note lip sync, that did not seem to hold back  Fouad from standing tall. Cannot wait for his new album that should be dropping this year.

محمد فؤاد - أغنية "إبن بلد" - العروض المباشرة 2 - The X Factor 2013



محمد فؤاد - بين ايديك - العروض المباشرة 2 - The X Factor 2013


نصيحة محمد فؤاد للمشتركين - العروض المباشرة 2 - The X Factor 2013

Arab Idol Second Season Should Have Waited

The team behind Arab Idol second season, should have waited till the X Factor rapped up. Arab Idol now has Nancy Ajram, and it's a big deal. But news about it has been buried as the demographics are too consumed with X Factor now.

Arab Idol is a fine show, do not know what Hassan El Shafi there to do, but the show is a serious one and has done well for those three who have finished on top of its first season. Perhaps the biggest story from the show was when this crazed Haifa Wehbe fan from Iraq took on the show and shocked people of how strange things can get.

Arab Idol - تجارب الاداء - هايدى موسى


Arab Idol - مقابلة رغد الجابر على صباح الخير يا عرب

Diab Mashour And His Prison Inmate Song

The sixties and seventies were very kind to one folksy Syrian singer, Diab Mashour who has appeared on a Syrian play/TV show playing the role of the prison's singer. He is connected to Iraq by the river where they share common cultural antidotes. He is an image known for his nice and sweet voice recounting stories from the village. Diab plays the flute, the oud, and the violin 

He visited Damascus and played his song to then comedian Duraid Laham who loved his song so very much and asked him to appear on his show. He recorded his song sin Beirut and Jordan and remain classics to this day. Simple songs, the kinds your grandmother would sing you as she puts you to sleep

Diab traveled to the States to do concerts for Arabs there, he has even made it all the way to the Philippians. He composes his songs and performs them, and refuses to represent his older songs to fit with today's tastes.

ذياب مشهور ـ يابو ردين يا بوردانه

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

The Now Offensive Bassem Yousef With Sex Jokes

There was a time when Bassem Yousef used to be a folk hero and a guy who told jokes by grilling the lame media. He had a good run, and we loved him for it. When he started worrying about the money, he had to watch the rating of his program. There are very few things one can grill in public, but now he has gone to great length to insult the collective IQ of his followers. 

I for once, do not watch the show and can no longer stomach the guy--I like to point out that we are the first blog to write about him. But now he is in trouble with his fans. This time, Bassem joked about sex, sexual harassment and failed to make a point. I do not watch his show, but I read about it when it makes the news. There's nothing with using sex to tell jokes, but this is something often reserved for adult audience in a private club late at night. 

I present some of the comment via his programs official Facebook page. The comments take issue with his language and crass humor. Some have accused his critics of being members of political groups that he often ridicules   

--Disrespectful

--May God Take Revenge On Him

--Low life and crude.

--This episode is garbage.   

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

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.

Elissa, Wael, Hussein and Carole Drama On X Factor

The sixth episode of X Factor Arabia comes the full circle, each of the four judges has assembled his crew and picked the talent pool he or she will be working with and not they will lock them in a closed boot camp for coaching, training and preparation phase to the face-off stage.

Elissa (ladies), Carole (bands), Hussein (older than 25) And Wael (dudes) have already met with their teams and started the program. This is where the drama kicks in and people get fired as each of the judges has to pick just six of his team and bring them to perform  I love how the drama gets people interested  And see how the young talents fight each others on the song choice.

The next stage in the boot camp is the visit to the judges home. There are so many characters on the show and this is is good for the rating--like the chef assistant from Morocco who has such a great voice with an odd flavor. Note how that soda company has vending machines all over the set. Also keep on mind, how the talents on the show try to do cover of songs by the artist judging their act.

Wael will take his team to Beirut, Carole will take hers to Cairo, Elissa is flying them to Istanbul and Hussein is going with his team to Dubai.

الحلقة السادسة كاملة - المعسكر المغلق - The X Factor 2013

The Boot Camp Phase On X Factor With Elissa

Elissa is making waves on X Factor and she wears different hats. I have followed the show and saw her be kind sometimes, helping the little guy and she has also been tough. I like her realist approach and commentary....sometimes she says yes, but you must know you need to be better. She provides a voice of reason.

A balance is good, you do not want a judge who judges on case to case, not to be always nice or just flat out mean. I am unclear on what will happen next, but I know Elissa will be working with the young women groups coaching them to compete with them. Carole will take the bands and group performers. Hussein and Wael will supervise other groups.

For the most part X Factor has been a big success and the media loves the show and its format. There have been very talented names and little drama and bad press. I would say this is a professional show with an A team of executives. The panel of judges seem to be best of friends  which is a great start, something Arab Idol is struggling.


النتيجة النهائية لاليسا في نهاية المعسكر - The X Factor 2013

التصفيات الاولي لاليسا في المعسكر المغلق - The X Factor 2013

Funny Clip For Those Who Know Their Arabic Pop

People who follow singing competitions will tell you, funny stuff happen all the time. But no one can outdo this clip from a B movie movie where an actor is taking part of one of those shows and he mocks half a dozen of Arabic pop references.

While the singing is funny, the lines and the actor's performance are the real deal. You really cannot translate the clip into English because it's play on words, names of celebrities and songs. I find it funny, I hope you do too.

مقطع مضحك من فيلم-اخر كلام

Akram Al Rahal Left Iraq To Promote Its Music

All Iraqi pop stars have the same look...dark shirts, open chests, fancy eye shades and greasy hair. But when they sing, each has his/her own style. They do wonders singing the blues, just checkout Akram Al Rahal, an Iraqi import who lives and performs in Syria and in any place where Iraqi music fans live..

I must admit it's very hard to find info on many of those young Iraqi singers, they do not seem to focus on building their online brands. I try in Arabic/English and little comes. Akram is a Baghdad native who attended a local Iraqi music institute. But he also played soccer in a local club. But in 1999 he left for Jordan. His first TV appearance on in 1993.

Akram works with local Iraqi poets who give him some of their best work, which he turns into pop songs.

 Akram Al Rahal - Rouh Nam / اكرم الرحال - روح نام