Listen: Egyptian Diva Changes Her Dialect جديد - اغنية شرين - الليلة رمادى | 2013

Pop diva Sherine agreed to take part of one of the biggest intimate parties in the Gulf--Jalasat style. In the Khalij, folks like to sit down when they listen to their music, and so is the artists. Everyone is sitting surrounded by musicians and spectators. They sing in local dialects, and it seems like one of those formal/informal sittings.

Most artists who do these kind of concert formats are often well-paid and tend to be local artists. More and more Morocco artists are getting into the business. But the surprise was Egyptian performer Sherine who has never sang in any other dialect other than her own. So, she appeared to be having fun on the set of Jalasat, and I tell you, she has gotten the right words and pronunciation down. And the new song we heard is about the grey night--not to be confused with 50 shades of grey.

While, I do not love her new look and her hairstyle, she made quite the impression on viewers as she dazzled them with her very strong voice. The folks in the Gulf think the world of big Arab names who sing to them in their own dialect. This appearance will open Pandora's box on Sherine who will certainly be called for concerts and weddings in the affluent region.

 جديد - اغنية شرين - الليلة رمادى | 2013

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

Listen: Carole Samaha - Wahshani Baladi / كارول سماحة - وحشاني بلادي

And the first teaser from her upcoming album keeps me guessing  how awesome this upcoming album from Lebanese songstress Carole Samah be? The options are limitless, this is a woman that likes her work. She is very educated about her craft and shops the world for good music and fine styles to adapt into her work.

The soon to be released album is promising to be something that good, I have always been a fan of her work, and her style. She is one of this voices that can sing, yet she does not act like a diva the world owes her something--she perfects her music and keeps her fans and foes interested in her next move. Like her musical which will be playing soon near you--she will dazzle in this big production--The Lady.

In the mean time, her teaser for the upcoming song about missing the motherland, being with loved ones, and the music belongs to the old school style-she sounds coming from her time machine where she went snagged this song and brought it back to the future. The topic is dear to far too many of us, a love story cross borders..the kind the brings home every time. The Rotana people will be busy for some time playing her upcoming music and music videos.

Ms. Samaha, you go lady....you make the music scene far more interesting by adding your worthy voice to the roaster.

وحشاني بلادي - كارول سماحة | 2013 | جديد


 Carole Samaha - Wahshani Baladi (Teaser) / كارول سماحة - وحشاني بلادي

Jad Choueiri Helps Nesreen Bring It--Whatever It Means

Jad Choury directs halfhearted music videos, but when he sings he loses some people out there. He does push the envelop in his music video where sex and outfits triumph good art. But in fairness, good music rarely makes enough of money.

So comes the quick music video with a well placed and effective harmony definitely being a bonus the type of stuff the Beatles were masters of, song structure and rhythm progressions (good parts, good melody changes), and something a bit unconventional to grab my ears. But this is not Jad's specialty.

The overall vibe and feel of the songs he collaborated on. I am also a sucker for instrument harmonies usually on the more subtle side, but sometimes the more heavy handed ones work too. Mix all of that with some catch factor and you're in good shape in my books. He kicks off the song as if he opening for her, then she takes on the stage and gives him her answer--I used to love you, but now engaged.

Although, like I said, it's hard to describe. A lot of the songs I really love maybe have one or two of those only. Sometimes they're really simple. It all just depends. With Jad, you always get something to like and certainly haters gonna hate.

Nesreen - Makhtoba / نسرين - مخطوبة

Iraqi Mohamed Al Fares Delivers Sorrow And Heartache

You Like The One That Hurts You...goes the new song by Iraqi singer Mohamed Al Fares. Dozens and dozens of Iraqi singers keep releasing songs some talk romance, others mention the motherland, they all through talk about love and hurt.

Mohamed sounds like a broken bird--a bird that can fly no more. And now comes his song after he has consumed all options to come to terms with the past. I respect a man who makes music without dozens of dancing ladies and blondes. Mohamed stands out with his sorrow filled tone, heartbreaking melodies and soul reckoning perforanc.

Mohamed Al Fares - Twasal Ba'd / محمد الفارس - توسل بعد

Déjà vu! The Egyptian Revolution and Music

In the first revolution in Egypt of January 25th 2011, the music scene celebrated the movement, it did not shape it and it did not lead it or cause it. The second chapter of the revolution is gaining momentum in 2013 and music is trying to play a bigger role.

More and more songs are coming out against the government and in support of change. This can be good and it can lead to disaster. But when I hear the new song by new comer Mohemd Metwaly talking about pledging to bring an end to all things wrong, I feel like we have been there before.

Metway has even used a clip from the president talking about making things better, when the clip ends the singer goes, " enough with the talk, we had plenty!" There's another quote in the song by Egyptian actor Ahmed Hilmi who likens the current situation to an old and bad film with the same scenes playing over and over again.

 Mohamed Metwaly - kona feen Rayhen / محمد متولى - كنا فين رايحين

This Saudi Prince Gets A Song By Zein Chaker الوليد بن طلال - ملك ٌ كريمٌ -غناء زين شاكر

I love the music for this new song, it's very classy and reminds us of the fine Arabic compositions that no body is making right no. Lebanese singer Zein Chaker is out with a new song for the Saudi Prince Al Waleed, the mogul and business man who also owns Rotana entertainment network

Prince Al Waleed can be seen cool and a fun person, he is a different kind of leader in Saudi Arabia and the world sort of adores him. Chaker's last song was about someone who used to be a guy, and his followup song is a flattery song for the Saudi prince. I must be a fan of the prince because he was the inspiration for this song that feels authentic.

He composed the song on top of writing the lyrics. The artists seems to admire the prince and call him noble king not a mere human. "Because He deserves it" is how Chaker replied to the prince inquiries. I respect this song if it came from the heart. It's an old habit where the old Arabs would shower those who compliment them, tell tales about them with gifts, and rewards.

الوليد بن طلال - ملك ٌ كريمٌ -غناء زين شاكر