Anti-Islam Film "Innocence of Muslims" Kills People

For starter, I wish we Muslims do not get worked up as much about things that are offensive to us. This rage can be used against us and it certainly can be used to harm others among us. If we get upset every time a moron makes a vile movie about Islam, draws a cartoon of the prophet, or says dumb things, we are in trouble. Because certain people will use that to get us to react in a certain way to show others that we are not civilized. But this is what we have to deal with. We should not kill people even if we do not like them, this should be our attitude. Having said that, I'm a free speech absolutist - but I'm not an anti-religion absolutist

The teaser movie "Innocence of Muslims", depicts Muhammad as a fraud and a womanizer. that has been making the rounds on the internet had 54 actors in and and close to 50 people behind the camera it cost 5 million dollars to make. We are also being told that it was financed by a 100 Jewish funders. The director of the film is an Israeli who lives in California and now is in hiding. He made this movie despite the facts he knows what will happen. He now has blood on his hands. Why did he release the movie now?

Now this is where my opinion kicks in, Obama is trying to get elected and he is having to answer a lot of questions. Now he has to explain to the American people about the death of American diplomats in Libya and trouble in Egypt. It will not make things easier for him. If anything many ultraconservative Israelis seem not like him and are more interested in seeing him gone. The preview was also released on the 11th anniversary of 9/11.

It seems the director wants to see this get worse, he is adding gasoline to the fire....with statements like "Islam is a cancer" and 100 Jewish people funded my project. I think most Jewish people are smart enough not to put a dime for such a project. And then this is this annoying Coptic activists lawyer who has been attached to the film. He is a disgrace to his people and he is making his life much worse for his peers. He is not helping them. For this reason, more than a 130 Coptic group have spoken out against this film and the activist.

News from this film overshadowed a very important trial in Egypt where the verdict was handed on September 12, 2012. The Arab world most famous comedic actor Adel Imam was cleared of charges that his movies disrespect religions and promote vice. This was a key moment as most entertainers in Egypt watched with interest this big trial. Unfortunately, the film, embassy events and the casualties have been the news.

The movie goes out of its way to insult Islam and the prophet. The film has nothing to say about Islam and rather an assortment of ill informed and vile interpretations of events that taken place 1500 years ago. The crew had the right to make a movie about this, I also have the right to scream fire in a packed movie theater or tell the bus people there's a bomb. This is all free speech, but we all self censor our speech for the betterment of everyone. Aside from the obvious white washing where the cast is largely made out of white actors, this movie has a bad taste and no artistic integrity.

I have said before, the West should not fear weak Muslims nor strong ones, they should only fear those who feel disrespected. It's then when people feel vulnerable and their acts do not always make sense. I hope the film crew are feeling extra excited today as they watch their country men murdered by angry mob upset with a movie they made to advance their lunatic agenda.

On a personal note, a cousin of mine was murdered (and his body was disrespected) by a mob in June 2007 in Gaza. I am not the one to approve of mob justice.  

Update: The American patriots should think abut how one Israeli filmmaker is making the world is more dangerous place for Americans. It only takes an idiot to rally up the easily offended religious mobs. Why did he chose America, not Israel as a place to make his vile movie?

Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman on US Embassy protests
   

The Sheikh Who Listens To Metal Also Wants To Ban Elissa, Haifa, and Nancy

One religious Sheikh took to Twitter to attack some ladies who like to sing and made a career out of entertainment. Meet Fadel Suliman, a preacher who spreads the message of Islam took an interesting turn when he attacked three lead pop stars. (The story can be read here in Arabic)

Mr. Fadel admitted to liking Hard Metal in his youth he would go to concerts to enjoy this kind of heavy metal rock. However Heavy Metal Rock has a crappy name in Arabia as many marry it to devil worshiping. So the sheikh defended heavy metal and argued that going to concert for Elissa, Hiafa, and Nancy Ajram is closer thing to worshiping Satan.

The religious figure disagrees with people who want to ban Heavy Metal like the calls in Egypt now as some calls have been made to cancel concerts at the El Sawy Culture Wheel (more here). He defends his favorite kind of music yet attacks people for going to female concerts. Fadel belongs to the Muslim brotherhood and has made similar calls in the past about certain female singers. He has even doubled down and attacked other Lebanese songstress like Marwa and Nicole Saba.

Fafel Suliman is a Muslim preacher who comes to the United States and talks about Islam, he has authored a number of books on his religion of choice.

Why is making this case now and why is he only picking on entertainers form Lebanon are my questions.

إسلاموفوبيا - الإسلام انتشر بالسيف (بدون موسيقى)

If You Go To Bars, You Need To Watch Mixologist - Music Video

At first there was a bartender, but as affluent young people have always looked for the next big thing, some new profession emerged....mixologists. Those are glorified bartenders with attitude. They are often found in posh bars serving overpriced alcohol to richer people or people who tend to be on the pretentious side.

Mixologists of the world do strange dances with one's drinks and shake things up as they are part of some fancy show. I think it's stupid, but it's a reality most have come to embrace. Not one rapper who wanted to channel his frustration with those fancy clowns.
 
The rappers in this video have a great sense of humor, I only hope that guy who mixes drinks--not just serve them has the same virtue. The rap song does feature some stunning moments in the bar, fire and ice drinks and a lot of flavor.

Mixologist - Music Video

"I'M Waiting" Nader Guirat Deserves The Wait

The year was 2008 when a young Tunisian man walked into the set of Star Academy season five and people let him into their homes. Nader did duet songs with just about all the stars one loves including Cheb Khaled,  Karl Wolf, Massari, Ahmed Al-Sherif. Nader left the show with a lot more experience and a bigger fan base that wanted to see more of the young artist.

This multi talented singer who has performed in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Arabic. Through the song below, one can track Nader's musical influence--Pop, Rock, Acoustic, Alternative, Metal, Classical Music, Oriental Music and Comédie Musicale.

And impressive turn in Nader's career is his collaboration with the with music arranger Michel Fadel and ‘The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine’, where the song video was shot. ‘L’Ange Perdu’ received best song of the year award from Tunisian radio stations

Now few years later, he is back with a new single in English and with an American singer whose vocals are a perfect match for Nader's. Nader showcased his guitar skills to my amusement, the guy is no poser, he is the real deal. He does have a true crossover appeal, as his language and multi-talents will open doors for him, he shows a lot of energy for live and accosting performances.

This year, along with Dylan Lloyd , a fellow contestant in Crimea Music Fest, Nader released his most recent work “I’m Waiting”. A passionate song that shows another perspective of Nader’s promising music talent. And it doesn’t end there, this multi-cultural music talent still has a few projects up his sleeve His new album is due to drop soon, I know foe which I will be waiting.

“I’m Waiting” was written by Nader Guirat and his friend Dylan Lloyd, the song was mastered and mixed by another freind who likes this kind of hot music, Aymen El Guedri. This is a song two friends who like music and have a passion for good projects came up with. America's Dylan Lloyd featured in his ballad a new comer that goes by the name Nader Guirat who also co-wrote this track

So where do two musicians like this meet? Don't worry, they mean on something called the famous TV show in Ukraine called "Crimea Music Fest" last September 2011. I like this song, it sounds like what would a rock band working in a garage can produce. 

Nader Guirat feat Dylan Lloyd - I'm Waiting

Somali Canadian Hybrid K'naan Is "More Beautiful Than Silence"

More Beautiful Than Silence  was well received by critics where each track sounds completely different from the last, and although the record could be a pop smash, his message is never diluted in the melody.
K’Naan has the skills where his music packs creative melodies, poetic storytelling, and  the aspiration of an entire generation. soaring dreams on More Beautiful Than Silence. Die hard fans fans will love this musical treat, but the reality remains, are we ready for his next big thing? I do not think we are as a full project form this rapper will make waves in the rap industry.

I am comfortable to claim that his poetic lyrics come from his bringing and his culture where Arabia intersects Africa creating a beautiful lyrical miracles that were picked by young K'naan. The american culture provided him with rap as a tool to get those raging emotions out So far he has claimed a place in mainstream Hip-Hop. As far as messaging in music and imagery, I think he can rival household names of the likes Bob Dylan. Since K’naan’s mission is to inspire global change, he’ll welcome mainstream success; if it gets his message to the ears of more listeners, and encourages them to dream big. He is a star that world needs right now...as transfroation in the Middle East, America, Europe and the rest of the world is changing, K’naan brings a teaser for the future of entertainment.

K'naan fuses a wide array of styles and rhythms to deliver his African-influenced rap. He is already Africa's most famous native song rapper when his upbeat tune "Wavin' Flag" became a global hit after it was chosen as the official Coca-Cola anthem for the 2010 South Africa World Cup. A turning point in K'naan's career came as he stood in front of some of the world's most powerful men, stopped his performance to recite a politically-charged poem, blasting the U.N. for its failed relief mission in Somalia." This was a risky business, but K'naan had nothing to lose. After a brief moment of silence, he has earned himself an standing ovation.

Aside form his talent, the rapper comes with a grand story of survival so real and so shocking that it makes most inner city rappers look like they are form Kansas.  This is guy who lived in a war zone and moved into another one where most people tel of a rough life. No questions about it, the lyrically gifted rapper just can't help being a one-upper which makes him a perfect candidate for the job. 

Some have argued that K'naan should hone a message where he would tell his young fans "I did, you can too" message that could help make him a more accessible role model. He comes across as a rapper with a lot of faith as he makes reference to God very often. The internet is filled with K'naan's opinions of war peace and love too. But I think he still has a long way to go to trade in his microphone for a role model.    

"War has a way of making life painfully factual and love has a way of making life completely painfully dreamy, and I wanted to try to be honest about where I'm at in life," adds K'naan, 

K'naan- More beautiful than silence [with lyrics]



Lyrics: turn the light off there's a light on in your heart so let it be your guidens, guidens! Open up your mouth if what you say could be more beautiful than silence ok, ain't it funny how the talkers always talkin' never firing, but always say they cocking and they cocky until they in the parking lots suddenly they got parkinsons, they can hardly talk. no karate buddy, no pilates buddy it's a new game, no Atari buddy body chalk, well i'm used to bodies chopped i've seen shit to give new meaning to the body shop look, i know you think i'm so righteous but mother fucker, i'm also into rifles tryna tell these niggas i'm a baby in his diapers i'm on my own shit, lighters i don't disseminate, i got my name in... i don't discriminate, i got friends who are snipers but some of them ended up being lifeless cause they kept silent, survivors. turn the light off there''s a light on in your heart so let it be your guidens, guidens! open your mouthy, if you would say could be more beautiful than silence. i'm the quiet type, breathe and steady never small talk speak when necessary in the streets, i see niggers chops with machetes my jamaican girl say 'talk to me baby!' what''s on your mind can't say ... ..death do its part, memories, i marry got a library with no lies baby and all the books look like they're made of strawberries. it ain't easy being me cause my own fans can't relate to my streets and my streets can't relate to those in the east but i'm beats, so i make bread on release. I'm releasing my demons, give the beat it's life like I give a fetus semen. feel the kick in your belly, that's freedom breathing don't say nothing, cause now we're dreaming! turn the light off it's a light on in your heart so let it be your guides, guides! open your mouthy, if you would say could be more beautiful than silence, silence. oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence oh, oh, oh, silence, silence

The Hardcore Guitarist And Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooter

Some people make a killing in music, some musicians just flat out kill people. Most people who play music are the ones who like to promote peace and understanding, but not this one guy. He used his music for hatred  While the facts are all being sorted out, but the Sunday shooting in Wisconsin at a Sikh Temple where at least 7 people have lost their lives--including the gunman, now we learning something interesting;

Per Gawker 

Wade Michael Page, the 40-year-old Army veteran who allegedly killed seven on Sunday at a Sikh Temple in suburban Milwaukee, was a member of white-power hardcore band End Apathy, according to The Southern Poverty Law Center. Some biographical details match: Page was born in Colorado and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina; in an interview with the band's label, the Wade Page of End Apathy says that he's lived in North Carolina and Colorado.

Per the NYT
Page is the leader of a racist white-power band.”They said Mr. Wade played guitar and sang vocals for a band started in 2005 called End Apathy.“This guy was in the thick of the white supremacist music scene and, in fact, played with some of the best known racist bands in the country,” said Mark Potok, a senior fellow at the center. “The music that comes from these bands is incredibly violent and it talks about murdering Jews, black people, gay people and a whole host of other enemies. It is music that could not be sold over the counter around the country.

There goes that argument that musicians are artists as artists are supposed to be fragile and delicate, this man if true was a monster. I wonder what kind of music he was into and I also wonder since he has a 9/11 tattoo if he thought he was gunning down those poor Sikhs thinking they were Muslims.

Fear and Outrage in Wisconsin After 6 Killed at Sikh Temple; Gunman ID'd as White Supremacist Vet

Lindsey Stirling Re-imagines Phantom of the Opera

I have never been a big fan of operas, but there is one that everyone was talking about, the Phantom of the Opera which was later made into a movie, but that was not enough to convince me to buy into it. A little clip on YouTube has manged to do the trick.

The lady behind it is a 25 years old Lindsey Stirling who has attended BYU, the same school that I happen to also hold a degree from. She makes it a lot more fun, exciting and whole new level of spunky. The customs, and the cinematography are captivating. Lindsey is a violinist who rocks out, she makes this art form accessible to so many of us without tarnishing this classical instrument.

I love the bits and the concert scene, Lindsey looks very comfortable performing this song in a number of settings. I cannot wait to see and hear more of Lindsey Stirling who is promising an album in September of this year.

Phantom of the Opera- Lindsey Stirling

Kaoutar Nihad "Nta Li Bghit" Arabs In New York

UPDATED:

Morocco is the country of a million singer and dancer, if you have been watching the entertainment channel of course. In fairness, most of the entertainers who come form Morocco are extremely talented. There's a certain energy singers from Morocco bring, they seem to be very educated and have hail from a great tradition.

A singer who I have yet to decide on is called Kaouthar Nihad, she is out with a new album she was singing in Rotana cafe in Morocco. The music video for her song was filmed mostly in New York in Central Park and Time Square. The two places I know like the back of my hand. The singer is boasting about an American director who shot the music video, I think my college roommate Carlos would have done a better job filming and editing this video.

The outdoors portion is pretty cool, when they crew films indoors, the quality sucks. As for the song, I like the beat I detect a Latin/Hispanic flavor. The lyrics are very Moroccan which in the past has been an upside. The singer might have a lot more to give than she is showing.

On the plus side, this is a complete artist in the sense she knows the song through and through, music lyrics and singing. This sheer fact makes Nihad unique and light years ahead of her peers. To her credit, the song below gets better once you play it few times.

Kaoutar NIHAD Nta Li Bghit Clip Official HD 2012 كوثر نهاد انت لي بغيت

Somali Rapper K'NAAN A Product Of Africa, Arabia And America

I first heard a word of him by one activist friend of mine who has been listening to this young rapper whom he referred to as dope! Then I read a blog post by him on the Somali pirates where he made the case for some of those pirates. I liked his point about how European ships having been stealing the fish resources off the coast of Somali.

K'naan put the pirate activities are put in context. That was 2009, and by 2010 K'naan was the star of Choice for Coke. They picked him to do the official Coke song in time for the World Cup in South Africa. K'naan took the coke deal and did well. Part of his contract was to appear with a number of local and global stars in doing marketing duets for the company. I know in our end Nancy Ajram did the song with him, but he went to every other country and did a song in the local language--he sang in English. Turkey, Russia and other places were on his map.

He did well for the company and was a clear choice as he would go and do all sorts of concerts...and by that he established his global brand. And thus his music followed.

A bit of information on the talented rap master:

K'naan's namesake means "traveler" in Somali, but it's a significant name in Palestine too--The natives of Palestine track themselves to their great father who was named K'naan.

K'naan was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, just as the civil unrest began to shake things off in his beloved motherland. Surival was the key thing for K'naan, his father was living in the States at the time and would send his young song rap songs all the way form the land of rap. K'naan would tune in and eventually pick his trade. At the tender age of 13 K'naan and his family mange to find their way to America to live in Harlem, shortly aftetr they would move to Ontario Canada to join a large Somali community up North. There K'naan  picked up English and as he was confident he started spiting lyrics.


As most rappers would attest, skipping school plays K'naan hit the road and started performing in various venues part of the Direct Current Media. His biggest break came in the UN as he performed in 1999 in Geneva where K'naan  would pile on the international organizations efforts in Somalia. There K'naan left an impression on a Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Youssou would later ask K'naan to contribute to his 2001 album Building Bridges. This project K'naan was able to tour a number of cities around the world.


Some of the names that K'naan collaborated with included Mos Def and Talib Kweli and a performance at the Live 8. Several collaborations and few years later cmae his much celebrated album Troubadour became K'naan's first for the major-label  album. After his track "Wavin' Flag" became the anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. K'naan would follow that by More Beautiful Than Silence EP arrived in 2012. 


K'NAAN - Is Anybody Out There? ft. Nelly Furtado

If You Are Tired Of Arabic Pop Buy The Inevitable Change By Qusai

Arabic pop can feel old sometimes, and the same goes for any kind of popular music. Change is good, and finding something exciting to jam to is priceless. This is about I feel about Qusai, new album "The Inevitable Change" The Saudi rapper who made it huge on Arabs Got Talent.

His stage name is also Don Legend the Kamelion, which makes sense of a TV personality, a rapper and a songwriter who can also be a mean DJ. Qusai was picked by Platinum Records which is based in Dubai and they are releasing his debut album to many--it's really his third.

Qusia is no lightweight, he does have a good brain over his shoulder. Educated in the United States Florida where he has two degrees including an MBA. It's there where he picks his interest in rap and music where he rolled with a number of RB producers. Qusia brought something cool to the rap game. He does have a solid background in both English and Arabic. So when he spits out lines in both languages at the same time, one cannot help but be swoon.

Qusai have hosted a number of TV shows about hip hop and music, he remains active as a TV personalty. He does have a large fan base throughout the Arab world and outside. This might be the upside of having an MBA and a rare talent that many are hungry for.

This will be a good social album with many uplifting messages that youth ought to hear. Perhaps we have the many talents of Qusai to thank for this incredible album.

قصي - قريباً | Qusai - The Inevitable Change - Soon


قصي - يلا | Qusai - Yalla

Is Myriam Faris The Arab Jennifer Lopez?

Before you get upset, hold one a second and read my argument

• Both are wildly successful
• Bot endorse produces and help companies sell stuff including but not limited to beauty products.
• Both are viewed as sex symbols by their fans and observers alike.   
• Both can sing a pop song and bring your energy to a maximum level.
• Both are amazing dancers and recognized and creative dance moves
• Both are bold and both are stylish.
• Both are adored by the guys and copied and celebrated by females.
• Both have done acting roles in movies.
• They both hire world famous choreographer to help them come up with stunning dance moves.
• Both are being attacked by younger pop stars who want their stardom-Myraim is younger than Jenny. 
• And most of all both are strong opinionated  

This conclusion hit me when I saw the dance portion (skip to minute 3:20 if you do not want to see the ego trip) You really cannot help but see how similar they are and how well choreographed their dance moves. She really danced her tail off at the Murex D'or awards where she one the title of the biggest name recognition in Arabia and best in show.

I do not think she was a big hit in 2012, she has not released an album, but she kept in the news and kept herself busy.  

Myriam Fares Best Show Star and The most popular of 2011 - Murex D'or awards 2012

Stupid Guys Song By A Passionate Lebanese

The guy is asking his girl to be proud as she walks in the streets. Why does he wants her to do that? He wants her to tell the folks she is with him and thus she must be proud. If this is not obnoxious, I do not know what is. Walk tall, hold my hand and do not be bothered by your family or anybody, we are together.

Sijal is his name...Sijal in Arabic means a fight. Maybe that's why he is feeling testy in his single. I do like the part where he tells her not to sweat the small stuff. So he is asking her to ignore her family--the ones who raise her and only pay attention to him and what he wants her to do.

I do like the beat, and I think Sijal Hachem has what it takes vocally to do weddings and concerts in Lebanon, he can get people excited and ready to party. I think the lyrics might be well recived by some, I might have been living away from home so some time.

 سجال هاشم- ارفعي راسك / Sijal Hachem- Rfa3i Rasik 2012

Sofia Al Marikh 2012 Album ألبوم صوفيا مريخ - تهواك

Call her the butterfly of Arabic pop, she is certainly one of the better known voices in Morocco. Sofia is one of those super sensitive souls who manes to recreate all those sensitivities though her voice and her music. With her sweet and gooey style, the sky is the limit. Sofia came to fame when she appeared on Star academy and sang in three languages so beautifully.

So her new album is out, and she is doing half English songs and half Arabic ones, they are very romantic songs and she seems to have made all the right calls. This time she comes back with the help of Jermaine Jackson. This is a dreamy album the kind every girl is raised believing in. Just believe in imagination and romance and remember good things happen to those who take a chance. If the duets on this album do not move you from the inside, I do not know if anything else can. Sofia has three duets, and the are AMAZING

Sofia's talented was noticed beyond the Arab world which explains her duo with Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson, dedicated for Barry White. Together they collaborated on "My First, My Last, My Everything". The song is in the new album. I just think it was marketed poorly. The cover songs in the album are worthy of this songstress' stunning career.

Update: according to one comment on the blog, this is not an official release album, but an assortment curated by a fan.

01.Just A Kiss
02.Rgali Halmarra
03.Ah Quoi Bon
04.Someone Like You
05.My First (Feat. Jermaine Jackson)
06.Tahwak
07.Lalla Lemouna
08.My First (English Version)
09.Allah Yenser Seddna
10.Man In The Mirror
Man in the Mirror - Sofia Marikh - Cover Song 05


Just a Kiss - Sofia Marikh - Cover Song 04

Speechless! Teenage Dream Cover By Marwan Anwer - Katy Perry

Teenage Dream is a global hit song that brought many fans and dollars to American songstress Katy Perry. Many did covers of this super catchy pop song, one cover rendered me speechless. It was done with a lute. It took a young Egyptian to bring this video to life.

Marwan Anwer is born in Egypt family from a Turkish origin. Marwan was taught the piano at age five. Later his old man taught him to play the lute. By age 12 he was good at both instruments. By 16 he has started to work with other instruments.

Marwan has appeared in a number of concerts along with his band at Abdul Moneim Al Sawi's culture wheel. His band is ‘EL MA7ATTAH BAND’--the station. Mawran plays the piano, violin and ney (flute) player. Enjoy this super awesome video....

Teenage Dream Cover By Marwan Anwer - Katy Perry

Songs Of War: Torturing Prisoners With Music

I know sometimes, I joke about some music feeling like torture to me. But in reality some government have been using noise of music to break down terrorists. This sounds like a soft form of torture that might give people a giggle. I know the US likes to go to wars with regimes that torture, or at least that's what they say. Torture is wrong.

Word on the street that the US has been using music to torture some of its prisoners of war or suspected terrorists. I have read about this before during the Bush years, and now Aljazeera English has a good report on it, tracking reports that go back to 2003. Sometimes they would let them put headphones one and tie them into a chair making them listen to loud music. Aljazeera interviewed a former guard who cites rock music being used to bug prisoners. Sometimes, they would play two different songs at the same time an dyes, they are English songs.

Christopher Cerf, creator of the children’s program The Electric Company and an award-winning composer who produced the theme song to Sesame Street, told a reporter recently that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) “perverted” his music “to serve evil” by using his most famous composition to torture prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

Documents made public in 2010 revealed that ten specific torture techniques wererecommended by Bush administration attorneys, although the CIA had proposed 12. Among those rejected were mock burials and prolonged diapering, but among the legal tactics, loud music, threatening prisoners with power drills or guns, physical abuse, simulated drowning and sensory deprivation were all commonly deployed.

In a documentary aired Wednesday, Al Jazeera World

Aljazeera World Songs of War

Madonna To Auction Off Her Memorabilia In Dubai

Madonna to auction her belongings in Dubai. Why not and the world's sleaziest tax dodgers call it home. Making Dubai a very fine city a capital for white collar criminals and people who lack a culture of their own so they go on and buy themselves one.

Madonna has so many concerts and she does them often, but if you want more of her, there are 50 items that Madonna has wore or used during her reign of world's pop of 3o years. As you can tell, the items are being sold by some American or British company who figured they can make some money in Dubai selling some celebrities trash. The English speakers who gave the interview seem to know what they will do....$2000 and $600,000 a piece.

Keep in mind Madonna who is a die hard fan of the state of Israel and a supporter of that state will have a concert in Dubai and most concert goers will overlook that little details about this diva's political stands on a state that has brought so much pain to the Arab people, a state that has assassinated people in Dubai itself..

مقتنيات مادونا للبيع في دبي

Raef Transforms Pop Hits Into Islamic Lyrics

Something strange has to happen when a Muslim singer makes it big. It happened to Sami Yusuf, Maher Zain, and now I am seeing it with Raef. Once they start a strong base, they have to flaunt a ring. It seems that many Muslims get on their case to see if the singers are doing this for the babes or for the right reasons.

Sami Yusuf in 2005 I think had to take a picture on the album of his and show his ring. Maher Zain wrote songs for his wife. And now Raef, the American bred singer of cool covers is showing his ring in his latest music video. This means he is not a big name.

I did see Raef perform two years ago in George Washington University for a function for the Muslim Student Association. He was good and his sense of humor was impressive. Raef's latest cover is "I'm Yours" By Jason Mraz. Making a music song out of a popular hit is not easy because one sets the bars too high. Luckily Raed was able to do a fine job. I adore his modern take on faith inspired music.

Raef had a sweet voice and the way he flows is worthy of an A list pop star. Raef does something many Muslim singers have not tried to do before....taking hip songs and customizing them for Muslims. This is a man and his guitar sort of entertainment.  

Raef - [Rabbee] I'm Yours (Jason Mraz Cover)

Paul Jabara, The American Lebanese Hit-Maker

While doing some research--trust me, I do it sometimes, I came across a little know American composer who comes form Lebanese origins. His name is the late Paul Jabara (January 31, 1948 – September 29, 1992). While his music is the best thing about Mr. Jabara, this American actor, singer, and songwriter. Here's how I stumbled upon him. Jabara wrote Donna Summer's "Last Dance" from Thank God It's Friday (1978). A hit song that won awards and helped shape the career of then young Dona Summer.

But Jabara was the creative force behind many hits like that one of Barbra Streisand's song "The Main Event/Fight" from The Main Event (1979). Jabara also cowrote the Weather Girls hit, "It's Raining Men" with Paul Shaffer (David Letterman). This was his last major successful track. Unfortunately, Jabara career lost steam as the Reagan era loomed.

In 1979, Jabara won both Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song performed by Donna Summer, "Last Dance". Jabara's album Paul Jabara & Friends, released in 1983, features guest vocals by a then-20 year old Whitney Houston. It also includes the song "It's Raining Men". That song was later re-recorded several years later by drag supermodel RuPaul and Martha Wash. Wash sang on the original recording as part of the group the Weather Girls.

Jabara won the Acadamy Award for Best Original Song in 1978 for 'Last Dance'--picture is taken from that event. The song was the theme to the bizarre disco movie Thank God It's Friday starring Jabara himself, a very sleazy Jeff Goldblum. Jabars's friendship with Donna Summer brought them together on many adventures. Like they did in Foggy Day/Never Lose Your Sense Of Humor. This is a really great tune if you're into disco at all.

He passed away in 1992. This is one many very few Arabs are aware of him and those who know the name should look him up, this was one phenomenal composer who have given the world of entertainment so much. There are many gifted Arab American musicians, not to forget the great Dick Dale. For more on Paul Jabara, visit his official website

Paul Jabara - Honeymoon In Puerto Rico SUPER DISCO

"About A Girl" By Lara Iskandar

Her album sold big in Lebanon, but the album has yet to be released in Egypt--it has not even been leaked either. Lara Iskandar, the daughter of a Lebanese American mother and an Italian Egyptian father born and raised in California

Lara is claimed by Egypt, but her music is can be claimed by anyone. I think Lara worked hard to get where she is. I like her personality and I think she might be for real. Talented songs by three languages...Arabic, English and Italian.

Watch this interview with Lara, English creeps in. While Lara might have come from a rich background, she says that the love of the fans cannot be purchased. Her next move is releasing her album in Egypt
Talk of the Town - Lara Iskandar - حديث البلد - لارا اسكندر

Malek Jandali And ADC Everyone Wins

Finally, Malek and ADC reach an agreement about the situation they had last year when his invitation and subsequent actions caused a fire storm and legal actions. Almost a year later, comes this:

The statement on His Matter:
April 12, 2012 -- The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expresses regret to Malek Jandali and his fans for the unfortunate circumstances pertaining to the performance of his piece “Watani Ana” at the June 2011 American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee National Convention. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee regrets any action that may have given the impression that Mr. Jandali’s invitation to the event was withdrawn, and that his song “Watani Ana” was nevertheless played at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee annual Gala.


The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee is pleased to announce that an amicable resolution with Mr. Jandali regarding this matter has been reached. Mr. Jandali is a composer & pianist of the highest caliber. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee will continue to support him and his powerful message of peace, freedom and harmony. It is in this spirit we hope to move forward and continue to build our grassroots network, as we work to empower Arab Americans.
###

Now

Malek is a gifted composer and pianist, ADC did not handle his matter very well and they have acknowledge as much. But there's no denying that he has benefited form this matter and the fiasco fowling ADC's decisions. It should come not as a victory, because if ADC loses many of us lose. After all it's an organization for the community. I have supported Mr. Jandali's stand on Syria and his struggle to get his song heard. However, since then I have become more cynical about the events in Syria. It's not a black and white issue.

I am ready to move forward, and I hope Malek will put this behind him. WE may disagree sometimes, but there's no reason why we should try to tear one another apart. There are plenty of other people who are already doing that. ADC will always be there helping many in the community and reminding American policy makers of the great American mosaic. I'll drink to that.