The Comeback Plan For Tamer Hosny's Career

At the height of the Egyptian revolution Tamer Hosny was the only person more unpopular than former president Hosny Mubarak. Few people had anything nice to say about the Egyptian pop star, he had simply made so many enemies out there and he did a number of stupid things that made people laugh at his expenses. No need to go in details of his offenses, everyone knows about the epic fail and the meltdown that's well documented on YouTube.

Now that Tamer Hosny has done the sensible thing by getting married, I think he can consider applying one of those suggestions I have for him. If he really wanted a comeback, he should think different now.

1. Work with other stars, collaborate with them. Do not just work with your buddies and other stars who would sit in the backseat and let you be in charge. You will benefit from working with other stars who can carry their own weight.
2. Invest some time to socialize with the stars--go to funerals, weddings and birthday parties. No other star has ever spoke about Tamer being a nice guy who cares about others. Tamer has a reputation that he does not socialize with other entertainers. Making new friends can be a shield for your career. If you are too busy, make a phone call.
3. Stop singing about girls and start singing about women. Not all women are confused teenagers who view you as a father figure. Some of them are smarter than you and do things for a reason not just to make you cry.
4. Stop singing about women like they are cats, they have should you know. Your most famous songs can be easily confusing with a song for a guy who is in love with a pet not a human bring. 
5. Be humble and act like it. Those who worship you are too stupid to matter or even to do you any good. Do not let that all get into your head. Most of your loathe that about you. 
6. Stop suing people for criticizing you. Do not intimidate/bully those who do not have kind opinions about you. Like when they make a movie that alludes to stuff you do in concerts, no need to move heaven and earth to change that. 
7. Stop taking down videos on YouTube that you do not like. Take down all the materials that you have copy rights too--like your movies and your music. Just leave the talk shows who talk smack about you and about some of your antics.
8. Laugh with people, if they tell a joke laugh, you do not have to be the funniest guy in the room or on the set. Make fun of yourself, nothing can humanize you as much as this one can. Do not be too melodramatic and ego driven about things like unfaltering videos. Any publicity is good publicity.
9. And finally, do one thing and do it well. You might be a gifted singer, but you are no wonder boy when it comes to composing music. You sell big movies, but you do not have to write the script and direct the picture. Let other people do their job and reward them for it. No need to slap your name all over the product--give people credit and recognize them.     

Tamer Hosny Law Hakon Gher Leek 2010

Wael Jassar Teams Up With His Lucky Charm Nabil Khalaf Again

Nabil Khalaf (Nabeel Khalaf) wrote a lot of songs in his career. Among his best work are the lyrics he wrote for Wael Jassar religious album three years ago. They both teamed up again the following year.

 This year, they did not release a new album, but rather there's a video for one of their previous collaboration. About a faithful who seeks refuge in Allah, it's a short track of under one minute supplication. In the last 40 seconds you get to see Wael Jassar emerging from a dark corner inside a mosque.

I am one of those people who happen to think Wael Jassar did a great job on those songs, unlike all the others who tried to copy his success (Ihab Tawfik, Reda), none of them sounded as genuine as he does doing such tracks.

 

Reviewed: Putumayo's Arabic Beat Album

Putumayo means “gushing river”, and this World Music label with its motto “ guaranteed to make you feel good,” has just released Arabic Beat, a follow up to its best-selling Arabic Groove.

This river gushes with danceable tracks from artists rocking the popular Arabic/Western vibe that translates well to clubs in the West. (Many of the disc’s artists are based in Europe or the U.S.; such as Noor in Barcelona, Watcha Clan in Marseille, Zein Al-Jundi in Austin, Texas).

Arabic Beat features more of the upbeat Middle Eastern and North African dance music that made Arabic Groove a global success. Inspired by music from across the globe but true to Arabic music’s deep roots, Arabic Beat tells the story of a thriving contemporary scene that stretches across the breadth of the Mediterranean.

Algerian style rai alternates with raqs sharki beats, both taking on Western flavors via sprinklings of instrumental sounds becoming familiar to the melting pot of immigrant communities in Europe. Upbeat like all the feel good Putumayo releases, this disc does contain some thoughts relevant to recent goings on in the Arab world, (Marcel Khalife’s Osfour interpreted here by Watcha Clan, is one.)

 Altogether a good sampling of what might be to Westerners some lesser known names on the contemporary Arabic music scene. The album will be picked by those casual Arabic music listeners who want a musically snack, nothing too complex and nothing too different. If this is something you desire, then pick the album up and take it for a joy ride.

Samira Said - Aal Eih

Sun City Mall Holds The Hottest Concerts In Egypt

Malls are nothing is they are not crowded, they are nothing if the crowds don't open up their wallets. One mall in Egypt is working out a new formula. They want to drive people to come in to the mall by offering dozens of concerts with big names.

Sun City Mall opened in late 2012 and have been drumming up marketing by luring in new customers to the new mall with regular concerts. The mall is self cost close to 500 million dollars to complete. A luxurious hotel is attached the the seven story mall.

Big names in pop much now, would not mind taking a pay-cut to stay afloat as not as many concerts are planned. Sun City Mall books them to perform in their open space where thousands of people can stand in and enjoy the music. The hope those concert goers inside the mall will purchase something. I would say the concerts are free to the public, but this is Egypt so you can never be too sure.

زحمة (إسألينى يا حبيبتى )...بلاك تيما

Ragheb Alama Releases His Fregrance "Notes D'amour"

Ragheb Alama is a business man all around, he makes music to make a living and he appears on TV for the cash  Now comes his latest business venture "Notes D'amour". The Lebanese singer has released a new cologne for man. He has already held a huge event for it in Kuwait and he is about to go to Tunisia to launch it in that country.

I have yet to put my hands on the fragrance, but form the picture is seems to be from the fresh and verde school. Ragheb has posed for the poster of his "Notes D'amour" in the fashion of many of those Hollywood personalities doing the same thing--I still think he could have put on a watch.

Ragheb had plans to launch his cologne in Lebanon but due to the instability there he went on Twitter and blasted the situation over there. So far he has deferred the launch in Beirut. I think selling such products is a smart thing--women celebrities in Arabia have been doing that for some time. Now comes the man's turn in the grooming section.

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

Pop Music Has Gotten Louder and Less Original

You know your dad's old buddies have always told you the music you listen to is too loud. Your old man told you about your favorite pop music "it's unoriginal" I think they might have been speaking some truth to you.

Because as we learn today about a computer analysis of nearly half-a-million songs recorded between 1955 and 2010 and reported in Nature Scientific Reports Thursday. “We have been able to show how the global loudness level of music recordings has consistently increased over the years,” study author Joan Serra of the Spanish National Research Council said in an email exchange.

Similarly, the team found the diversity of chords and melodies has “consistently diminished in the last 50 years”. “This yields a clear recipe for contemporising old songs: using more common chord changes, changing the song’s instrumentation, and record it louder,” said Serra.

The study spanned a variety of genres, including rock, pop, hip hop, metal and electronic. “Much of the gathered evidence points towards an important degree of conventionalism, in the sense of blockage or no-evolution, in the creation and production of contemporary Western popular music,” said the study.

I am sure Arabic pop is not much different, it has gotten a lot louder, thanks to Euro trash and house music invasion. Plus, the lyrics have been recycling for ages now, we just have to have a long term memory. At least, this is what science has concluded. I would add, thanks to having songs written by teams now, no longer would one person author one hit alone----it takes a village to doctor a good song.  

Nasr Mahrous and The Making (and Marketing) of Top Pop Stars

Sherine Abdelwahab, Tamer Hosny, Baha Sultan, Diab, Suma, Khalid Agag, Mohammed Foaud, Mohammed Mohie and a dozen more household name in Egyptian pop have all been branded and brough to the spotlight by one humble Egyptian man that goes with the name Nasr Mahrous, a music producer. Nasier owns the label Free Music and was the guy who made stars before Rotana ever could. He made and produced top quality songs turning them into hits. Nasr seems to be most proud of his collaboration with the late legendary singer Mohammed Roshdy.

the last thing, I have seen of his work was the music video for Baha Sultan, a really good one that cam elate last year. Nasr knows all about shots and production. Nasr is a producer, director, lyricist and and if needed to, he can sing. Nasr's father was a music producer before him and Ameer, Nasr's brother is one of the top sound engineers in Arabia. This is the work of an all Cairo family that likes the business and the art side of their work.

Nasr started in the 80s by selling cassettes and distributing them around Egypt. In the 90s he started releasing a series of various artists under the label Free Mix--those sold huge. That also included a Free Baby tape, that had many silly but lovable hits. Nasr uses a decent formula, which is making mix tapes for new names, if those names have hits, then he and produced them an entire album. Nasr has tried his hand on feature films by releasing Captain Hima, a romantic comedy with Tamer Hosny and Ziena.

Some of those stars might not work with Nasr's lable, but they still all refer to him as big brother who gives them advise as needed. Perhaps the two names who are considered Nasr's greatest commercial success, I would count Tamer Hosny and Sheine, they are the biggest money maker in Egyptian pop at the moment.


Making of "Soma - Da Habiby" كواليس كليب "سوما - ده حبيبي"

Making of "Shirene - Mabtefrahsh" كواليس "مابتفرحش - شيرين"

Making Of "Khalid Aggag - Wahdany" كواليس "وحداني - خالد عجاج"

Saad Ramadan Sings Like A Star, Talks Like A Drug Junkie

I like his music but I love to hate the way he talks. It might be the Lebanese thing, why do people like Saad Ramadan talk like they have been given some kind of drug? The guy is hot, the guy is smart, and he makes good music. He had half a dozen of concerts this summer and his biggest were in Algeria--a country he did not know he was known in.

So he sat down with Elaph and talk about his success and his hard work. I do not like the bit when he talks about his plans and activities, he should stick to music and romance. His talking pattern might alienate some people. His new album should be dropping by soon.

سعد رمضان نجاح ممتد من الجزائر الى الجنوب اللبناني

Rotana Spoils The Hell Out Of Shatha Hassoun

I think a certain Lebanese romance singer is no longer Rotana's favorite star. The Saudi company and its mangers seem to be fixated on the Iraqi Moroccan singer Shatha Hassoun. She is younger, more exciting and books tons of concerts in the high paying Gulf market. She is also popular in Lebanon too and a Huge deal in both Iraq and Morocco.

So, at the end of the day, it's all business, and she makes money. While she may not been a diva yet, and while she has a carer of about five years, she seems not to have any sings of slowing down. That's why she got a cool music video coming up and the network is promoting this video--which was filmed in Dubai.

Shatha's promo for here Aladdin and the magical lamp, she is rocking the red dress! I think the video will follow soon.

ROTANA Shatha Hassoun Video Clip Teaser : Alaa E'Dine / شذى حسّون - علاء الدّين

Simple Lahzet Da3f - Moustafa Amar / جزء من اغنية لحظة ضعف - مصطفى قمر

Moustafa Amar is back with a new movie, the movie will not screen in the Eid season, this is his first movie since 2010--his last movie did not do so well. Moustafa Amar was a box office sensation in the mid 2000, but then things changed and he has not manged (or found) a movie that will make top dollars. Due to conflicting sechduels and maybe tough competition the movie has been delayed until further notice.

"Lahzet Da'ef" is the film's title. I am hoping this latest movie of his will do the trick. The plot seems a bit dated, Amar runs an advertising company and then he finds himself caught in a murder, so he runs for his life and tries to proof his innocence. The movie did start to film in October 2011, but due to a number of production issues, the movie was not finished this May 2012.

We got a teaser of the movies' main song, it carries the title of the movie as well and seems to put Moustafa back in the zone.

Simple Lahzet Da3f - Moustafa Amar / جزء من اغنية لحظة ضعف - مصطفى قمر

It's OK! Mohamed Diaa Praises The Lord

Mazzika, the Egyptian music production company is too busy making religious themed songs this Ramadan. After all, they would need new stuff to play during the month. Aside from Ramadan, they showcase dance music videos, but in Ramadan they tone it down.

One of their subcontractors is composer Mohammed Diaa who really makes good music for other singers, but he has made half a dozen very well regarded romantic songs. But he has also released at least two other songs this Ramadan--supplications

His soft voice can draw the humble picture very well and that what it takes to make a religious themed songs. Those do not understand the song, will like the imaged and shots in the video, some of them are from the gorgeous nature.

Ana Kont Eah - Mohamed Diaa انا كنت ايه - محمد ضياء

Listen: Wael Kfoury 2012 Album البوم وائل كافورى يا ضلى يا روحى

If your comeback album of 4 years has only 8 tracks, I think it's safe to say that as a star you might have to ask yourself "Do I still got it it?" Now, we want you all out there to buy original albums, and I know this is not cool when an album that you have been waiting for comes with this number of songs. But to his credit, he did not include any of his many singles he has released on the span of two years.

Now the cat is out of the bag and Lebanese romance/pop singer Wael Kfoury has released his album with Rotana. He has been holding the album for more than two years on the hopes he finds a good distributor. Now the album has landed and I am not disappoint in the material, it's still too early to call those kind of shots, but in the song count.

8 tracks was the right number for cassette albums, not songs on CD. Most opt for 10 to 12 tracks, an 8 and 4 years to make does not tell much. Let's be honest, if a lady wants to be serenaded, she would want Wael to be the guy to do that. He sounds like he has a lot of love and faith to give. Not sure if the guys still think he has the halo he once had, but his fans might tell a different story.

01.Enta Falait
02.Gharabook
03.Hal Ad Bahebak
04.Hata Naltaki
05.Mesh Masmouh
06.Safha We Tawaita
07.Wailk Mn Allah
08.Ya Dale Ya Rohi

Wael Kfoury - Ya Deli ya Rou7i new 2012

EXCLUSIVE Nahwa - Lansob Kheima / نهوى - لانصب خيمة

2012 should be the year Arabia has met the reincarnation of one of its music legends. I am speaking of the legend of the singer Samira Tawfik. The singer who has that honor of being compared to Samira is a new lady that goes by the name Nahwa. She is performing under the Rotana music label and they just have let her new single out and I could not help by make that Samira Tawfik reference 

I am hardly the first one to draw that conclusion, Lebanese singer Wissam Al Ameer seems to agree with me. Among Nahwa's fans is another music mogul Tarek Abu Judeh--the man behind many of Yara's hits. The video below shows how popular is young Lebanese singer as she has a New Year concert at home where it was packed.

I do not know much about her thick eyebrows, but it might be a nice throwback to that era. The genre of music is the Bedouin style and dialect, something that has really been missing for the past decade. Enjoy the music and appreciate.

EXCLUSIVE Nahwa - Lansob Kheima / نهوى - لانصب خيمة


Nahwa @ New Year 's Eve 2011 | 2012 نهوى في حفل ليلة رأس السنة

Samira Said Sells Apartments In Her Real Estate Ad

The economy must be tough, while singers are not making much new music, they are now fine with making ads, some are selling soft drinks, and how caffeinated drinks, promoting summer resorts, now enters the market iconic Moroccan diva Samira Said.

Samira has agreed to appear in an ad where she is promoting an company that sells condos and apartments i in Morocco. Samira is back, she looks incredibly youthful and pumped up for the occasion. This ad is airing t=during the holy month and Samira is all in for Addoha.

The promo song is in the local Moroccan dialect which is not too hard to comprehend. This is smart move as the ad will go international and prompts Moroccan all over the world to buy one of those united sold by Addoha.

While not appearing in ads Samira Said is working on her new album that is set to be released toward the end of the year.

Samira Said's Real Estate Ad 4 Addoha - الاعلان التلفزيوني لسميرة

Majida/Magida El Roumi Really Loves Lebanon

There's no other person in Lebanon who can have a candid and informed conversation with the Lebanese nation as much as Magida El Roumi can. She is one of those voices that you know has her country Lebanon in her heart and mind. She does not do politics, but rather speak common sense to politicians who are either incompetent or focused on their own interests. 

Magida has delivered a speech once before about the frustrations she sees and lives at home, everyone talk notice of her words and cheered her when she was done. It looks like Magida is not done and will never stop caring about Lebanon. She has delivered yet another speech in a place packed with the suites, who stood there as she spoke truth to them

The venue looks like a church building, but it was really at the American University in Beirut where Magida was receiving an award. There, it seems Magida has people's attentions, many beautifully dressed children line behind her....but right before the event finishes, Magida sang. Elaph caught up with a number of music producers who expressed their opinions about the album and the homeland

كلمة نارية للرومي خلال تكريمها بالجامعة الأميركية

LISTEN: Wael Kfoury 2012 Album وائل كفوري حصرياً

Rotana has made nice with Wael Kfoury and they are about to release his new album next week. This is his first in more than four years. The romantic Lebanese singer did not mind the wait, he seemed not to really car much for new albums--he was still busy with concerts and tennis.

But finally the money is here, and we get to hear the first new song on his album, it's a romance for sure and its his genre. The interest has embraced the album and went crazy about the thought of a new Wael Kfoury album. I know the ladies are his biggest fans.

There's a whole new look for the handsome romance wonder, he is going for the beard. Something of a conquistador look with bling, and a thick hair. I think a lot has changed in those four years, and some young people might have missed the Wael boat, not sure how the timing of the release, a week prior to the end of Ramadan would play out.

enjoy the new single

Wael Kfoury - Ya Dalli Ya Rouhi / وائل كفوري - يا ضلّي يا روحي

"Layalina" 2012, The Album No One Asked For

The marketing monkeys at Rotana met with the department of packing old crap no body cares about and together they put forth an album that offers nothing new and nobody seems to have noticed it. The singers come from Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Iraq and they sing in different dialects.

 In this day and age, you cannot get away with releasing an album with 6 tracks of no original material and no theme. What does Elissa have to do with Majid Al Mohandis and Rashid Al Majid? and what does Carol Samah have to do with Abdel Majid Abdallah?

1.  اليسا - جوايا ليك Elissa Gowa Ya Leek
2. راشد الماجد - سلام عليهم Rashid Al Majid Salam Alyhom
3. عبدالمجيد عبدالله - مااذكر متى Abdel Majid Abdallah
4. فضل شاكر/ يارا - خذني معك Fadel Shaker and Yara Kedny Ma'ak
5. كارول سماحه / مروان خوري - يارب Carol Samaha and Marwan Khoury Ya Rab
6. ماجد المهندس - فرصه مجنونه Majid Al Mohandis Forsah Majnoonah

These are all talented entertainers with different fans and different strength points. But unlike previous albums, that Rotana did there was a clear theme...romantic songs, sad ones, Lebanese ones....etc. If this album sells 5 thousand copies, Rotana should do a victory dance.  

راشد الماجد ...سلام عليهم

The Great Ahmed Sa'ad Finds God This Ramadan

Ahmed is one of those really and truly unique voices in Egypt, he has becomes one of the busiest singers. His voice is all over the place. you find his voice in politics, TV, movies and now in religion. He has even did a song for a rap album where he might have been the best things about the project.

He has appeared on more TV shows than I can count and he has always seems to be a treat, a guy who does not take himself seriously, he likes a good joke, but also serious about his work. Here's his latest track, it's a prayer/supplication where Ahmed hits all the right notes and leaves nothing behind....you cannot make this track better than he has already done.

A music video for this has also been released it combines an image of the artist and the lyrcis of the song along with some cool graphics....I just found out this is new business adventure where two companies collabotrate one produced the album--Tarek Al Arian's Star Gate and the other distributes--Richard El Haj Pyramedia.

Ahmed Sa'ad - Al Azim "Allah the Great" / أحمد سعد - العَظيم


Ahmed Sa'ad - Allah / أحمد سعد - الله

Can "Arab Booking" Revitalize Entertainment Business in Lebanon?

Booking agencies are all over the states, they maintain a large database of talented entertainers, speakers and such who can be hired for a fee. So a Lebanese guy wanted to bring all these stars under one roof....it's not a new idea. But it seems that the guy behind the company means business. He invited a number of A list Lebanese entertainers for a dinner.

For the look of it, it seems they event was very exclusive. It's no secret that entertainers are unable to get gigs in those conditions. So they want all the help they can get...this is why Arab Booking--the name of the company will be a tool for them. Lebanese singers young, old hip and not so all accepted the invitation and joined the ranks.

Weddings, companies and private parties can all hire one of the entertainers to appear at their concert. Let's get real, I think you can get 90 percent of the /Arab stars for under 10 thousand dollars. You just need to be serious and pay up. It seems at this event stars turned out and enjoyed the dinner. Elaph caught up with them and spoke about their plans and their upcoming projects.

I wish Arab Booking the best of luck, if they can make it a success, why not? I do want to applaud the founder of the company for speaking about the high fees stars ask in exchange for their participation in an event. He said, most of the time, such stars give high fees because they really do not want to take part of an event.

Here's what I would do.....

a short video by each of the company's entertainers trying to sell his act. This video would not be public, but rather a promotional material sent to entities considering booking an entertainer. This has to be a business model, not a game. The company needs to make its mark on the business by not getting in the production business but rather the marketing business. Not o be tempted to sing any talent, but also not to let A list celebrities poison the company by claiming some privileged status. This is important in a world with a lot fo egos, each one has to know they are valuable asset.

 نجوم لبنان و العالم العربي في قبضة Arab Booking ElaphVideo