DOWNLOAD: Nesma Mahgoub 2012 Classy Album البوم نسمه محجوب - هتقولى ايه

In her cover picture for the album, the young and and talented Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub is channeling the legendary diva Asmahan. That tells me more about how the young singer views herself as an artists who can deliver you some really fine songs with her strong voice.

I like Nesma she sounds like one of those opera singers who can rock your world with their really loud voices which they manipulate so well. 12 tracks is what makes the new album, it is Tarab album all around. Classical music has finally found a young gun of Arabic music who really believes in it and want to bring it back in style.

The album is not meant for everyone out there, it's for the grownups among us, the songs are for the mature listener seeking a new thrill in music....it plays like a conversation between Nesma and her listeners. In a way this feels like reading someone else's journal telling us about their life and how they reacted to certain situations.

I am glad the producers have chosen to find this project, the album does something different with Arabic music. Nesma is seeking neither popularity nor cool, her album reminds us of how unique Arabic music once was. So there you have it grow up and believe in the power of dreams again, this album will have a positive and an uplifting affect on your soul. Hope at last.

01.Hat2oly Eh

02.El7elw Malo

03.Betshawer 3a2lak

04. Arfak

05. Mast8nash

06. 2alby We HoraFeh

07. Bast8rab

08. Elly Meganenak

09. Seeb Ro7ak

10. ElHafl

11.Life Wont End

12.Ya Toyour

Nesma Mahgoub - 7at2olly eih - نسمه محجوب - حتقوللي ايه - Distributed by K Music

Nesma Mahgoub - Al 7afl - نسمه محجوب - الحفل - Distributed by K Music

Nesma Mahgoub - 3arfaak - نسمه محجوب - عرفاك - Distributed by K Music

Hatem Al Iraqi, The Savior And Iraq's Hit-Maker

Iraq has seen better days, but hope is not dead. I think that every time I hear a song buy the loyal son of Iraq Hatem Al Iraqi whose name represents the nation. But his voice does more than represents Iraqi, it united a people. His music soothes the soul. Hatem made it big, by keeping it safe....people like Iraqi music because one it's sad, two because the dialect can express sorrow like no other.

No need to sound fake, and no need to go over the top, just fine the right lyrics and Hatem's voice will put his all Iraqi flavor and give you a classic. It does help Hatem that he is a composer so he knows the music through and through.

Watch this clip below where he brought a poet, a real poet to add another emotional layer to this song, Hazem Jabir, this is a song that other Iraqi singers need to copy. Because if they do, you know Iraqi will be back in the lead (musically) in no time.

P.S. What's with Iraqi's obsession with blond models?

حاتم العراقي حازم جابر ربع حبي فيديو كليب وحيد

Michel Fadel, Lebanon's Hottest Pianist Pays Homage To Warda

Michel is an artist popular among those who like classical music--both Western and Eastern ones. Michel is loved by the majority of Lebanon's pop and romance singers because he gives them his heart through his music. Elissa loved the guy and shows up to his concerts and so does many other celebrities.

In his latest concert the pianist composer paid tribute to the late Algerian iconic diva Warda. In the piano he played some of her most famous songs. Michel makes grownup concerts embraced by the elite and the intelligentsia.

He was later joined by a celebrated violinist Dana Dabbous, together they made one wonderful live musical experience. Not sure hoe common is the writing on the piano, most classical artists do not decorate their pianos, but Michel did it to promote his beloved country as its name is all over the instrument.

Tribute to Warda - Michel Fadel Concert 3al Lebneneh in Beirut Holidays 2012

Dana Dabbous performing with Michel Fadel in A3yad Beirut 2012

A Ramadan Classic "Wahawy Ya Wahawy وحوي يا وحوي"

Ramadan songs that stand the test of time are many, and we all love the classics. What some of us also love a classic makeover, like the video below from  female vocalist from Habaybna Band. Wahawy Ya Wahawy is a timeless song that we all have gotten used to listening too every and each Ramadan. It's really old song that has been remade and re-recorded by countless singers and bands.

This video was recorded at a Ramadan music festival in Cairo. I do not recall any singer ruining this song, each time it gets remade, I feel that people stick to the original song.

فرقة حبايبنا - وحوي يا وحوي

Breezy! With Nesma Mahgoub 2012 Album

Egypt's latest young diva who has the newest and strongest female voice in Egypt is about to releases a new album and she is having a concert just for you, the fans. Nesma won titled and impressed judges to bring the golden title to Egypt.

Then she disappeared for about six months, only to come back again and perform a cover song for an indie movie--And her YouTube has been going crazy with comments, and new songs. To her credit, Nesma has the confidence to mange such a strong female voice, it's a strong voice, but there is no shouting. Nesma which means a breeze has also the sincere side and emotional fortitude to do romantic songs. Her yet to be released album seems to have a Gulf dialect song too.

Fame in the post Star Academy world has been tricky for so many, but for starter Nesma seems to be ahead of the game by at least 80 million adoring Egyptian fans
Nesma Mahgoub' Album Concert

The Egyptian Opera Warda Tribute With Khaled Selim

In a wonderful tribute night for the late Algerian diva Warda, the Algerian embassy and Egyptian singers planned this night to walk us through memory lane as the late singer's music came to life with the voices of a host of Arab singers who have nothing but love and respect for this diva.

One of the stars of the evening was Egyptian singer Khaled Selim who has actually appeared with Warda on a TV show few years back when they acted. Khaled spoke for a minute about what Warda means for him and then chose one of her songs to cover.

Khaled has one of the most flexible and capable voices in Egypt nowadays. He transitions from pop to classics in a heartbeat and pull a stunning act each time. This why he is one of the youngest singers to frequent the Egyptian opera--they know he won't disappoint.

Khaled Selm Layalina/ خالد سليم ليالينا

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

Sherine's Divorce And Her Best Song Ever

Five years ago she got married, and two kids later, the marriage is over. This was a surprise move, no one really knows a thing about it. he news just broke and Sherine is not married anymore, but she still keeps a friendship with her ex now. I think, it's timely to play this song of hers about moving forward and forgetting the past. Her ex composer husband Mohammed Mostafa. Both have closed of their cellphone and so has Sherine's manager.

The year was 2005 and Sherine made the jump from a B list pop singer to the A list all around singer who is well versed in all musical styles. While Sherine have had a beautiful career so far and she keeps rocking it with making great music and dazzling concert performances....I happen to think the song of hers-below was her greatest song to date.

There has never been a sweeter song about being sweet when things are bitter than this Sherine gem. Not only do the lyrics deliver one hell of an emotional roller coaster, the acting Sherine is worthy of an award. Back then Sheirne was single and her songs were alive, this picture of hers will be part of her legacy, something she will give to her kids after her.

I adore the music video and the simple nature, a girl, a cause and a chair. Nothing too elaborate just a well acted story of heart breakup. Back then Sherine was with Nasr Mahrous, man who knows how to produce a hit and create stars. Nasr and Sheirnge no longer work together....and Sherine has also announced she is leaving Rotana and producing for herself.

شيرين لازم اعيش

My Dad Used To Jam To Syrian Fahad Blan

When it comes to Arabic Tarab, Syria does not kid around! Syria is the place where legends of this style of music has been made for centuries. Look no further than on of those underrated Syrian legends Fahad Blan. One of Fahad's most famous hits was a song where he is explaining his condition to his loved one.

Fahd passed away in 1997 not before he has made a huge name from hims and his family that comes from a little Syrian town where they used to do menial jobs. Fahad started his career doing odd jobs one of which a bus operator assistant. The bus used to travel to Damascus a lot where he would take part of a competition doing a cover of Syrian icon Farid Al Atrach.... needless to say he made a good impression.

The atis would join the Syrian radio and sing there, then he has his won songs and the rest is history. Fahad had many marriages including Lebanese diva Sabah. Fahabd used to open and present other legends of his time. He was considered one of the top ten artists in the Arab world in his time.


فهد بلان - واشرح لها

Najah Salem, One More Underrated Lebanese Diva

 Najah called Egypt a home and never forgotten that Egypt opened its arms to this lady when she needed a place to live away form the wars. Najah Salam is a Lebanese singer and actress. Born in Beirut on March 13 1931, the daughter of a prominent poet and lutenist, known throughout the Arab world. Like many of her peers Najah started singing in school choirs until 1948, when her father embarked in Cairo to present her to the likes of Oum Kalthoum, Farid Al Atrash, Asmahan.

Her first works came in 1949, as she performed in Ramallah, Baghdad, and Damascus etc. She returned in 1950 to Lebanon to record on Lebanese television some new songs which are Ala Masrahika Ya Dunia, and to also play in several films such as Ala kifek, Ibnu Duat, Alchab Al Asmar, Al Dunia LamaTadhak. She is a Lebanese singer who has masted various styles of singing including the Lebanese folklore songs. .
But Najah's rise to fame came to light in 1956 when her love of pan-Arabism brought her many fans and she traveled to places like Tunisia and Algeria. In 1956 she has also appeared in Cannes where she brought her film to the festival goers.

It wasn't until between 1970 and 1974, when Najah visited each single Arab country and performed there. Her Lebanese songs are far more famous than the ones she did, even though most of her other songs were inspired by Oum Kalthoum. One of the many titled Najah has earned is the one closest to her heart-- Ashikat Masr, the one who swooned by Egypt.

She left Lebanon for years during the war years, and only returned toward the end of her career where she did her country proud and helped enrich the music scene. Najah Salem's musical adventures stand as a testament to our life of live and love of all things gorgeous.
  بالسلامة يا حبيبي بالسلامة


نجاح سلام _ ميل يا غزيل najah salam - mayel ya ghzayel

Magida El Roumi Ghazal 2012 Album ماجدة الرومي البوم غزل

The mighty Soprana Magida El Roumi has struck again, her first album since 2005 sees the light and everyone is happy about it. The album only took 6 and half years to make--a very long time indeed. In a small gathering at a friend's house, the team behind the album gathered to celebrate with the Lebanese diva Magida.

The only person who was MIA is Lebanese composer Melhim Barakat who has given Magida one of her gems on this soon to be released album. Word on the street that Melhim was upset his song was not released as a teaser for the album. Magida's office made the case that they are saving the best for last and that the composer;s song is # 1 track.

Kathem Al Saher wasn't there either, but he has manged to tweet about the album--he composed one epic song for it. The album was released yesterday in Lebanon with a number of radio stations playing songs from it, the album has not hit the internet as of yet and we are waiting to get a copy so that we can review it. Officially the album will be released the first week of July.


Buy this album and share with all those classy people in your life


Magida ElRoumi - Metghayar w Mhayarni - New 2012 - ماجدة الرومي متغير ومحيرني

  

How Did Arabic Music Sounded Like In The 1920s?

Um Kalthoum recorded many songs in the 20s and early 30s. She was not a big name back then, but she was wrothy of being recorded. Frankly, we do not have many recordings Arabic music in that era. But from what we have, we can tell that the music was a little bit different.

The music wasn't the show, it was playing back up to the singers voice, it sounds shy and at times boring. There was no big name composers in that era. The music they had all sounds too similar because they used molds, these molds were the orthodox approach, you could not do something that would stray from that school of music.
 
The one guy who changed all that was Egyptian composer Mohammed Qasabji, he had it in him to try different notes and even borrow from Classical European music at the time. Listen to this song where Qasabji putt he music. He was doing the music of the 20s , then. Later in his career he would try doing something different. Other early one composers was El Sheikh Abu El Ola, he composed many songs for Um Kalthoum early on her career.
  
ام كلثوم ... سكت والدمع تكلم


أم كلثوم - قل للبخيلة - 1928

These Songs Are In Majida El-Roumi 2012 Album Ghazl "غزل"

You will see the album early July 2012, from the Lebanese diva Majida El-Roumi. 14 track of pure golden tracks. Composed by all the ebest composers in the Arab World...where do we begin? Abel Rab Idris, Kathem El Saher, Marwan Khoury, Melhim Barakat, Ellie Choury. The music arrangement and production of all tracks will be overseen by Jean Marie Riachi who has challenged himself by promising a stunning album all around

The album will have a big marketing bonanza, as Majida will headline a number of music festivals in Lebanon and around the Arab world. Ghazal is the title of the album, Flirting as a title even though there is no one song with that title. The album comes 6 and half years after El-Roumi's last album that has received so many positive reviews.  

The music orchestra was conduced with the Budapest Orchestra and mastered in Paris. WE will get various musical treats from the romantic ones, to classical jazz and classical Arabic music. Want more awesome news? Majida wrote 8 lyrics out of the 14, so we are seeing a poet phase that Majida is shedding. I am certain some of those poems/lyrics will attest to her true talent and her high sense of maturity.

Composer Melhim Barakat went out for this album he made one of the most notable songs in the album with a live orchestra of at least two minutes before the song kick into Arabic Tarab style music bringing in Majida into transitional mood form the romantic one into the dreamy one into the groove one in just one song. You cannot study this kind of music, you grow into it. That what makes a perfect ballad, like Melhim and Majida did once before with E3tazalt El Gharam

If you like diferent things, there is one song whose lyrics came from a Nizar Qabany poem and its music come from Kathem Al Saher. The house of the Rahbanis also have a song in the album as well, Majida's late father put the music for that track. The album also brings in some world figures into play like that of Charlie Chaplin and the Russian legendary composer Dimitri Shostakovich.

This is beginning to feel like the album where the best in their craft meet and bring their A game to add to this accomplishment diva. I trust the producers have a heavy task to make this album consistent and flow from one track into another without dramatically affecting the feel of the album as a whole and each song.

ماجدة الرومي : نشيد الشهداء

 ماجدة الرومي : أغنية لا ما رح ازعل ع شي

Malak Qalbi-carthage 2010ماجدة الرومي ملك قلبي

ماجدة الرومي ما تقلي حبيتها

ان كنت اسامح - ام كلثوم The Song That Made Oum Kalthoum's Famous

Umm Kulthum is a star that compares to no one. She has her own category that where she rules as the sole royal. Her voice and style are only her own. But what made her the legend she has become is the love and dedication of her fans to her music. She started singing since she was a little girl and in the early and late twenties she lunched her won career on radio and concert halls around Egypt.

She kept singing for close to 50 years. Recently, the house of opera in Egypt opened up a room that has not been opened for a long time, and there they found a national treasure. 80 to a 100 records of some of the finest songs by Oum Kalthoum. Those songs came out early on her career, and now they have the records of such songs. Among the best discoveries is an old recording of her "ان كنت اسامح" If I am to forgive...you can hear the shaky recording and the voice of that era that we long to.

 It was recorded in 1928 and established a new star that will go on and conquer the hearts of a nation. Other records were also found in that room for other artists dating back to 1932. Here's the song that told them in 1928 Oum Kalthoum is really something like no other.
 ان كنت اسامح - ام كلثوم

Naziha Miftah, Europe's Best Arabic Vocalist

Naziha Miftah resides in Paris, but she is originally from Morocco. Naziha became know for her strong vocals where she performs covers of Fayrouz's classic songs, songs that expats love to appreciate. Naziha has performed with Marcel Khalifah (who also lives in Paris) in his Europe tours. I like her voice, it reminds of a young Salwa Qatrib, a compliment I do not take lightly.

Singing poems from the ancient Arab past as well those of well know Palestinian poet Mahmou Darwish, so you know she is no pop. The kind of music that gives you a journey of your own soul and teaches you how to truly relax. She can do it through her voice or by playing the lute, an instruments she has mastered.

Not too many Arabs at the homeland know of her, but it seems she Arabs living in Europe are familiar with her work and her talent. Ahmed Dari, a Palestinian composer and lyricist has wrote that song below for Naziha, I think since they both live in Paris, this collaboration is only natural.  

Naziha Miftah, ROUH, نزيهة مفتاح٬ روح٬ كلمات وألحان أحمد داري

Relax With Michel Fadel - Aal Lebneni- Enta Omri

Michel Fadel knows a good melody when he hears it, so he recreated one that we already love, he made it a bit cooler or perhaps more up to date in our crowded and speed obsessed world. The Lebanese pianist poured his attention to a classic song composed by Abdel Wahab and made famous be Oum Kalthoum's singing. Inta Omri, or you are my life!

Michel has masters degree in classical piano from the Higher National Conservatory of Beirut. He ended chasing his dream all the way to France where he studied composition and orchestration at the Bologna Conservatory. He is great because he has become the main pianist for the three best Lebanese divas and one legend Fairuz, Majida El Roumy & Julia Boutros. But he has also worked with top players like Wael Kfoury, Assala, Elissa,Saber El Rebaii, Hussein El Jasmi among others

What a soothing musical piece be this handsome young and talented music producer and arranger. He titled it Lebanese but made it a worthy tribute to this timeless Egyptian musical piece. Michel does hold concerts in Lebanon and often celebrities are the first to purchase tickets to see this man in action.

Michel Fadel - Aal Lebneni- Enta Omri

Reem Talhami Captivates Paris With The Classics

The classiest Palestinian singer just performed in Paris last year where her fans and those who appreciate sobering Arabic music lined up to attend her concert. Reem Talhami whose resume includes acting has studied at Robin music academy- Jerusalem. Now she lives in East Jerusalem where she is happily married.

Reem has did amazing songs with the poet of the well known Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. She can perform in three languages Arabic, English, Hebrew. I like her songs as they are not that easy to perform or fall in love. I mean, they are way heavy to digest, you have to be a trained listener who has passion for classics and the folklore.

And by the way I like the Eastern feel as Reeem always picked the right dress for the occasion combing glamour with tradition.

Reem Talhami, Andi Elak, Paris. ريم تلحمي٬ شو كان عندي إلك٬ حفل باريس

Reem Talhami. Arissena, Paris.ريم تلحمي.عريسنا زين الشباب٬ حفل باريس

Aida Al Ayoubi, Arabic Eighties Music

Aida Al Ayoubi is now retired, that means she might be done with music, but music is never done with her. This late 80s and 90s singer has released a duet with a hip band more than a year ago, we loved her vocals and her choice of songs. She had a single last year for Egypt. Aida has always been a dreamer, and for many Arabs 2011 was the year when dreams came true.

The music of the eighties music have a certain magic to many of us who are older than 25 and younger than 40. Thus they will always be that different music that we come to love. Here's an Arabic song that keeps it loyal to the tradition of the 80s. The song is a about a garden rose, but in reality, the song is about more than just a pretty rose.

Aida remains one of the most successful pop singers from that era. Something about her voice carrying more than a song with it, her vocals bring excitement and cheers where ever it goes. Not too many singes can boast about that. Aida uses to chorus of young children in many of her songs

 عايدة الأيوبي - وردة في جنينة Aida Al Ayoubi - Warda

The Only Sabah Fakhri, The Legend From Syria

Sabah Fakhri's music is where you separate the boys from the men and girls from the women. That means you are not born liking the kind of music he sings, you acquire the taste for it. This heavy eastern melodies that blends the best of Spain, Damascus and Iraq music. His kind of music that older people have the taste for. He is for sure the radio voice.

Syrian legend Sabah Fakhri is an icon of heavy tarab music where you sit in one place for hours just listening, and taking in all those lyrics he spits out. The son of Aleppo who has enjoyed 50 years of fame and popularity. Simply put, there are no other singers who can match his vocal strength and the level of harmony of music.

You listen to Sabah if you want authentic unadulterated Arabic music. He has toured the world and the world has loved him back. He has been credited for singing the longest concert ever on the record. Sabah did something no other Arab star has done--he kept away from Cairo. His fame is all based on his work from Home. One of his earliest performances was in 1948 at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Think about the fat lady at the opera....he is our fat lady and then some.

Sabah has been given every award on the books, his music often credits God, Wine, and other supernatural acts. He does not talk to the press, nor does he try to promote himself, his work is his best agent.  He sings for beauty as he seems to be on quest. Enjoy the best songs of his as suggest by one YouTube user.

أجمل ما غنى الفنان صباح فخري

Fayrouz, The Arab National Treasure

I cannot think of one singer who is more beloved that the Lebanese diva Fayrouz who has been an Arab idol for generations. While Fayrouz is still with us, something we are grateful for, we want to celebrate this lady. Fayrouz made so many people happy, but the question is who is out there to make her happy?

I know every Christmas and New Year season, she hold two to three special concerts at home. Her tickers sell in seconds, and the concert has one of the best security out there. One cannot bring his phone into the concert, no media is allowed in....but for that the production company of her son. I am sure these DVDs will surface in time for us to see them.

Nothing brings Arabs together like her music, in the front row, you will find Egyptian celebrities, politicians, wealthy Lebanese and dirty rich Gulf men who know good music when they hear it. Fayrouz no longer tours or travels anywhere. Gone are the days when she came to DC and NY, if you want to listen to Fayrous you have to wait, shell top dollars and go to where she is. In the meantime, here's a list of her top ten songs are curated by some big fan of hers. music top 10 fayrouz P.S. There are currently two Egyptian singers who go by the name Fayrouz, they both offer different music, but in all honesty, they have started good careers.