Joseph Attieh Sings, Plays Keyboard and Drum In Beirut

Lebanon is witnessing the creation of a new pop star, the torch of Lebanese pop might be ready to be passed to the latest sensation Joseph Attieh. He has the sweet style of Ramy Ayach and his mannerism on stage combined it with the dance beat and party voice of Faris Karam and only then you begin to understand Joseph Attieh.

Upon leaving the Star Academy reality show few seasons ago, no other star has worked on his talent as much as Joseph has. He performs songs with a great deal of emotions, but he also feel the music, as you can see from his latest concert in Beirut were he brought down the house.

It's impressive to see how real people's love for this star is, they all look in the camera and say he is like a young brother who has been raised well and comes from a good home. Other musicians say this guy is an artist--he also paints. As far as the concert went, Joseph used it to lunch off his new album, a happy and dance inducing one indeed. He performed some of the songs and got to play the keyboard. In his interview below he told of three songs that he composed himself.

Then he offered to do the same for his peers. So he can now add to his resume, keyboard player, singer, composer, and music video director.

جوزف عطية يختتم مهرجانات أعياد بيروت

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

Toni Qattan, The Guy Who Keeps Jordan Interesting

Few years ago, Jordan almost lost one of its youngest and brightest pop stars, Tony Qattan who was struggling with some serious health issues at the time. Two years later, he is back with force being the live of the party at Amman and Palestine biggest summer music festivals. We have shared his videos in Palestine this summer, and now comes his videos form his Amman concerts.

I like Tony he seems like a natural at this and he has always shown that he can keep the fans pleased with his varying style in between romance and folklore songs. He seems to be one of those happy people who you can tell if he is smiling--he seems to pull that one off very well.

Enjoy his own song and hgis cover of Jordan's most popular song Ya Saad. Not to mention Toni's good looks and high sense of style
 طوني قطان - دبك دبك حفلة 2012


طوني قطان يا سعد حفلة

Elissa And Her Lovely Boys Live On Stage

You have heard that Elissa is very close to her buddy Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury. They have performed together, appeared together in a number of events and media appearances. Some have even them linked romantically, so there you have it. Elissa has a concert recently in Beruit where Wael Kafoury was in attendance. She tried to get him to sing along her side by doing one of his songs--which they have performed together before. The crowd wanted him too, but Wael did not seem to be in the mode.

Wael polity apologized, Elissa played it cool, and told him as he wishes. She did not finish the song, but she tried to still tease the singer. Later that night, she performed with another young and charming singer who has composed one of her latest songs Ziad Bourji who with love performed a duet with Elissa and both seemed to enjoy their time.

It was a very entertaining concert where Elissa was much more fun and less awkward than people have gotten to be used to. It was her moment in the spotlight after not a great start for the year. Note, the change of outfits by the singer.

Elissa sings for Wael Kfoury / اليسا تغني ل وائل كفوري


Elissa and Ziad Bourji - Krehtak Ana / اليسا و زياد برجي - كرهتك انا

Best Of Mohamed Mounir "Voice Of Egypt" Live Concert

If you ever wanted a rock star personality, then you will find it with colorful Egyptian. He is the guy who take local music and makes it international with simple formula, make the music faster, but maintain the local flavor. For more than 20 years and this rock star has been in the business and has claimed a center stage. No one can make concerts as big as he can, that's why the biggest companies chase him down to sponsor his events. Yet he still has the fan's love and appreciation.

He loves the motherland--it's easy when you have been called the Voice of Egypt. He knows Egypt inside out like no other musicians ever could. His Ultras has uploaded a number of his songs which he has performed in his Marina concert--he took a nationalist tone as he declared "My Full Time Job is Egyptian", I can never move to another country, he concluded.

For some reason Mohammed Mounir seems the only star in Egypt who has no problem getting permits for his mega concerts--Amr Diab seems to have trouble doing that. Mounir keeps his cool like when his fans ran a game to see who can guess what color pants the singer will wear--they thought orange or red....he rocked the white pairs.

 محمد منير : أنا بشتغل مصرى


محمد منير - الليله يا سمره - حفلة مارينا 2012
 

محمد منير - يا حمام - مارينا



 محمد منير - رمـان - حفلة مارينا

Is Lebanese Singer Elissa Really That Happy?

Elissa gave an interview few days ago where she said, had she wanted to get married, she would have done so a very long time ago. She wishes her latest album to win another world music award--she already has won three titles. Then she spoke about the album being a winner. While most of her fans and critics agree, the album is really sad.

It's too much for the moment when we see death all around  us due to revolutions and what's not. People needed something happy, not 8 tracks of drama breakups and tragedy. Then her concert in Algeria almost got canceled, and not a word was mentioned--we had a leaked photo from the concert for Elissa. But no one wrote much about it.

Elissa is still single by choice--I do not think this is a good thing. She has picked some fights most recently with Haifa Wahbe and Shatha Hassoun. But she has also performed in a Beirut concert. Before she got on the stage Bassem Faghali mocked her on stage--she was cool this time. Among the attendees were Eli Saab- a fashion designer she loves; Wael Kfoury he buddy and pal; Simone Asmar--the guy who discovered her; Siham Shis'asha who has written a number of songs for Elissa; Joumana Abu Eid, the TV personality.

Elissa made a good album, the jury is still out on it. in the concert she had glow, and she showed some serious cleavage. The concert had many surprises including inviting the composer of one of the latest songs in her album. Wael turned down an invitation form Elissa to get up on the stage and do a song with her.

أليسا أسعد واحدة على الرغم من صدّ وائل لها

Beirut Got Religion With Sami Yusuf Concert سامي يوسف في بيروت

This might sound silly a bit when it starts as the British Muslim rocker tries to make music out of his audience in his latest Beirut Appearance. I have no idea that the city of Beirut cared for Sami or his music--sure there are people who are non Muslim who enjoy the cool music Sami Yusuf makes, but his concert in Lebanon was a nice surprise.

Sami is a great musician with a heart of gold, he has made his fame all over the world with his music. His success has lead to the creation of many copy cats, but he remains the guy who did it first and made it possible for all the others to follow.

His concert was packed and the fans do memorize his songs, he has a great sense of humor when he teased the men of Lebanon. He dazzled the concert goers with his music and his persona. Props to Beirut for bringing out Sami to ring in the Muslim Eid.

Sami Yusuf in Beirut Holidays 2012 / سامي يوسف في بيروت

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

Listen: Amr Diab - Fi Haga Feek عمرو دياب - في حاجة فيك

Pop Star's celebrated king Amr Diab does it again, he shared a new single of his. He released it on the day of Eid and made it out to all his fans. You get the guitar, the upbeat house mix, and Amr Diab.

This is throwaways song, that means, the song is not going to recycle for years, it';s a good song not a great one. One cool thing about it, Amr Diab made the music himself--something he does not do often enough.

The timing of the song comes few days before Amr's mega concert in Cairo at the Hockey Stadium. Such releases help the rally up the fan for this concert.

Amr Diab - Fi Haga Feek عمرو دياب - في حاجة فيك

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

Lebanese Saad Ramadan Performs In Algeria's Music Festivals

The lovely country of Algeria is busy celebrating their independence this year with music festivals all over the Republic. To make the occasion extra special, they brought in who is who in Arabic entertainment. The most recent addition of stars who have performed in Algeria is the hot Lebanese singer Saad Ramadan. Saad took his romantic and heartache songs to Africa.

This is a new territory for Saad whose songs have made it all across the universe, and now he is ready for prime time. He performed not in one concert but in three different music festivals (مهرجان قذيف ومهرجان الجميلة ومهرجان قسنطينة). Saad made sure to compliment the late Warda and how she will be missed.

Saad was impressed by his first visit to Algeria, and its people whom he called heroic and people who appreciate and memorize good songs. He wished them well on their 50th anniversary of independence. I am very surprised by the success of those festivals in Algeria, they have manged to secure the biggest names of Arabic pop and beyond.

Saad Ramadan - Msabbe3 El Karat {Original}

You Need To See This Awesome Music Festival

I do not know what this is about, but I am hearing the words God and Christ over and over in the clip below. I see Muslims singers, next to Christian ones--a number of domination and other faiths as well. They are drawing a fascinating picture to the backdrop of mosque.

I am imaging this took place in Egypt to confirm that the people are united indeed. Music does bring people together and it seems bands from a number of faiths turned out for this event. A big band from Kurdistan's city of Arbil arrived to take part of this festival. The festival is about the Sufi tradition of music and self exploration.

The concert took place in the famous Saladin castle in Egypt.
مهرجان سماع السلام لكل العالم

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

Sizzling Palestine Summer Music Festivals

Al-Bireh, Ramallah and Birzeit are all Palestinian towns in close proximity to one another and those thriving towns have a lot in common as they all seem to enjoy life and music. Three different music festivals were held  and a number of local artists, dancers and ones with a pan-Arab recognition. Such events hope to attract tourists and signal that Palestinians are life loving people too.

I have a number of videos from each of those music events, Tony Qattan headlined one of them, Palestinians singer Mais Shalash. Keep in mind this is a news report where dancing old ladies are in the center of attention. I need to remind that those three cities are the center of the Palestinians leadership and economy, most other cities are too busy trying to make a living and coping under the Israeli occupation.

ميس شلش في ختام مهرجان البيرة الثاني


طوني قطان في افتتاح اسبوع التراث في بيرزيت


 مهرجان الرقص الشعبي الفلسطيني - وين ع رام الله 4

Lian Bazlamit To Perform in Jordan Ramadan Concert

If you was wondering where has pop up and coming Lian Bazlamit has gone, worry no more. She has a concert in Amman this summer, in time for the month of Ramadan--I would have chosen the Eid time.  celebration. It seems she is the headline of a big Amman bash with three other performers in three separate concerts.

August 2, 2012 alongside Syrian pop star Samer Cairo
August 9, 2012 alongside Lebanese heartthrob Josef Attieh
August 16, 2012 alongside Lebanese power horse Adam

The venue is at a place well know in Amman, Action Target is bringing the young songstress, Lian is set to perform in all concerts. I am sure her fans cannot wait to see their starlet who is making a good use of her summer.

Baloona, Yet Another Lebanese Summer Music Festival

Why not? Nothing beats the heat like the outdoors can, so why not bring the party together and hire local talents to bring it all together and excite the crowd about your town or about your event.

In Baloona, a village in Lebanon, brought together two different singers. Michaella, one female that will attract the young an dthe energized, and  Melhim Barakat, the guy who speaks his mind, but also makes very fine music. She partied with people as she sang. She even gave interviews and spoke about her latest work and events where she will appear.

The moody Melhim Barakat asked people to turn off their cameras and he has banned the singers form filming his performance. And yes, no one has footage of Melhim Barakat.

في بلونة... ميكاييلا تتألَّق وملحم بركات يمنع التصوير

Najwa Karam Rocks Al Ashrafiya Festival!

So what Najwa Karam did not want to talk to annoying street journalists, so what the audio system could not handle the might voice Najwa Karam is well know for. It was still good concert that shows Najwa as a home girl proud of all things Lebanon

Najwa was the star of a local concert part of Al Ashrafiya area, a pocket of Beirut. She sang for an hour and shared the joy with her fellow Lebanese people, it was not a big deal what went wrong and those who talk about it, got nothing else to talk about.

She rocked the purples dress and did what the singer wanted to do, remind people that Lebanon is a safe place to come party at.
هل كان حفل الأشرفيَّة زلَّة قدم لنجوى كرم؟

This Is What Passes For Oriental Nights In Lebanon

This is the 6th time this music festival takes place in Lebanon! They bring only Lebanese singers to party with the massive crowds who are hungry for music and good times. I find most of the music acts have to say something or sing about Lebanon--a good place.

Nawal Al Zoghby put on a good dance show--she filmed it too for promotional purposes and a music video. Assi Hallani turned the heat up with his all Lebanese style, just see the folks dancing up as he sang away. Ramy Ayach owned the night even though he performed last--his fans would wait for this handsome devil and his new single "The Apple".

It seems that each of the festival appearances had a new summer single to treat their fans to at this large music festival knows as the oriental music festival. The festival had a a young up and coming singer Sabine who was featured on the festival to lure in the younger fans. Sabine relied on her outfit and dance movies to stand out.

P.S. MTV, the Lebanese TV network is the force behind this music festival--I tend not to approve of the MTV's political agenda, but their musical one is a different story.

عاصي الحلاني كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012


نوال الزغبي - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


سارا الهاني - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


رامي عيـاش كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012

Classy Zade Dirani - Haya - Music Odyssey

Zade was given the royal attention in the country of Jordan early on. With their help and his own unique talent he went on to become one of the most celebrated young piniest / composers in that country and beyond. In a one night engagement last year the young pianist accompanied by a world class orchestra to transform the historic venue into something magical.

Have you ever seen movie where the soundtrack blew you away? This is what feels like to watch and hear Zade's play the piano. He create an atmosphere where he can control people's mood with is careful strokes on the piano. His youth and good looks do help a great deal make him into a young star that he deserves to be. I do enjoy his confidence on stage without being too cocky.

Jean Marie Riachi, the phenomenal Lebanese music producer was behind the scenes as the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was right there next to Zade taking us on this odyssey.

Zade Dirani - Haya - Music / زيد ديراني - هايا - موسيقى

Angham Rocks Mawazine Music Festival 2012

If the Moroccan wanted a lady who can sing and represent the old generation yet connect with young ones, they got Angham. She is a voice that both males and females can relate to. She went there and performed her top songs, she even took a break from filming her Ramadan TV drama.

The only bad press Angham got was about how short her dress was--I do not think it's a big deal. She went for the simple look. Here are two clips from songs she performed at the festival. I do not know but I feel the energy is a bit low. I am not seeing the audience maybe why.

I know many Arab entertainers would not think twice about performing at this concert where other world famous celebrities also take on the stage. Morocco does wonders, and they use such festivals for tourism and helping people forget about the high unemployment.

Sidi Wesalak - Angham سيدي وصالك - حفله - انغام

Leih Sebtaha - Angham ليه سبتها - حفله - انغام