Maya Diab Tattoo Is Going Lady Gaga Weird

Maya Diab is a popular chick, a singer, a product promoter, and a TV hostess. She is a celebrity not non for anything in particular. But she seems to have seen a surge in popularity the past three years. She has been around for more than a decade now, but her time is now.

Her latest weirdness is a whole body tattoo done by an artist where it took him hours to do. This was a marketing stuns for makeup lines, more than 120 makeup artists took part of this show. Together they draw up/worked on more than 30 models. Maya Diab was the guest of honor as she is the sportsperson for that brand. Thanks the now infamous tattoo, the entire Arab world now knows of the brand--which I won't name here.

This is insane to see such events in the Arab world, such events are weird around the globe, they were received with mixed feedback. No wonder they chose the city of Beirut where tolerance is high as long as you can is art. Tattoo is a popular art from around the world, yet the religious communities in the Middle East and some here in the states continue to shun it.

I am happy they had the freedom to hold such bizarre show in downtown Beirut, still I think it;s weird what they are doing      

مايا دياب تغطّي جسدها بالوشم

Maya Diab - Shaklak Ma Btaaref / مايا دياب - شكلك ما بتعرف

The London Olympics And Those Funny Egyptians

Egypt has won itself a silver medal so far, and their soccer team is qualifying for the next round. But it's also the holy month of Ramadan, and there are too many shows on TV. Thus very few people are actually watching the events. Which means the Egyptians in the Olympics have few fans at home.

I must admit I heart Egypt's soccer team, they really make me and the rest of the Arab world and Africa happy.

Qabila TV came up with a cool idea to out the attention back at the Olympics, they took on a busy Egyptian Square of Roxy and re-enacted some of the key sports played in the tournament. While the majority of onlookers seemed confused, this was a fun idea that has some funny moments.

While the Egyptians might not be on the lead, when it comes to creativity, and humor they will always lead.

@QabilaTv l اولمبياد لندن في ميدان روكسي

DOWNLOAD: Hamaki 2012 Album البوم محمد حماقى - من قلبى بغنى

The first all pop album of 2012 has officially been released today and the honor goes to the guy who can do no wrong Mr. Mohamed Hamaki or as most known him Mr. Hamaki. He made the music and the songs in Egypt--his proud home. But for the album cover he flew to London to get something fresh and he pulled it off very well

Cool shades and a slim fit suit is always chic. This is a cool beach album that makes the finest ringtones out there. I like Hamaki and I think he takes his music to the next level. He has a great team made up of friends and people who like him--they certainly give him the time and the talent. He takes all that and adds to it. 12 album tracks are hard to come by, but Hamaki gives his listener a great value on top of fun music.

The lead track off the album will be “Nefsi Ab’a Ganbou”, written by Ayman Bahjat Qamar, composed Amro Mostafa and arranged by Touma. Touma is a buddy of Hamaki; Ayman is the hottest lyricists in Egyptian and Arab pop; Amr Moustafa is a hit-maker in Arabic and Turkish pop.

01.Nefsi Aba’a Ganbo
02.Da Lolak
03.Hay'olo
04.Haga Mestakhabeya
05.Ahla El Nas
06.Mn De'ty
07.A'arafo
08.Wadi Haly Ma'ak
09.Gara Eh
10.Enta Bete'ned Ma'aya
11.Nadman
12.Mn Alby Baghany



الأن بالاسواق - البوم حماقي الجديد - من قلبي بغني



قريبا - حماقي "من قلبي بغَني" 2012

Rawad Saab Is Looking For A Wife And He Needs Your Help

Rawad likes brand names, he is driving a Mercedes, wearing cool trendy gear, all to declare his intentions. He wants to get married and he is asking you folks to introduce him to her. He wants a sweet girl whom his parents would approve of. He does not have many pictures of his floating around the net--he should look into that.

Good manners, good looks, you gotta go with the Lebanese Rawad sings. Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Morocco all get a shout out in the song. Then the Arab Gulf gets its shout out too. Just marry an Arab girl that's the song if you could not find the Lebanese one It's a clever song to break into the show business. Arabs are suckers for such songs.

Rawad is a young and good looking lad, he would not find it hard to find a lady.

Rawad Saab - Baddi Etjawaz / رواد صعب - بدى إتجوز

"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

كليب علاء الدين - شذى حسون - OFFICIAL VIDEO - Clip Alaa Eldeen Shatha Hassoun

OK, the music video that we have talked about for two months now, finally gets released and it's below. Shatha Hassoun outdoes herself here and raises to the occasion to tell a story, a true story. She is not trying to be cool or cute, she found a good team for this song and she gave them all she has.

The storyboard gores, a celebrity gets sick of the spotlight and exists through the back door leaving it all for love. I love Dubai and the outlandish outfits the Iraqi diva sports around. She has this sexy look that makes anything look stunning.

We got to see an iPad, contact lenses, a middle aged guy with earnings, a white guy who is trying to seduce Shatha. Shatha Hassoun is a much coveted entertainer. She has enough and walks out on a crowded highway. I am not going to spoil the ending for you, but I do love the bird.

Looking at the behind the scene this music video is a big production, lots of green screen and wires action. They had to have tens of people on set to make this music video the stunning experiences it has turned out to be

 كليب علاء الدين - شذى حسون - OFFICIAL VIDEO - Clip Alaa Eldeen Shatha Hassoun

Ozaina Al-Ali And How The Internet Loves Him

When a singer had so many YouTube action, I cannot help but notice the traffic. Most recently, I have seen a really sad music video by Ozaina Al-Ali. It seems that all the love Ozaina has been reciveding is due to one his style and two to his dialect. The guy is not a hot looking guy so that will slow down his fame and limit his influence on the power of his lyrics. Which means he will have a lot of dudes and older women for fans.

His dialect is the one used in Northern Iraq, even though he is Syrian. Certain parts of Syria do speak like they do in Iraq. Ozaina is a full grown man, not a boy star. So he is into the music, not much the show part of it. As Ozaina seems to really know his way with the lute.

Most recently Ozzaina released a new album in a Beirut concert. I cannot help but notice how the people behind the Assi Hallani page keep on hitting the "like" button for Ozaina...I like him to. A sad song is good for the soul every now and often.

 أني بعدك أذينة العلي 2010

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

Muslim Songs For Kids/Children "My Little Girl"

I do not know weather Muslim singer Maher Zain has kids or not (if you are reading this, stop Google-ing his wife, it's trending on Google) But it seems that his little girl Aya Zain has added her audio track to this song--she also gets credit.

As a father he is making her a song, a personal one like he has never sounded before. He sounds like a grateful man for his little bundle of joy called Aya. I think it's cute when parents sing for their kids, by sharing their songs with us, we can use them as our own since not all of us can sing.

He has even made the song music video as a crayons with colors and all those things children love. Buy Maher Zain's album from iTunes so that he can  provide for his family.

Maher Zain - My Little Girl | Official Lyrics Video

Palestinian Rapper Puts The Spotlight Back On Gaza

Mc Gaza is a gifted young rapper from Gaza with fans all across the Palestinian land and Egypt. The young rapper fills in the void for local rappers who are also well versed in politics and most importantly, the various rapping styles.

I like the way he flies from one note to another, and how he spits one line after another with a speed worthy of the great boxer Mohammad Ali himself. I know there have been a number of attempts at making rap a cool thing in Palestine, but I believe Mc Gaza might mange to do just that at home. He will do this, but not overdressing in those rapper like outfits, and making funny shapes....he has gone for the normal all Palestinian look and chose to rap about things at home and not some controversial topic.

And for his music video he turns himself into an activist and brings rare images for Gaza showing that no matter what life always goes on. His energy and the energy of young talents communicate that so well.

Mc Gaza - Heek Bnshofha | هيك بنشوفها


Mc Gaza - The Story Isn't Worthless - القصة مش خاوية (Music Video)

كليب احمد سعد - انا انسان | من فيلم الالماني The Darkest Egyptian Movie To Date

Thugs are a reality in Egypt and they rule the streets with their muscles, intimidation and weapons. Thugs and bullies are a reality in poor areas around Cairo, they serve a purpose. It's not an Egyptian phenomena organized crime is all over the world, but in Egypt things got easy for a while due to the absence of aw enforcement.  

An Egyptian movie seems to have done a fine job chronicling the life of one hell of a thug, a hero sometimes who indulges in a life of weapons, muscles, ladies and money. I shivered when saw this promo song with some shots form the movie that seems to keep it real

The actor is right for the job, he has figured the looks and the heart of the role. Music is a big part of thugs life, that's why the movie has had at least four original songs. I would want see this movie, the human emotions reflected by and the many characters in supporting role are amazing.

كليب احمد سعد - انا انسان | من فيلم الالماني

Here's Some Arabic Soul Music From Black Theama

This is not your average song, call it a prayer for the man who likes music and got soul. The slickest band in Egyptian marked at the moment is Black Theama. Black Theama is one of those bands that go global by staying local. While they release international music worthy of a global audience, they do not sing for people outside.

The perform like they would in their small town in Egypt. and this is the formula for success. You can try rap and rock too, but if you got no roots, you do not stand a chance. Check out the first video where the band is getting serious for a minute. The second one is for a popular song of theirs that was the title song for the 2009 blockbuster 1000 Mabrouk.


Black Theama - La Rafeik La Tareik | بلاك تيما - لا رفيق لا طريق


Black Theama - Bab El Donia / بلاك تيما - باب الدنيا من فيلم 1000 مبروك

While Arabs Shame Belly Dancers, Non Arabs Dominate It

Everybody loves belly dancing, no body would want to be one. As far as Arab people go, it's a dead profession. And such belly dancer have became just another word for prostitute. So, who gives? The people around the world picked the dance and made it even sexier.

Go to any restaurant in Lebanon or a Moroccan restaurant, chances are the dancer is not Arab, but she appreciate the culture--which to her means belly dancing. Which was no surprise to me when I saw the video below about belly dancing festival in Lebanon and most of the stars were from Europe, Latin America and beyond. Few Arab belly dancers were also present.

Needless to say some mid aged bald guys with a sleazy personality showed up. Check out the belly dancers from Spain and Mexico who have been interviewed. The lady behind this event is a local belly dancer with the name of Amani.

   مهرجان الرَّقص الشَّرقي في بيروت يجذب الأجنبيَّات

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

Good: Hisham El Hajj - Eza Allah Aatany / هشام الحاج - إذا الله أعطاني

Hisham El Hajj is one of those rare Lebanese singers who is well known for his very strong voice--the mountain side voice if you will. He roars just like most Lebanese songs require. He also strikes me as a humorous guy who like a a laugh--it really shows in his music videos. There is no reason why more Lebanese concerts do not book Hisham and bring him to more music festival, in my book he is Mr. Lebanon, in the old school sense.

In his latest he likes girl by the pool side who has an iPad with internet connection so that he can sing her a video of him doing a song for her. Then she closes her eyes and there you go, they are together on the beach doing what young couples like to do.

It's a scenic music video rich with nature and the naturally scenic voice of Hisham wraps it all together. Hisham more often than not makes great choices and thus his lyrics and his music live up to the hype. He is a B list singer with an A list talent--marketing is a bitch.

I think the couple he chose for hims music video are a perfect fit for this song. The song is for the serious guys as it means business--you want to take the big step and tie the knot not fiddle around. I like the fake moon and the violin player.

Hisham El Hajj - Eza Allah Aatany / هشام الحاج - إذا الله أعطاني

Two Egyptian Dudes Duet عمرو قطامش ووائل عامر

Wael Amer and Amr Katamish teamed up to send a message to the next president of Egypt. Two different guys with two different interests joined forces on this song. One is a stand up comic with funny yet poetic lines and the other is a natural born activist who has been right more than one on the SCAF. I did not see this song coming and did not know that neither of these guys would work together.

But here we are and the two using one another to access the fan base of the other entertainer. Their message is clear, justice is the foundation of governance. You have a people and for those people there are squares--where they can protest. This is meant to be half funny half serious song.

I like this creative effort...Wael brings the mesmerizing vocals and Amr brings humor and a deep voice sprinkled with stylish flow.
 
رساله الى الرئيس القادم..عمرو قطامش ووائل عامر

Is Samo Zain Gays' Best Friend In Arabia?

First he did a music video with two dudes dancing and one telling the other...consider me your wife and then people got upset. Then comes a picture for Samo where he is sniffing a red rose and looking all dreamy in a way that gives a gay vibe. I do not think he is gay, but the music he chooses in romance and the way he tries to market himself for women makes him seem so.

Now, watch the latest music video for Samo, he is looking good and the music video is done in a creative way--it really is. First he is a Sultan with dancers trying to cheer him up...then comes the film crew and end the scene.

I love his voice in this song, you can tell he was really laughing or at least smiling as he recorded this song, Samo can be a funny guy and he seems to be able to look that in many of his music videos before. He is a sharp dresser too.

The color red is all over this clip, a red tattoo, a red dress, a red car...etc. The song does get sexula as the girl dances "I Know I'm Sexy". Samo's greatest achievement aside from singing the song is the music where he composed it and did a good job blending Tarab music with cooler musical elements.

El Ward El Ahmar - Samo Zain الورد الاحمر - ساموزين

A Tale Of A Citizen By Noha Taha Throwback To Old School Arabic Music

No other Arab county can turn out a new and exciting vocalist every day of the week year around as much as Egypt can. When you are in a country of 90 millions, you can do that. I am always amazed by the talent pool in entertainment Egypt has to offer.

One of the new voices I just stumped upon is named Noha Taha, a female vocalist with a voice that should be wrapped in gold. Noha composed and wrote the lyrics for the song she is performing, a tale of a citizen living under the emergency rule--it has just been lifted. Noha has also taken part of some activism as Egypt undergoes change.

I like the music and I love Eastern feel the song features. This is a song that sounds identical to songs they played in the radios during the 60s and 70s. Noha comes from a Jazz background. For more of her songs please visit here She started her career by writing poetry and she is the daughter of Alexandria-the city by the sea. She is will studied in Arabic, English and French literature. And currently she takes part of two bands. Scorpionism a tribute for scorpions, and S.M.S band that is a mixture between art and life experience.

 حكاية مواطن - نهى طه A Tale Of A Citizen - Noha Taha

Balqees Fathi, One Of The Best Thing About Yemen

Yemen is an awesome place with history so deep and heritage so rooted in the land. No other pop star is rooted in the land of Yemen as much as new sensation Balqees Fathi is. She is the daughter of Yemen's most famous composer and singer Fathi Ahmed and she offers so much more than other can afford to. Her voice, and her lovable personality make me think, this is someone who was born to be a star.

Her work has not gone unnoticed, as she was named best young talent by the French fashion magazine L’Officiel at the 2012 L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

She is young yet she is very talented and seems savvy in the business and musical choices she makes. She filmed her latest clip in Lebanon with a Lebanese crew, but the song is in the Gulf Dialect, she is not trying to be cute and sing Lebanese and Egyptian. She is very proud and I know she wants to make it big using only her local Dialect that brought her fame and cemented her status as a leading lady.

The song is about a jealous lover....and the struggle to stay sane. Hollywood got nothing on Balqees, she has those exotic looks, confidence and charm. She knows how to tease the camera and the fans at the same time, she has some dance moves...BUT she does it without disrespecting her conservative upbringing.

“Ya Hawa” (“Oh It’s Love”)

Balqees Fathi - Ya Hawa Video Clip