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

WATCH: Elissa Concert أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي Par Ouailitto

So Elissa goes to Egypt, and headlines a massive concert where she brought her best hits to the country of 90 millions.  She appeared in that country's hockey stadium (an attachment to the Cairo staduim), people were dazzled, and the Lebanese diva is marking a great comeback concert that follows her smashing successful concert in her home--Lebanon

Elissa wore a modest yet gorgeous dress, orange dress! The stage seems to have been made just right for this mega concert where the fans finished the songs of Elissa before she started them. The concert was well organized and seems to have been a lot of fun where the songstress gave the concert goers a great time.

This is Elissa's first concert in post Mubarak Egypt, the venue fits 30 thousand people, three police units were in charge of protecting Elissa in addition of her personal guards who had to fight off many fans and admirers. Fun facts, Elissa lost one of her diamond earning as she was performing--she did not realize it till later. Some fan messed around with a laser pointer something that Elissa asked him to stop doing--she cut off the song to do that. Elissa was also caught off guard reading the lyrics to one of her songs on stage.

elissa أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي par ouailitto

Ahmed Magdy, People Of The Intranet HATE Your New Music Video

I think Ahmed Magdy is a well meaning Egyptian singer, his new song about Cairo 2012 and new elections is timely, but I am not sure what's up with the politics. Ahmed starts the song asleep as the TV goes off with interviews from Tahrir and people fired up---he seems to be part of the couch movement.

Magdy seems to be frustrated with all the politics he sees and nothing on TV but politics and debate. So he titled his song "I am not in the mood". A humorous song about most people in Egypt, they are no revolutionary, only some are. Magdy is cynical and I can see that...but it seems the net don't like his new song.

See the part where he is trying to take a leak. This is the anti-activist song, a song for those indifferent among us who want to be back their old routines.

Ahmed Magdy - Mesh Fel Mood / أحمد مجدي - مش فى المود

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}

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Mohammed Fouad Concert In Ramallah, Palestine محمد فؤاد في رام الله

Color me impressed, will you?

Egyptian romance wonder boy Mohammed Fouad headlined the Palestine International Festival in its 4th night. I am a fan of his and so most of the young and younger Palestinians. Fouad has the issue of Palestine close to his heart--his brother died fighting the Israelis. Foaud as sang for Palestine--among other things too.

The event was well attended and Fouad did his thing, doing old and new songs of his to keep his fans happy and entertained. I know it must have been hard for him to adjust as he might be used to more tech savvy and fancier concert venues, but it was what it was.

This is the first time the star sing sin Palestine. He said that anything for Palestine he will do and he will answer the call. He has also commented that Palestine is in the heart of all Egyptians and Arabs. Needless to say the fans cheered for him as he sang and as he sported the world famous scarf

Not sure why we do not see much of this singer lately, 2012 was a big bust for him, but I know I am looking forward to hear the song of his that will play as the credits roll for Ahmed El Sakka's new TV drama.

محمد فؤاد واغنية ام الشهيد لايف من حفلة رام الله-فلسطين


مقابلة وطن مع الفنان محمد فؤاد في مهرجان فلسطين الدولي


محمد فؤاد في رام الله واخر الاخبار حصريا

Nawal Al Zoghbi Remembers The Great Warda @ Murex D'Or

While most ego drive entertainers were too busy looking cool and acting important and busy while collecting awards, Nawal had a different idea about cool, she dedicated her award to the late Algerian diva Warda. As she revived her award, the organizations of the event played a video showing Nawal jamming with Warda as they appeared together few years back.

Lebanese singer collected her award  Murex D'Or and made the moment about another diva. I do admit there is a reward for Nawal in doing that as she appears humble and that she enjoys a unique relationship with Warda. There has also been some awkward moments in the video, but one thing for sure Warda has always been classy and she sounded so good.

Watch the video with the highlights 

نوال الزغبي تهدي جائزتها الى ذكرى الفنانة وردة

Is Myriam Faris The Arab Jennifer Lopez?

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

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

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

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

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

Women, Bikes And Fashion In Lebanese Beirut

Motorcycle bikes are a big deal out here in the States, the American engine roars like no other. Such thrill is coming to Lebanon now with a company goes by the name LAMA. So they put a an exhibit for those who like bikes in Lebanon for haunting, and recreational use. Of course this is the rich man's game. Products of YAMAHA and Harley Davidson--in Lebanon for 60 years. Popular bikes are for the mountains too.

It seems that the promoting company is trying to educate people about safety, last thing they want is death from bike accidents in Lebanon. The company is helping promote the sport, so go ahead be safe and ride on. As long as you are willing to pay up some cash or they would help you with financing. 

انطلاق أول معرض للدراجات النارية في لبنان والمنطقة



But those who like fashion are also welcome to Lebanon, there's a fashion show. Lebanon has been known for fashion for some time now. More than 40 fashion shows have taken part of this show, all labels were present and most models come from all over the universe. Boys and men can also find things to buy, not just the ladies. I would go to Lebanon, but I am looking for something that has less plastic.

عروض للأزياء في وسط أسواق بيروت

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

12 Years of Lebanese Murex D'Or Red Carpet 2012

 Murex D'Or, the rich and famous of the Arab world gathered in Lebanon for a night of glamour and celebrity infested event. It was the place to be seen and the place to look your finest. An award for all Arab entertainers, film/TV and Music. If you invite an artist to the  Murex D'Or they will show up looking snazzy.

These people got no sense of what happens around them and if they do, they care more for themselves and how a certain clothes item make them look. Of course, they work hard too and of course they entertain us as well. But they also get paid a big check for that. Now comes trophy time and they will turn out.

Watch the clip from Elaph who interviewed some stars and go some shots of other looking good on the red carpet. Assi Hallani did find time to talk about his ego, Kathim spoke about the event. Saber El Robaei spoke about his success. Others spoke about their work and awards. Sabine spoke about her new found fame and she was animated to be there. Lebanese Mike Massy was also invited and given an ward.

Look for ugly older men who are chasing their young trophy wives, together they are attending an event for no reason other than having money.

Murex D'Or Awards 2012

Holland The New Party Place For Arabs in Europe

I have been seeing more and more Arab singers hold concerts in the Netherlands or as most Arabs know it by the name Holland. I swear, expat get to see their Arab stars more than the ones at home due to the political instability of course. The latest Arab stars to head to Holland is Syrian diva Assala who also had concerts in the States and Canada as well.

Holland is a liberal place to the core and most Arab s living there seem to have embraced their lifestyle over there. So when they got this much cash, they go to concerts for their celebrities. Many of them are refugees and many more come form other European nations to party in the Netherlands. Music makes friends not enemies so here's a view of the kind of people who attend such concerts and pay top dollars to be in attendance.

Assala filmed her concerts over there in the hopes of selling the airing rights to a tv network. The Syrian singer has been in the front lines talking about the revolution in Syria.    

Promo Assala's Holland Tour / برومو جولة أصاله الفنية بهولندا

Jordan Is Ahead Of The Curve With Fads

Beat Box or human jukebox are hot in certain parts of town. But it seems that we are no longer amazed by the combination of strange and cool talent that many young men and women have started to boast about. Jordan got a big group of hip human jukebox and told them to compete against one another in a festival that brought so many young people in one place.

Needless to say there was break dancers too and a lot of bros in saggy clothes. I am guessing if the purpose to make instruments out of a job, then these guys fail. But I am feeling it's something young people do to impress others in their age group.

So all the hip kids from Jordan...20 talents took part of this event between the ages of 16 and 25 years old. Some of those who have been interviewed spoke how people look down on them and mock them. The problem people did not know what to expect and tended to belittle the beat boxers. Lips, tongues, and mouth!

لأوَّل مرَّة في الأردن: مسابقة لعازفي البيت بوكس

Mawazine 2012, The Local With The International

Morocco is many things to different people, it's a country of millions of poor people and it's also the country of magic and where dreams come true to too many folks around the globe. This is the reality of Mawazine 2012 music festival. Where the government sells tickets for thousands of tourists, but they also give thousands more to their people.

One of those nights, they brought together Lebanese singer, composer and lyricists Marwan Khoury and local diva Kareema Al Saqly. The two singers performed a duet about how much they both love one country. This was a night that offered something for everyone. The Moroccan singers were glad to be honored at home and allowed to access such an amazing festivals. The Arab and international talents were pleased to be there and take part of the event--of course the money is also good.
 
مروان خوري وكريمة الصقلي يغنيان ديو في موازين