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

WATCH: Najwa Karam Sings At Ragheb Alama's Wedding

This is an old video from the Lebanese TV archive, Ragheb was on top of his career and he was the cool kid who knows what the ladies want to say. Everyone tried to copy his style, but he copied nobody and decided to have an open wedding where he invited his friend to sing for him and for his bride.

See this vintage video for the queen of Lebanese music Najwa Karam at an earlier time and simpler times. She looked different, but she sounded a 100 percent like she sounds now. Najwa rocked the party and Raghb looked so funny dancing to Najwa's song. His dance moves are funny and can only come from a  guy who has never danced or someone who is under a great deal of stress.

Ragheb Alama is now dubbed Mr. GQ and a super star, he dresses well and now has launched his line of men cologne. I hope he can look at this video and laugh about it, not feel embarrassed. Love can make us do and say goofy stuff.

نجوى كرم تغني حفل زفاف المطرب راغب علامة

Jay Sean Gives Lebanon A Night To Remember

Jay Sean, is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, beatboxer and record producer who likes the club scene. Lebanese like anyone who likes the club scene to they invited him to party with them at home. He brought the party to Lebanon and the video will show you as much.

Locals and tourists flocked the concert to enjoy what Jay ha sin store for them. The song of a Punjabi Sikh immigrant in the always evolving city of London. Jay was never meant to be a singer, he was in medicine school before he dropped out to sing professionally.

They added the fashion show to his concerts and those Lebanese party goers who like a drink and a good beat. I checked out some of his tracks, the go makes good club mix and he has a likable personality. See the story from his concert and the interviews with the folks who are among his biggest fans.

 Jay Sean يلهب ليل مدينة جبيل

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.

Nancy Afyouni, Making Lebanon Hotter Since 2007

Nancy Afyouni is a gorgeous babe from the land of a million beautiful people--Lebanon. She dubbed herself as a hot Pop Singer\Miss Intercontinental and a successful business woman. She is a celebrity all around. She shot to fame in 2007 when she won the title for Ms. Intercontinental, a beauty pageant.

While good looks tend to pay, they rarely make a career, that's why Nancy went with a singing career to bring her more fame and more cash. She sounds like a young women with a clear view of the world of entertainment. She must be doing something right as the internet seems to be busy with contents on Nancy Afyouni.

It's clear to me that Nancy is going for sexy image than the cute one, which is fine because men are pigs for the most part. I do not think it's right for men to criticize her and her clothes in public while in private they leer at them. I do not think I have heard any of her songs, I will take that back, she has already made a terrible song My Meow a really gross song in English. It was so bad that the comments on the video have been disabled.

Nancy Afiouny - My Meow


 ملكة جمال القارات 2007 نانسي افيوني

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"

Mohamed Hamaki 2012 Album Art Cover

I know in this image obsessed world of ours cover images are kind of important to the artists and to the fan who wants a piece of his favorite entertainer.  Hamak traveled the world to bring us a good cover art for his 2012 album and I think he has mangaed to preserve his cool hair, his smile and put them in a good concept. 

الأن بالاسواق - البوم حماقي الجديد - من قلبي بغني

Dubai Mall Fashion Show And Models

Many people have many opinions about Dubai, some love it, others not so much. One thing, this city is trying to do is be an open city....you want to put a fashion show in a fancy hotel, Dubai! Want to party till the morning and stay in the highest hotel in the world, come to Dubai! Want to drive nice and obnoxious cars, Dubai as it too. You want sports? Dubai got awesome venues!

Now, the city is doing something I am fond off, promote women fashion designers from withing that country. They sponsor local brands, and bring in the local ladies who have a knack for fashion, then they put on a good fashion show and with that sales come.

This has been going on since 2004, and the latest fashion show for modest dresses just wrapped up in Dubai. Rich Arab ladies form all over the world come and help stimulate the Dubai economy. Just look at the cat walk and see all the people standing and cheering for this new fad.

I think this is a cool idea, they close a section of the mall and put out a good show. I have always liked Dubai and people form there, but I am sensing the city is changing and women are trying to speak like they do in places like Beirut--dropping English and French references..

إماراتيات يتفوقن في أزياء الشلية والعباية

WATCH: Nicole Saba "Hafdal Ahlam" - "نيكول سابا "هفضل أحلم

Nicole Saba just released her must see music video of the year--she released one last year too. An effect rich music video, with an incredible cinematography. I am serious, this music video is so well made that you would think some major Hollywood studio stands behind it.

I feels like an Amy Lee music video, there's just too much to process and too much to take in at the same time. The makeup work is dazzling, and Nicole's voice is astonishing. she stares into the camera and one gets the feeling she is gazing into one's soul.

The music sounds like your favorite club mix, I do not get the masks and the wood yet. I know Nicole is a proud women with a lot of femensit opinions about lberty and not oweing anyone anything. I love the last bit on the beach and breaking free from all things. Like the song suggests, it does get better

Nicole Saba "Hafdal Ahlam" - "نيكول سابا "هفضل أحلم

Diala Ouda - Mestabya3a from K Music - ديالا عوده - مستبيعه

The music video for Palestinian pop star Diala Ouda has been unleashed, the music video has been ready for over 6 months now, but K Music--the producers and music label just let go of it today. It's a song for Diala's single from an assortment album. I like the European wedding dress Diala Ouda is sporting. But this is only one of the half a dozen bold looks

I remember liking this song, I like the tattoos and the hip and chic look Diala pulled. I think this is a nice intro for the young songstress. She is off to a great start. One more thing, Haitham Nabil composed the song--he is only the coolest singer/composer out there.

I am certain some people out there, would criticize Diala, I think they better stop, she has something to say and she does do just that. She just h append to be from Palestine.

She is telling people to buzz off and let her express and show her excitement toward her man
Diala Ouda - Mestabya3a from K Music - ديالا عوده - مستبيعه t

Again Saudi MBC Prostitutes Lebanon During Ramadan

I have one question for people appearing on this video....this is a Ramadan function on a station owned by Saudis, a network that claims to have the biggest and most watched TV show, namely about the second Muslim Caliph "Omar", I m ready to say that the guy who is talking about the show has no idea who Omar is and thus he has the IQ of a bag of hammer.

back to my question, if the people who appear on this video are Muslims they ought to be ashamed of themselves for their revealing clothes during the holy month. Why would the Saudis hold such parties in Lebanon, would they ever allow similar events at home? Not in a million year

If they are Christians, that's fine and dandy, but would they ever wear such clothes to a church function? Not in a million year they would. This is what you wear to a cheap night club, not at some social function. And yes there are tons of kisses, hugs and smooches.

Why would they then show up to a Sahour meal--the meal Muslims eat before starting their fast at the break of down. These people have no class, nor they should be celebrated for being so insensitive to one Muslims and two to their viewers.

You see there were few guys dressed in the Saudi national dress-the white spotless dress and red head cover, and this guy is hanging out with the ladies dressed so provocatively in the holy month. I do not really care what they wear, this is where I differ with most critics, I only want them to be respectful of the holy month if they are as an Ramadan event sponsored by a network that claims to be moderate. What qualifies this network to air shows talking about the virtues of Islam when it comes to their own life--they are hardly Muslims.

Again MBC misses the mark with unprecedented ignorance and elitist mindset.

MBC تقيم سحوراً بحضور نخبة من النجوم

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؟

How To Let Your Music Video Director To Ruin It?

Simple, let them apply all the ideas they have on your music video. This way they would make your music video a lab rat, a testing ground for all and any of their untested ideas. This way they will surely give you one shitty music video that looks like an overflowing salad bowel loaded with salad dressing and none of the fresh produce.

I guess what my analogy is trying to say, you should be the judge and in the driver seat, don't let some guy with a fancey press release sell you one something that doe snot feel right. You want an example of what I am talking about, look no further than the video below. While the song is hip, the music video disappoints and confuses one's soul.

This is a pop song by Rahma Riad, it was supposed to be a treat, now I feel bad for the star who has shown so much promise. The pictures,m they tried to pain fall flat and the looks do not necessary work well for Raham (what's up with the all black dancers?). And what's sup with that eye mask look? Some bold hair cuts too! Why stop there? Bring the disco ball too!


 كليب رحمه رياض الا اقللهم 2012

Pyramedia: Seham Omar - Ezzay Ya'ny / سهام عمر - إزاي يعني

Pyramedia produces music in Egypt, but it seems to be only working with new comers to the game. Freshman stars enjoy working with Pyramedia that takes a chance on them. But if those make it big, I do not think they sit around and stick with Pyramedia. This might be a good business model as the stars tend to be inexpensive when they are new, but once they hit the big times, they want more.

So that's why we get to hear and see singers like Sehma Omar who has a new music video out. This teen singer who seems to like to do what other teens do is dancing and singing for your entertainment. This clip is taken form all other teen shows, something that seems natural to Seham, cars, kittens, boxing, gym...etc.

The song has turned into a fashion show, I could count at least seven outfits. This song might be a great hit with the youth., I found parts of it to be Yawn-worthy.
Seham Omar - Ezzay Ya'ny / سهام عمر - إزاي يعني

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

The Arab Kim Kardashian Is Also A Walking Billboard

Maya Diab is a celebrity, but unlike Kim she has done something with her life other than an adult tape. Maya hosts TV shows, sings (decent songs). Now she is collecting a paycheck for endorsing a product, a makeup company called Make Up For Ever, launched a line with Maya, water based makeup is a big deal for many. Maya will do well selling products for the masses.

Maya has her own makeup bag too, and a complete line of makeup that Maya swears by. The company made a promotional video for their event where Maya is looking gorgeous with that makeup, you can see loads of ladies waiting to snag some of those products and sure there is a number of makeup artists who are ready to convince women that they need this product of that. Everyone wants a piece of the glamour business.

Aside from that, Maya talked shop about her reaction to summer albums, she seems to love Elissa's album and she also seems not to have taken the time to congratulate Haifa Wahbe on her smashing album MJK. I like the bit when Maya said she forget to go to this big gala in Lebanon.

مايا دياب: نسيت موعد الموريكس ولم أهنئ هيفا

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

Review: Elissa 2012 Album Cover البوم اليسا - أسعد واحدة 2012

(Click on the picture to make it larger)


Aside from that, Elissa made a good album, it gives good and fresh lyrics. Musically it does not do much with the exception of "Haylef W Yerga3ly", "Law A2olak", "As3ad Wa7da". Those are all exciting songs that have a happy tone--something Elissa has not done well in. Aslo such songs will help beef up Elissa's concert presence. Then we see a whole new side of Elissa in at least three other songs, "Motfa'la" where she is hopeful and just a real girl with imperfections. And she doubles down in the super awesome lover who would come to rescue her man in "2alby Hases Feek". In "Kre7tak Ana" Guys won't like it too much, but the nice boys will enjoy it, it  serves as a lesson in what not to do.

"Sa'at" is a tragicaaly good song about our expectations and how life is different than we plan...this might be the most realistic song in the album, that serves as a wake up call to the dreamy among us....sometimes you have to improvise. This song causes so much pain if you were to hear it and reflect on past experiences. Elissa had to get in a corner and reflect on her life to bring out this masterpiece.

"Ro7tolo" might be the best vehicle for all those Elissa's emotions about true love where she stands by her man when he is down. It plays like a declaration of rights that those who are in a relationship should learn from. The song is about loyalty and being there for better or worse. It's like hearing the inner thought of a very romantic soul who puts her hurts aside to come to the rescue of her love. Whoever wrote this song deserves a shout out, no way a guy cane come up and express such this complex emotions. 

The two cover songs are good, Elissa has performed them before on TV and in concerts which shows her bias toward the two female stars she is paying a tribute to. Salwa Qatrib's "2aloly al-Aid" is a very popular choice from a singer that left a gap in many hearts. "Lola Al-Malama" this song was the reason the album was not released in Egypt right away due to copy right issues that now have been resolved. A good cover with a proper modern twist, I am sure if the late Warda was still with us, she would give her the nod.

The more you listen to this album, the more familiar it feels and the better the songs start to sound. Some songs I had to listen to for three times to start enjoying.

Elissa's 2012 album was relased officially today in Egypt, and minutes later the original CD and its cover work have reached the internet. It's a sad saga to see a well made album gets leaked and losses money. But no one stole the album, someone in the company leaked it....there are always disagreements and fights among people in the business.

Let's talk about the cover

Per definition an album cover is the front of the packaging of a commercially released audio recording product, or album. This is the front-facing panel of a CD package, and, increasingly, the primary image accompanying a digital download of the album, or of its individual tracks. In addition, this also serves as part of the protective sleeve. Not to forget the greater purpose a CD cover serves, marketing! 


But like an amazing album cover can sell an album. If the album cover looks cool, you might just pick up the album. I know this happened to me at least once before.I know people who do not speak the language and if they like an album's cover they are most likely to give it a listen.

Elissa knows this very well and since she tends to make an album once every two years, it's important to have worthy covers that will last for this period. Other stars do too, but most Arabic music albums are focused on the star, not the music or the experience the album offers.

I know this, Elissa does a theme for her photo shoots, it was Alice in Wonderland three years ago, now they went to Turkey to come up with some fresh images and themes. What do you guys think of the images on the album? I think they look good and tend to be safe for Elissa, but also cements her status as a women who is out of this world as she does not live ion this earth or share the worries the rest of us have to deal with. I do not necessarily see a themes in the photographs, but I do like the behind the scenes pictures from the Turkey shoot.

Elissa - sa3at 2012


P.S. Whoever translated the songs into English, should get another job, the translation into English is horrible.
P.S.2 Will someone tell team Elissa to unblock us form Hot Arabic Music twitter? 

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

A Pop Star Who Likes To See His Ladies Humble

Nagy El Ousta is a C list Lebanese singer, who acts like he is an A list, but he can get away with that because he seems like a cool dude.

His latest music video is about his trouble with his lady, he cannot seem to get through to her. But instead of looking in the mirror he seems to want to blame everyone else for his lady's distance from him.

I really like the concept of his music video, the horses, the glamour, and the outfits. This is not a necessarily Arabic music video, nothing about it screams that it's Arab. I mean in the way these people act.

Nagy El Ousta - Kebrana Be Rasha / ناجي الأسطا - كبرانا براسها