WATCH: The Many Girlfriend Of Kathem Al Saher

Iraqi composer singer and now reality TV star Kazem Al Saher is a charmer, he is well known for his touching and epic romantic songs. He has been in the business for 20 plus years and he have had dozens of hits and many great albums. He is not a guy who likes to talk too much about himself in interviews and such he seems like a down to earth guy. But in his music video he holds nothing back, always with gorgeous ladies.

He is a happily married man with a lovely family and a recent grandchild given to him by his older son Wissam. This family man has had many musical collaborations with lead female artists. Sometimes he has loaned them his music, sometimes he would sing with them on stage. Let's take a look at some of his most famous lady muses:

1. Latifa from Tunis, she was the first lady Kathem Al Saher has worked with. He has sang with her and has composed songs for her. She was a huge name and he was starting up his career then. They are best of friends.  كاظم الساهر /البرت هول 1997 / ياقدس
2. Egyptian songstress Ghada Raghab was next on the list. Kathem has comended her voice and has given her a musical piece. It was a lovely collaboration from a guy who has been around the block and a new voice then. لمـــــاذا ؟ - غادة رجب  كاظم الساهر غاده رجب - ابعد عني  
3. Magida El Roumy is a huge star and has sang a number of poems by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbany--the go to guy for many of Kathem's gorgeous songs. Magida wanted to collaborate with Kazem so he gave her one of his best musical work to date--she added it to her 2012 album. Kathem was jazzed up about his collaboration and has spoke about it for a really long time وعدتك - ماجدة الرومي & كاظم الساهر & نزار قباني (HQ) كاظم الساهر وعدتك ماجدة الرومي 
4. Asma Laminawar, then, she was a local singer with a lot of talent. She had the local fame, but on the pan Arab music radar, she was unnoticed. They did a song together in early 2007-2008 and then they performed it on stage in Morocco. It was an instant hit, so Kathem doubled down and did another song with this Moroccan delight in his 2009 album. Again it was one of the finest songs for that year, a classic. كاظم الساهر و اسماء المنور اشكو اياما المحكمة كاظم الساهر اسماء المنور 

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

DOWNLOAD: Esseily 2012 Rainbow Album البوم محمود العسيلى - دنيا جديده

Mahmoud Esseily album lands and I am loving the cover art. It's hopeful, rainbows, smiley face, and a sun flower. I like the casual look and the slip on shoes. This is the look of the future in Egypt and Esseily seems to have made the transition. Esseily remains a popular singer with the youth as he often take on challenging topic like drugs and boredom. He can be funny and it show sin his music 

Back to the music, 14 tracks is what the album have, a hefty number of songs that take so much time to bring to light. The album has been launched officially today after at least what seems like an unlimited delays. Hear it here Remember buy original copies of this CD where you can find them. This is a well made album that meant to cheer you up and make you believe that change is possible even under the most grueling circumstances.

The album is titled a whole new world to reflect the new changes in Egypt. I do not think the timing of the release is ideal as the people in Egypt and other places are boiling from that silly American movie about Islam. So if you are in the mode for some good pop and if you need a dose of amusement and good music, you need this album.

01 - Adeny Baaiesh
02 - Aysheen
03 - Dehkah
04 - Donia Gdeda
05 - Eisha Helwa
06 - El Agzakhanah
07 - El Leyla
08 - Enta Meny
09 - Eshtaghalony
10 - Hankhaf Men Eah
11 - Mabsout Fe Makanak
12 - Nazra Fe Eineky
13 - Set El Setat
14 - Warak Warak

محمود العسيلي 2012 - عايشينMa7moud-3esely-3ayshen2012

WATCH: Nancy "Ajram Ya Banat" نانسى عجرم - يا بنات

There's justice in this world. Nancy Ajram has done justice to the female gender. She is releasing a hit song with the title "Girls" about the joy of having girls for children. She has two girls of her own and she wants the world to know she is all about those fun and sweat creatures.

The song is part of the Super Nancy album, an album with with kids in mind, but with a lot of heart. It's a cute songs with girls all over it, it reminds people that having girls is a great thing. the song radiates happy and  assures that Nancy Ajram is here to stay.

The song's promo was released on a TV show few weeks ago and the album is getting quite the buzz on the internet. This is the second song with girls in the title for Nancy in less than two months. The previous song was about how girls think--a fun song but for grownups. Nancy has a large number of women in her life. Her mom is there, her girls and most of her music videos have been directed by other females.

نانسي عجرم يا بنات يا بنات كمله


سيمبل اغنية نانسى عجرم - يا بنات | من الالبوم القادم

I Don't Think Tamer Hosny Is Really Married To Bassma Boussil

It has been almost a week since that random video has popped online and the social media where supposedly the Egyptian pop star. He has popped the question to Bassma Boussil and the video claims they are now married. I might be wrong about this, but the singer has yet to confirm his wedding in person or in a live show. He is testing the water. If you guys do not like it, he might deny the news of his marriage.

For starter he has not confirmed the news in person, we only get bits and pieces from the internet. Do not believe everything you read on the internet. If he is so happy and so proud of his marriage--which he should be, why has he not spoken about it. Another thing to consider is Bassma's new career where she has an album ready to be released soon, free marketing cannot hurt.

This could be a stunt from the guy who knows how to stay in the news and stay in the public discourse. He needed some press, as he prepares for a new album project which he is producing but claims that some global company is paying him to release. The album will be mostly in English. If the wedding was a reality, where is the wedding? Pictures anyone? Families?

Now let's talk about this marriage, I am certain most people are happy for Tamer including his female fans who tend to faint in his concerts. Why is he hiding the news? I am certain he has no problem calling in one of those TV shows to confess his love and share the news about his marriage. I think the good press deliver him some sales. He went from essentially having a whole music network (Mazzika) dedicated to him into a pariah.  

Tamer Hosny ft Bassma Boussel- Matis2alnish (Trailer)

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"

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

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

Ehab Tawfiq Ana Ro7y Feek Promo 1 2012 Album

The guy who rocked the 90s is not done yet, he has an album in the works, and he has just performed in a concert in the States (Virginia, Florida, and Los Angles). Yes, this is Ehab Tawfik unleashed. His new mini album (about 4 songs) is being promoted at the moment with no release date.

Tawfik will excite his fan base, not sure how well he can attract new fans. Ehabd is a good guy, he seems like one of those down to earth people--even when he has the hot dude he was still fun to talk to.

I look forward to these tracks, Ehabd makes pop like it's still the 90s which is cool because I am over the house and club mix music that has taken over the world of Arabic pop.

Ehab Tawfiq Ana Ro7y Feek Promo 1

Take Two: The Army In Lebanon Likes To Party

They recruited the big names for their big bash party, a guy who thins he is the shit--Nishan. They had a concert for the Eid, and star studded song followed. There has been never as many egos as this song has packed.

I love how cute, romantic, and spunky singers all looking tough and wearing army uniforms. I normally would think this is a disrespect for the uniform, but who are we kidding? The moment people star waving flags, some see pride, some see love, some see patriotism. Let me ask this, how many of those people on the stage singing for the army have a second citizenship?

What is the army trying to accomplish with those songs? Pop music does not make though people, it makes awesome dancers, if you want an army of awesome dancers, you got one. The army is tough and it should be made of real talent both men and women not some dudes who are too pretty or too dumb to get a visa to Canada.

I really do love Lebanon and want nothing but the best to that country and its people, but the reality is this Lebanon is not what you see on TV, it's so much more.

أوبريت جيش لبنان ع المسرح - حفلة البيال 2012

Moustafa Mahfouz Is The Most Underrated Pop Star

His latest single has been released and it has the viewership on YouTube to show for it. For starter Moustafa Mahfouz is a very good composer, he has a good name and a decent brand. He has collaborated with the best pop stars out there. Then he has helped young stars break into the business--like Omniya Suliman.

But he has also released a number of songs, his songs are pretty catch too. He makes good layered music and his voice is pretty enjoyable. The guy knows how to present the sade and broken hear voice without much agony.

Sure, his first music video was a bit random with a lot of random things and sexually confusing models and hot rides. But the song itself was fresh. Then came a single after another. His album was delayed but he just given us a sample with this single. He sings to and abut women as if they are both grownup ups, no kiddie crap.

مصطفى محفوظ "مغلطيش في حاجه"

Abdel Halim Hafez, the Boy Who Made Arabic Music Accessible

At his time, he was a lightweight, but now we come to see him as a legend. Singer and actor Abdel Halim Hafez came in a time when the stage with loaded with people who make beautiful Arabic music accompanied by live orchestras and musicians who make true Arabic music unadulterated. There were also popular folksy artists who have made it big with the common man in the street and in small towns around the Arab world.

Yes, the young people were left un-catered to, they were many of them around who liked Arabic music, the music of Farid Al Atrach, Oum Kalthoum, and Abdelwahab, but none of those singers expressed the feelings the young had. The stores were not right, so to fill in that voice came a skinny guy Abdel Halim Hafez and gave the boys and girls of Arabia the songs they needed. That was his niche and his market, he was their break and butter and brought millions in revenue for everyone in in his business. 


Abdel Halim Hafez was a big hit, even the big household names watched him with amazement. He made cute movies and sang the most romantic songs riddled with passion. He has all the rights told, the charming personality, the warmth voice and the untamed emotions that wanted to get out. Or maybe he was really good at getting in character and performing for hours in stage.

Abdel Halim Hafez packed full concert halls with young and energized people who had little, but a truck load of untapped emotions. He toured all over the Arab world and collaborated with all the big names of his time--he opened to Oum Kalthoum and worked with Farid Al Attrach too. He sang for Nizar Qabbani and had Baligh Hamdi write him music. The list goes on. His movies made so many lead female stars who at their prime were the it girl.

Then all of a sudden he died...just like that. Keep on mind, songs of Abdel Halim Hafez are not your average songs, they are tales fashioned like a song. 

Here's one of his little know songs that offered a world class music that tells a story even when the singer is standing in amusement waiting for his cue.

عبد الحليم حافظ نبتدي منين الحكاية كاملة

Talal Kontar - Doubles Down In "Yally Ma'y Sayer"

Talal Kontar is lyrical poet, music composer who is kind of a big deal in Lebanese pop. Dozens of A list singers (Fadel Shaker, Fares Karam, Raghib Alamah, UTN1,) take songs from him and he is happy to work with the best of them. But Talal is now doing a lot more singing and as we can see, we have yet another music video of his and he looks and sounds very fine.

Talal mixes really good music, and he seems to have a great influence form many Western school of music where he draws inspiration. So when he sings, you are not sure if he is being serious or if he is joking. The music video is in a bar/lounge.

I like the song story line, where a gorgeous girl approaches him and asks him about a girl--his sister and then he asks his sister for help. I like the ending where is feels European to me.

Talal Kontar - Yally Ma'y Sayer / طلال قنطار - ياللي معي صاير

When Wael Kfoury Was Cool Not Pathetic

Remember the 90s? If your answer is Yes, then you will know a cool kid from that not so distant past...Wael Kfoury was the invincible kid of Arabic pop. He was everywhere and he was the guy to listen to from Morocco to Dubai from Syria to Sudan he was on every radio. And we loved him for it because his songs made us happy.

But do you remember a happy and dancey Wael Kfoury hit song in the past 10 years? I do not think that would be easy. He has cornered himself in doing lame romantic songs--some of them are good. But such songs have turned Wael the cool happy singer with passion into a zombie whose fans are limited to older women nostalgic to better times.

He has not released an album in a really long time, and he has found trouble finding a company that wants his album--maybe he asks for too much money. I miss the cool Wael who did happy songs and sounded like a fighter in the ring seeking glory. Wael does not talk to the media and his bodyguards rough up photographers in concerts and there's a talk about his non-secret secret marriage.

the song below was one of his better known songs when every concert and party in Arabia played it at weddings, guys and girls found it a hit. It's not too late for Wael Kfoury to make a song of this magnitude, I just do not feel that he wants to anymore.
وائل كفوري - ما وعدتك بنجوم الليل

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

The Good Son: Ahmed El Haggar To Release A Debut Album

Like father like son is creeping into the music business now. Ahmed El Haggar is the son of celebrated and iconic Egyptian singer Ali El Haggar just singed a contract to work with a new music label. They will release his debut album. I have known about Ahmed singing more than 2 years ago when I saw him in a performance alongside his old man

Ahmed performed with his father on a number of occasions and he seemed to make waves where he goes. He can sing really well and has a different set of vocals that can hold a note. Ahmed who has his fathers look, has also taken the singing talent form his father who has helped shape Egyptian culture.

The company sate with him for an interview, and they just have posted few of his songs performed live by the young singer and a lute player. I can say that the guy knows how to impress, his choice of songs is the kind that salons used to play, the deep East bound music that requires a serious listener. This is a good start, but ultimately, pop lords will have the singer knocking.

Ahmed El Haggar - Eh Enkatably


أحمد الحجار - أنا والليل Ahmed El Haggar - Ana Wo El Leil


أحمد الحجار - ايه انكتبلى Ahmed El Haggar - Eh Enkatably

Joe Ashkar 015 2012 Album With 15 Tracks

Lebanese pop ain't dude, it's the opposite. Just ask Lebanon's hardest working party show business guru Joe Ashkar. Joe has released a 15 track album which he has cleverly titled 015. He remains one of the sharpest dresser, and the man most men want to copy, he has a signature style with the slim fit suites. He has has a venue in Lebanon's biggest concert venue....at a Casino where he hold weekly concerts that bring the best of the shoebiz.

His album is about romance, fights, breakups and everything in between. I do like Joe's music, he seems to take it seriously, not just a DJ making music for his songs. The mixing and the mastering seems top notch.

The album is made for female consumption, but males who are helpless romantics will find it interesting to listen to and try to copy some of its lines. Frankly, the album is for the grown up romantic. The song who has seen love up close and personal, not  freshman romantic who might not relate to its lyrics.

Romance for the refined soul is what Joe is going for and he does a really good job at it. He also has few playful songs where he has released as singles in the span of three years.  Like his   Dakhel El Ghannouj that has a music video worthy of stations like the European MTV. On that note, Joe has actually received an ward from the Euro MTV.


This Lebanese super star is doing a favor to his other countrymen as he leads the way in pop music and his music video who are both bold and visionary keep things interesting at home and abroad. Joe Ashkar might not appeal to everyone, but he has always shown to be capable of picking new fans and claiming resepct.  With his 15 track songs, you know the album will change moods and beats, which ensures a musical experience for all tastes out there.   

 01.Ta’ai
02.Keda Keda
03.Men Qal
04.Dakhel El Ghannouj
05.El Shab El Arabi
06.Habibet Albe
07.Kezzabi
08.Sayerlou
09.Akh Ya Bouy
10.Yesa’ad Ayamak
11.Ya Oumi
12.Ta’ai [Shear Wa Ghouna]
13.Rjehtella
14.Mili Mili
15.Aa'l Youma

Joe Ashkar - Dakhel El Ghannouj / جو أشقر - داخل الغنوج


Joe Ashkar - Ta3ee جو أشقر - تعي

Girls Tales by Nancy Ajram نانسي عجرم - أغنية سكك البنات من مسلسل حكايات البنات

This Ramadan there,s a show that will take everyone by storm, a lighthearted comedy about being a girl. Who knows best than Nancy Ajram, a young singer who made it big when she was younger than 20, she is the mother of two girls and the daughter of a strong and young at hear woman.

Nancy has made it cool to be a girl, perhaps less awkward maybe. The spunky years are important and it seems Nancy is happy to always be a young girl in the inside and outside. That's why she was the voice for the new comedy about girls. She has sang the main song for the show and so far it seems to be a great choice.

People now want to tune in to this show as the great Nancy who is a Huge star and has the highest likability rating in Arabic pop. I might not like the show because it seems to be going for "Friends" or any other American show. It seems to be about being a city girl who likes to think she is modern and stuff. The sad part, it was a guy who wrote the lyrics, not a woman. As far as we can tell the lyricist likes women too. 

But as for the song, its spot on cute, and accurate too. So take notes guys, do not screw up and if you do, there's a right way to handle it and a wrong one...Nancy Ajram will show you the way. 

نانسي عجرم - أغنية سكك البنات من مسلسل حكايات البنات 

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

Nabil Shuail, The Gulf's Finest One Hit Wonder

speaking of enchanting poetry, tune in to Golf Nightingale or as yo know him Nabil Shuail, the chunky singer form Kuwait. Nabil was the first face of Gulf music that made it big in the Arab mainstream. He was carried to every Arab home with the satellite wave that stroke in the 90s. He has one of the finest sense of humors in the biz and it shows in his interviews and various appearances.

His bit hit was Ma Ar'wak "How Wonderful You Are", a light pop song that plays like a poem whee the singer is telling his other half how much in love he is with such a wonderful soul. The song came in the late 90s and it was the romantic song of its time, Arabs were blown away with this new star. To his credit, he has had dozens of other songs prior to that one--I know this because I grew up in the Gulf with his music.

Nabil enjoyed a great deal of fame, but none of his songs has manged to outgrow that one hit of his. Nabil has not been very active--his last album was in 2009. One thing I like about Nabil is his music videos, he does not fall in love, he hires other models to tell a love story where Nabil only provides the audio track of his magical and poetic words.

Enjoy Nabil's most famous song to date

نبيل شعيل ما اروعك اغاني نبيل شعيل -الكليب الأصلي