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

Super Nancy Album Takes Kids To The Zoo

Nancy Ajram is mushing three songs into one music video, a total of six minutes and a half where Nancy plays cute with kids at he zoo. The clip was filmed in Beirut and Southern Lebanon with tons of kids doing kiddie stuff.

Nancy is just one of the kids. She is releasing her second all kids album--grownups like them too in Mid August in time for Eid El Fiter celebration. This is not the first time collaboration between Nancy Ajram and director Laila Kanaan.

Nancy wears clownish colorful pant. Using 45 kids as props, and using graphics and animations in both China and Canada. About 300 hundred thousand dollars are the reported budget. This is the energizer bunny music video. There are more than one look for Nancy....I like her song for little girls, Nancy has of her own.

Watch the behind the scenes and interviews

NancyAjram 20120803

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

TV Host Nishan Should Shut His Face!

When you host a prime time TV show, you must know that there are kids out there watching your show. When your show films in Ramadan, you must at least show some respect at you ask questions form your guests. But clearly popular TV personality Nishan did not get the memo.

As he interviewed one of the most provocative pop songstresses  Myriam Faris, the TV host got comfortable and thought he was sitting in a bar and in a private session, not on TV. So the might Nishan fires up a question to Myriam....here's the question?

"Are you comfortable with people looking at your ass (buttocks)? as they are always impressed by it" "They always try to sneak a peace at your moneymaker, how do you feel?" To proof that he is an idiot the host wishes his viewers a happy Ramadan as he talks about butts. This is the kind of shitty mentality that men come up to and sadly few women play along out of fear or not being cool.

Not sure what was on his mind, to ask such a question. But again when you invite guests like that, you will not be talking about Mozart or global warming. The guest did not seem bothered by the question and seems to enjoy acting like she is tired, she seems overjoyed to talk about that part of hers. What talents does he really have? Great hair, check! A Smile, Check! A brain? We will get back to you on that one

Watch the exchange below as Nishan almost gets to blow some steam as he talks up the rare bit. Nishan should explain his question and apologize to his viewers--I am not one of them and never will.

نيشان يسال ميريام فارس عن سر جمال خلفيتها - انا والعسل

The Cute Shatha Hassoun And Elissa Feud

Elissa might have the heart of a child, Shatha Hassoun has that Iraqi bold boiling through her veins. When they cross paths, the world collide. We have heard the story about the two starlets staying in the same hotel--one had many fans out waiting for her, the other did not. The media caught win of the story, they made it a big deal.

In a Beirut concert, the media caught up with the Iraqi singer Shatha and spoke to her about her projects and upcoming events. Shatha is a talented singer with one of the most committed fans out there. Unlike many singers, she can claim two big Arab countries as her home...both Iraq and Morocco.

She is no fans of Elissa's and thinks that she has seen the history of that singer since she seems to pick fights with others. Shatha refused to say anything about the Elissa's new album--even though she has criticized the album cover before. I like both singers, they seem to do similar songs--Shatha does a bigger variety of songs than Elissa, but Elissa has a well established brand

Elissa remains silent on this matter, but Shatha is also smart, she said she likes some of Elissa's songs, not all of them. Keep in mind, both songstress work under the same Rotana label. Shatha and Elissa might not be the best friends out there, but whatever competition they have might help make their music better and their songs more real.

شذى حسون: أليسا أثارت دمِّي العراقي

Saad Ramadan Sings Like A Star, Talks Like A Drug Junkie

I like his music but I love to hate the way he talks. It might be the Lebanese thing, why do people like Saad Ramadan talk like they have been given some kind of drug? The guy is hot, the guy is smart, and he makes good music. He had half a dozen of concerts this summer and his biggest were in Algeria--a country he did not know he was known in.

So he sat down with Elaph and talk about his success and his hard work. I do not like the bit when he talks about his plans and activities, he should stick to music and romance. His talking pattern might alienate some people. His new album should be dropping by soon.

سعد رمضان نجاح ممتد من الجزائر الى الجنوب اللبناني

When Fayrouz Karawya Sings, The World Smiles

There's a free spirit in Egypt's music scene, that free spirit happens to be able to sing and sing well. Call her Fayrouz Karawya, a singer with one album under her belt and more than a dozen of concerts in Egypt. At first she sang for the revolution which got her noticed, as she sounded so real and so in the middle of everything.

Then she released her album where she spoke about love, family, wrong kind of love, confrontations and other life matters. The album was a hit with the masses. Barra Menny delivers everything you would want from an indie album. There are the beautifully crafted lyrics, the raw emotions and anger. Then songs that only a women can understand and appreciate.

The album offered an entire package of happy and sad songs, love and hate songs, dance beat and sober cafe lounge ones.  So to talk about her projects and the album, Fayrouz sat with Fil Fan and gave them an interview about her music...and of course she did two songs for them.

لقاء فيروز كراوية فى دبي
Fayrouz karawya Sings For FilFan.com فيروز كراوية تغني لـ في الفن


Interview Fayrouz Karawya With FilFan.com (1)

Medhat Saleh For Religious Songs This Ramadan

Medhat Saleh is making the rounds promoting his new work on songs for Ramadan where he sounds like a pious preacher. Medhat is a singer who has a soft spot in his heart for all things religion. As an Egyptian, they feel obligated to do something nice for the faith. Most singers opt out to do religious themed songs.

Medhat brought back an old song (and littler known too) by Abdel Halim Hafiz who sang the original song for romance, then he switched it to sounds like his romance song, but this time it's about his yearning to go visit Al Medina and pray where the early days of Islam and prophet.

I found this song a delight and it does very similar--the same music of Ololo El Haqeeqah. Abdel Halim has recorded dozens of religious themed songs and prayers that are still popular with the masses. Salehhas re-recorded some of them too.

روحوا له المدينة - مدحت صالح

In Soula, Assala Nasri Gets Cozy With Other Singers

Soula is the name of the show where Syrian (she is also Bahraini, Egyptian, Palestinian and American too) singer Assala Nasri invites guests to her home. Other singers and clebrites are also welcome, but the fromat is in a studio inside Assalah's home.

A cozy atmosphere where singers can relax and jam with Assalah, They talk, they ask questions and sometimes answer them. But Assala is the star of this format, she has a strong personality and always have something to say. She is also in an age where she can relate to most of the singers she hosts. A singer kicks off a song and the rest plays chorus

I think the guests might get a small payment, and those who are too big, might just do it as a favor. I think this is cool idea--it;s not entirely new, but it does bring a number of voices from all over the map and have them sing together. I like the video below, where you get three male singers and one super super sweet gal that goes by the name Suma.

Soula With Adam - Soma - loai - Ahmed Saad (3-5)

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

A Plastic Nation Called Lebanon عمليات التجميل في لبنان

I have never been to Lebanon, but everyone who comes back from there tells many jokes about how this nation is observed with all things plastic surgeries. Just like Texas and California everyone makes a big deal about their bigger, younger and youthful looks.

There's no shame in that, the same kicks in when it becomes a phobia! That's when even good looking people think they are not good enough. This is not just a thing for women now, guys also wants to keep up to they go under the knife too. Show biz is a bitch and people want to stay in it for as long as it takes. As younger people break into the business, other older stars freak out and run to the nearest plastic surgeon. But it turns out even politicians seek help tucking their bellies.

I love this video where they talk about Haifa Wahbe's nose and Elissa's lips are popular. WE all know dozens of celebrities who went for plastic surgeries. I think it's something if you need it, then go for it, but it you have a choice, you better think again. It makes sense why many world known surgeons call Lebanon home--phobia pays.

عمليات التجميل في لبنان: عندما يصبح الجمال فوبيا

This Is What Passes For Oriental Nights In Lebanon

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

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

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

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

عاصي الحلاني كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012


نوال الزغبي - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


سارا الهاني - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


رامي عيـاش كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012

Do We Really Need Saber El Robaey?

Saber was cool for a second in 2000 and then cool again in 2003, but then he not done anything fresh in almost a decade. He is a Tunisian star who has done little for his home country, he lives and works in Lebanon. And now since he has stayed mum on the Arab Spring, he is back speaking up about politics, but in the overtime.

I do not really know what he brings to the pop game anymore? I just cannot connect with his new stuff and feel his voice seems tired. What might be helpful for Saber is not volumes, but quality. I do not think he has found anything that would make him a star again.

watch his presser and interview talking about his concert in Lebanon. I do think he is overrated, but not because he is not talented, but rather because he has yet to challenge himself once again.
صابر الرباعي: ما يحصل في تونس ليس من أهداف الثورة

Said El Marouk And Maya Diab To Make Sexy Clips

There's a new pop diva in Lebanon, and her name is Maya Diab. Think of her as the dark horse of Arabic pop who dances, sings and show more skin than most would. She has at least two different TV shows, and now she is hot for concerts where she open for other acts.

The news story reads, she is to released three singles and collaborate with one of the boldest--some can say kinkiest music video directors in Lebanon. Maya has been know for her sexy legs and babe personality. Few years ago she was just a cool chick on TV, now it seems she is building an empire. Well whatever it takes to keep those dollars rolling in.

Just see how she dances and the dudes seem to dig it. I think she should stick to pop and sexy stuff and leave the classics untouched by her.

مايا دياب تتعاون مع الماروق وتطلق ثلاث أغانٍ جديدةٍ

May Matar "مي مطر" Should Always Play Piano

I have enjoyed the songs May Matar does, I did not think she was one of a kind, I thought she was a fun singer and that's the end of story. But then, I watched the video below where she can be spotting playing piano and singing at the same time. Only then, did I realize how talented and how awesome May Matar really is.

You will see that she has got some soul and some passion for what she is doing. We do not get to see too many Arabic singers who can actually play an instrument like the piano.

The album is an interview with her about her soon to be released, a pop album about a chick who does have a personality and pride in herself. May is not trying to be something she is not, she has always been a strong voice for other women--she did a song hammering another singer for talking down to women. May is producing for herself.

مي مطر: أنا عروس ألبومي وسأصعد من خلاله

Finding Aladdin In Dubai With Shatha Hassoun

Iraqi Moroccan singer Shatha Hassoun has finally landed in Dubai to film her big music video Aladdin. Dubai is a perfect place as it provides the scenes and the talents one needs for such a project. This time Shatah hired a lady to direct her, it's her first time working with a female director. I see a kitchen seen and a red dress, fake tears.

I wish I had a dime for every time a singer said, this video clip will be amazing and like nothing I did before. It has become cliche. I do not get what Aladdin has to do with the kitchen--many Arabic restaurants name their establishment Aladdin. And they also interview that happy and animated makeup artists

I have seen the kitchen scene before where celebrities use the kitchen door to escape the cameras.

شذى حسون تلتقي علاء الدين في دبي

May Matar, The Lebanese Girl Of Chick Pop

Few years ago, Mai Matar's name came out of nowhere, she might have been a local singer at her home Lebanon, but all of sudden she was everywhere. She can thank a song she did in response to a song she perceived to ask women to sit at home and not work.

Her song was mad and raised some critical points, once this was over nothing has been heard from Mai. Ms. Matar was on radio and TV telling girls that they can be all they want to be. Mohammed Iskander, the guy who sang the original song that pissed off Mai and other ladies, moved one and did a very good song about plastic surgeries.

But it seems there's a new single in town for Mai, the song is titled, I loved you, but I do not anymore. Here's a clip from the filming of the music video for the song. The song does not have the pizzazz decent pop songs usually have. It seems like a cute girl karaoke.
may matar teaser final 3  مي مطر: كنت حبك وبطَّلت

Mohamed El Qaq Is Making News Again

Jordanian handsome devil Mohamed El Qaq has been making news lately as he is promising to deliver a world class music video worthy to launch this young star's career. A breakup song delivered by a helpless romantic. I liked the song, it's one oh his finest vocal exhibits since her started singing on Star Academy.

Looks do help production companies make their choices base on the marketability of a star. While the music video has yet to be released, a camera caught a glimpse of what we are in for. See the interview with Mohamed who looks tired but still manged to sound very Jordanian indeed. Mohamed can sing, but just like many other stars before him, it's hard to give an interview and talk to the press.

He will get there. As for his music he has already done well. El Qaq is promising a surprise in his music video that will be in the end. I cannot guess what it will be. I know that he has spoke about an outside Jordan concert soon. كليب - اولك هالدني كذبة - محمد القاق - حصريا عبر خبر عاجل محمد القاق ولقاء خاص لخبر عاجل

Highlights From Asalah's Rabat Press Conference

Syrian singer Asala was in Morocco for a festival appearance, she gave a conference and here are few highlights from this provocative otherwise talented Syrian soprano:

1. I donate a portion of my concert proceeds to the Syrian people. Asala had a number of concerts in Europe, Canada, the States, Qatar and now Morocco.  
2. She cannot stop singing even though the situation in most Arab countries is not that great. Because singing is her job and it's the air she breaths
3. She was intimidated by the Moroccan fans, because they are hard to please due to their sophisticated taste of music.
4. She does not plan on going to Lebanon anytime soon due to fear of abduction assassination or harassment by the Syrian regime whom she has apposed. Asala cited that they have been a bout a 100 anti Assad activists who have disappeared from Lebanon.
5. Even though she opposes Assad, she did not approve of Fadel Shaker leading festival goers in prayer against Assad where Fadel asked for the presidents' destruction. She said such things are excessive and  not very important. 

The Awkward Rendition of The Lebanese National Anthem

Assi Hallani thinks he is a hero, a knight, a leader and a fighter. But above all he loves his homeland Lebanon and adores its army. Now Assi is a smart business guy, he has managed to survive in today's crowded music scene. In one of his million appearance for an interview on a Cleanser TV, he broke into character and started singing and humming the Lebanese national anthem.

Assi made it awkward as he broke into the anthem sitting down, only seconds later, he stood up and confused the TV present who played along with this unprovoked rendition...like he has gotten himself the holy spirit. What's intersting though, how simmilar all Arab national anthems are, I do appreciate the Lebanese anthem as it does not speak of a certain leader or king...just the country that we all agree to love and honor.
عاصي الحلاني يغني النشيد الوطني اللبناني