Mohammed Al Farra D.R Ft. MC Gaza & Big E Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a game for many of those rappers. Gaza rappers are no different. When Mohammed al-Farra takes the stage. He rapped about the Gaza Strip and talked to the audience about the struggles that Palestinians in Gaza face on a daily basis under siege and occupation. Al Farra has generated a large number of followers outside Gaza, he seems to have the business connections all lined up.

Al Farra came from the group Palestinian Rapperz  thought to be the first hip hop group from Gaza. When he takes the stage and demonstrates skills that show he is has what it takes to be on the who is who map of the world’s most talented up and coming artists. His flow, the music, and the content all come together to form a breathtaking show

These were bold words, but in a spectacular show, he showed that this was no idle boast. With his powerful lyrics, his inspiring hope, and his dedication to the plight of Palestine, human rights, and the right of return to Palestine, He touched everyone’s heart, and made everyone in the room rise up and dance. But frankly, this is something that he won't be able to replicate in Gaza.

I do not like the excessive cussing in English but I know why it's there....to attract young confused souls who want to be able to get mad in two languages. I do happen to like the mix of rappers involved with this track. It shows that the local rap scene has now matured and ready for prime time.

Mohammed Al Farra D.R Ft. MC Gaza & Big E - Hip Hop Mal3abe - ElNmr.coM

PHOTO: Anwar El Amir Gives Israel The Middle Finger

Anwar El Amir is a popular singer in Lebanon. He was on a vacation in Greece and saw something from the state of Israel, so he posed next to it and gave it the middle finger. I do not know what's on the back, and I do not think this is an Israeli thing. But the singer did something he felt like doing since he is form Lebanon, a country that has seen and lived the might of the Israeli military.

The singer said he was surrounded by Greek and Jewish tourists and wanted to take the picture. He did not plan it, it just happened. His buddy warned him that it might be misunderstood, but still he wanted to take the picture and he did.

I will not comment further on this picture, love it or hate it. Aside form that the singer has a catch new song out that received a warm welcome in Lebanon and around Arabia, it's below.

   ;انور الامير - شفتك بعيني _ 2011 Anwar El Amir - Sheftek Bi 3ayne.mp4

U-Seff Raps From Jordan's Overlooked Slums

U-Seff did not rap from the void, he comes form a poor and marginalized area in Jordan--an area that's not Amman. He hates the sucker part of town. The markets where the trash is all over the streets. Corruption and no services. He might not have the strongest voice out there, but you will not miss his frustration. U-Sef is proud of his part of town, he loves it. But he thinks it can be better.

He is chocking in the inside yet he manged to smile and be happy. I love his name and how he spelled, a rather refreshing way to stand out. Full name is Yousef Qasrawi Also Known As "U-Seff Qasrawi" Aka Music Kid ( فتى الموسيقى ). He's from Palestine yet he Was Born In Romania but He currently Lives In Jordan.When he Started Rapping he wasn't that good quality production he did, but With time he got better and better.

Respect U-Seff! You rre good buddy

U-Seff - Hay 7aretna | Official Underground Music Video |

Local Rima Banna Is The Palestinian Global Star

There's a formula that works for some great names, any name really in any culture. If they mange to find a magical way to celebrate the local folksy scene and take into new territories, they will garner fame all across the world. Bob Dylan did it in the United States, Fayrouz accomplished it in Lebanon, Mohammed Mounir did it in Egypt. In Palestine Rim Banna did just that.

She sang for he grandmother, for her farm and for her little village. And her hard work and creative ways brought her fame and a global fellowship. People seek which is different than their own, that's why Rim was able to it. She has a warm yet easy to manipulate voice, and her performances on stages all over the world are sold out to both Arabic speaking and non. She is a collector of old Palestinians texts, and stories , then she curates them into upbeat songs.

She is a savvy performer who knows how to work out an audience. The tales she sings about are timeless and for many they generate a fuzzy feeling, that's why she has been around for more than decade now. The daughter of the Palestinian city of Nazareth whose Ukrainian composer and guitar player husband whom she met in Russia while she attended the music conservatory constantly makes waves in the music scene.     

 ستي العرجه - ريم بنا the grandma with limp - Rim Banna

An Arab Rapper To Like: Black Unit Mohammed Wafi

I met this guy at a checkpoint few years ago, Mohammed Wafi was on his way to Egypt to go to school--his mom is Egyptian making him a Palestinian Egyptian rapper. I remember him having an awesome hair style and someone pointed him to me and said, this guy is a big deal.

I ended up talking to him and listening to his music on his laptop. We had lots of time to kill, so why not? the music was catchy. We talked about his collaboration and the movie Sling Shot Hip Hop that was released a year prior.

Two years later, Wafi and his band Black Unit release this lovely track, with numbers....they count to 48, each number tell a Palestinian story. This is a very Gaza track, that speaks about division and militants in Gaza, but the Israeli gets a great deal in this track. This is very creative way to tell a story and channel that rage.

This time Wafi brings a friend for the track, he featured Alaa Shoblaq. This is a track made by guys who have nothing, but really want to make music--I happen to think they are awesome. Hope you will enjoy the track and the artwork accompanying it.

Wafi does interior design--something he studied in college
 
Mohammed wafi from black unit band - 48 numbers ft. alaa shoblaq

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

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

In The Aftermath Of The Rafah Massacre, Gaza Sends Egypt Some Love

While many in Egypt are upset with the people in Palestine and in Gaza particularly, most of Gaza has stayed mum on the matter. They oped funeral homes to commiserate with the people of Egypt, they have called the fallen men heroes--a rightful title.  

Few things to remember, people in Gaza are also Egyptians at least 20 percent of them are citizens of that land. While the people who murdered the soldiers are Egyptians--unless we know otherwise. The false and extreme theology they subscribe to is resented in Gaza. The same ideas that allow those thugs to murder follow Muslims, allowed them to terrorize people in Gaza.

Fact, many in Egypt want to embarrass the current government and they can only do that if they claim that the attackers are from Gaza. This way, they can tell their people, we are all Egyptians, and those bad Palestinians need to stop. Fact, they have desecrated the Palestinian flag and the Kuffyah in Egypt.

Yes, most Palestinians have chosen not to react in hate, you do not win over hateful people with more hate.
A group of young Gazans made this video and sported the Egyptian flag and showed love, and appreciation for that country---they have also condemned those crimes in Rafah.        

رسالة من غزة إلى مصر

Palestine Undivided-Rap Song احنا - فلسطين لواحد

The old ones might not care enough to take a stand, Palestine is one. The young ones might be idealistic enough to take a stand in which they say the truth...there's only one Palestine. There's no Gaza and there's no Ramallah. There's just one place called Palestine to which the folks are aspiring to build.

I like this tune, it sounds too simplistic and it sounds scrappy as it has been recorded in some basement....with no money but with a lot of passion. I have enjoyed the different voices who tell different stories that makes up the Palestinian tapestry.

 احنا - فلسطين لواحد - Falsten la Wa7d

About The Shooting Of Egyptian Officers In Rafah

Shooting in Rafah border, and the death of more than 15 Egyptian officers, I do not know who is behind this. Certainly most Palestinians would have no clear MOTIVE committing this senseless act of murder. I am now hearing and seeing more rage in Egypt that has been directed toward Gaza Strip and the Palestinians, some even want to see Egypt bomb Gaza.

I certainly understand the rage in Egypt, those fallen men are hero even in Palestine. And most people who work in the border are both Egyptians and Palestinians. The reality is, we do not knows many things, I happen to believe five things to be true:

1. Egypt has ignored the Sinai desert--as they are also limited to what they can do due to the Camp David treaty.  
2. In marginalized communities, extremists Muslims group (Jihad, Qaeda) thrive. And there are Palestinians reside in Egypt's border areas. 
3. The current government of Egypt is Gaza's best friend in the world--they promise to east the siege and allow for freedom of movement. Why would Gaza want to crap where they eat? Plus, the government in Gaza and the one in Egypt stem from the same theological schools
4. Israel/certain political groups in Egypt are not too happy about the government of Egypt acts of kindness toward Gaza.  
5. The underground tunnels between Gaza and Egypt need to be demolished, there is simply no need for them and they have served their purpose until the siege was made lighter late last year. Now, they are used for greed and people who bring in weird people and illegal merchandise.

Having said that, I stand firmly behind the government to f Egypt as they try to figure out what really happened and wish people would just refrain from jumping to conclusions. I would also ask the government in Gaza not to give the one in Egypt a hug of death. They are not in office to make Gaza a better place, they cannot do that until Egypt is back to speed.

May the officers now rest in peace

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

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.

Palestinian Rapper Puts The Spotlight Back On Gaza

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

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

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

Mc Gaza - Heek Bnshofha | هيك بنشوفها


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

Naughty Or Nice? Palestinian President Attends Wedding

President Mahmoud Abbas took the time to attend a local wedding, he brought his band, and his groupies with him for this big bash. I like the idea of politicians pandering to local people and I think that people of Silwad wanted to be there, he seems likes a nice guy.

But I would do away with the guy brown nosing the president. I do not like the tradition of sucking up to the politicians, if I like a guy then he earns my silence and occasional cheers. I like the old ladies bit when the are doing old school Palestinian Zaghal or Hahe.

 I do not know if I live in this world or not, but I think I mixed on this, I think it's good and I also can see how it can be also used for something bad. I love the fact that his wife was there with the ladies--she is no politician.

 مشاركة السيد الرئيس ابو مازن اهالي سلواد العرس الجماعي

The Rapping Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Here's a fresh sounding rap song from the Palestinian Gaza based rapper known as Mc Gaza. Mc Gaza filmed his rap video in Gaza City, consider it a tour of Gaza downtown--everywhere else sucks really. Feel free to spot the rapper filling in for the unknown solider monument. Looking slick and stylish ain't easy in Gaza, but rappers have to have a swag.

I like the graffiti, and the masked man represents something, not sure what it's at the moment--maybe Israeli collaborators. I do not like the smoking bit, it''s really not cool Mc Gaza. The video gets wired toward the middle with the rapper shaking and incredible closeup.

Keep on mind, this is a local production where there is little support for artists, so A for effort.
Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Najah Salem, One More Underrated Lebanese Diva

 Najah called Egypt a home and never forgotten that Egypt opened its arms to this lady when she needed a place to live away form the wars. Najah Salam is a Lebanese singer and actress. Born in Beirut on March 13 1931, the daughter of a prominent poet and lutenist, known throughout the Arab world. Like many of her peers Najah started singing in school choirs until 1948, when her father embarked in Cairo to present her to the likes of Oum Kalthoum, Farid Al Atrash, Asmahan.

Her first works came in 1949, as she performed in Ramallah, Baghdad, and Damascus etc. She returned in 1950 to Lebanon to record on Lebanese television some new songs which are Ala Masrahika Ya Dunia, and to also play in several films such as Ala kifek, Ibnu Duat, Alchab Al Asmar, Al Dunia LamaTadhak. She is a Lebanese singer who has masted various styles of singing including the Lebanese folklore songs. .
But Najah's rise to fame came to light in 1956 when her love of pan-Arabism brought her many fans and she traveled to places like Tunisia and Algeria. In 1956 she has also appeared in Cannes where she brought her film to the festival goers.

It wasn't until between 1970 and 1974, when Najah visited each single Arab country and performed there. Her Lebanese songs are far more famous than the ones she did, even though most of her other songs were inspired by Oum Kalthoum. One of the many titled Najah has earned is the one closest to her heart-- Ashikat Masr, the one who swooned by Egypt.

She left Lebanon for years during the war years, and only returned toward the end of her career where she did her country proud and helped enrich the music scene. Najah Salem's musical adventures stand as a testament to our life of live and love of all things gorgeous.
  بالسلامة يا حبيبي بالسلامة


نجاح سلام _ ميل يا غزيل najah salam - mayel ya ghzayel

Algeria Does't Mind The Annoying Enrico Macias Visiting

Enrico Macias is French, Jewish and Algerian and has made a fuss about not being allowed to visit what he calls his home. He tried in 2000, but was denied an invitation due to local protest but civil society groups due to Macias' support for Israels' policies in the occupied Palestinians Territories.

Macias tried again ib 2007 but he was denied again. Now he thinks he is being denied the right to go visit his homeland--welcome to the club asshole, I and several million Palestinians cannot do that either. Then the Minister of Telecommunication in Algeria, Nasir Mahl spoke up revealing that Macias is the one who backed down on the visit and changed his mind.

Macias is enjoying this as he has been speaking about this "ban". The Minister did a fine job explaining the case on an Algerian radio that airs in Paris. "No one denied this guy entry, all the French people who want to visit Algeria are welcome to do so, Macias is one of them" said Nasir Mahl. The French singer has been talking about Algeria being a bad friend of France and using his talking points to discredit yet another Arab country.

I love the bit when Nasir said in the interview, "In Algeria, we try to be silent on such matters, for for 10 years now, as part of the government I can assure you that Macias is a lair."

Supposedly Macias tried to be part of of the official delegation to France in a visit to Algeria, accompanying another lovely Jewish guy named Nicolas Sarkozy. But this did not happen after a protest from a government official who has declared Macias  persona non grata. However later in a State dinner in Paris, Macias was present and met a number of government officials--he sat on the same table as the Algerian Minister of Housing. 

There is a local story from the people who live in the same town where Macias claims his heritage, Qosntinah where Macias grandfather was reported to have taken a leak in the local mosque (I chose not to believe this story.) Needless to say one of Macias better known songs in Arabic promote alcoholism.

This is not a an anti-French effort this is someone who had controversial opinions and often incites hatred toward the Arab people. Again, America does this and so does the rest of Europe. Macias had voiced support to Israeli Cast Lead assault where Israel murdered close to 1500 Palestinians including my girl cousin Amal who was making tea that day. 

Enrico Macias - Habibi Ya Aini

Tony Qattan 2012 Song About Stupid Old Arabs

The cool thing, if a group or a delegation of old Arab men comes to any given home, and refuse to drink the coffee served until their request has been honored. Most if not all people accept such offer because of the hospitality tradition rooted in the desert culture. So when a family wants to ask the hand of a woman in marriage they send the old and respectable men in the family to do the asking.

This is cool, but what if the woman says no? Will those old men go back and eat their word? so here's a scenario....they host family says, sure whatever you ask we will give you. These guests ask for the girl's hand in marriage. She might say no! While most will honor her wish, and go back on their word--this is something Islam is keen on by the way. But then the families might want to get the girl to change her mind.

Lecture aside, here's a song about the very same story, but Jordanian Palestinian singer Tony Qattan where he says "your coffee will be drunk!" And the girl will be your girl now, so congratulation. This is a happy song and shows that the singer is well raised and knows the tradition well. My thing is this, old men do not always know the right things....they are only assumed to have such knowledge.

As for this song I like the beat and the energy is brings. And yes the cool old school instruments incorporated.
 جديد طوني قطان - قهوتكو مشروبة 2012

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

Maw3ood | Deeb - موعود | ديب "Cold Peace" Album

Forget the distant past, this song is about today. Deep rapped this song to tell people in his country to look out for Egypt. He started his song with the voice of Abdel Halim on the song for Maw3ood! Then when you think you can relax, comes Deeb spitting his poetic lines and venting his rage.

Filmed near the famous wall put in Egypt to block protesters from reaching some critical establishment offices. Where graffiti took over the wall and expressed what goes on the minds of many people. Even Palestine get to have its presence on the wall. The song is part of an upcoming album "Cold Peace" written and produced by Deeb himself

This is a really good rapper, he is not a poster, not even one bit. He flows and delivers on punch after another like a fighter in the ring. Deeb is showing his roots by giving shout outs to figures in Egyptian music like Makawi, by doing so he tells people he is no impostor. He doubles down and uses the name of some of the names of local and ancient religious figures.

The song closes with the Egyptian flag and a dedication to all the fallen heroes of the Arab Spring.  

Maw3ood | Deeb - موعود | ديب | Axeer Studio