Remixing Sandy And Featuring Karl Wolf

I could not help but notice how populr one song from Sandy's latest ablum has become. The song is her duet with Karl Wolf, a guy who can rock and knows his way around a good party and the clubs that makes them possible. The Canadian R&B singer recorded the song in Dubai where they also filmed their song in some bosh club. Karl dropped few cool Arabic word in his lines and it was a sweet treat.

Sandy carried the song and held firm to her ground, she is a star that is never intimidated by the big names she works with. She has manged to become a a huge deal in Arab pop and has done a lot of things to appeal to new fans. She strikes me as someone who works hard and enjoys what she is doing. She sounds sweet in this song.

The song has already been remixed so many times, this is how you make a club song that has the potential to crossover into other cultures beyond language. Sandy is the kind of singer that non Arabic speakers would love to find out about. With a little help from Mr. Cool Karl Wolf she might just do that.

Sandy Ft. Karl Wolf - Awel Mara Atgara' - Remix

Reviewed: Putumayo's Arabic Beat Album

Putumayo means “gushing river”, and this World Music label with its motto “ guaranteed to make you feel good,” has just released Arabic Beat, a follow up to its best-selling Arabic Groove.

This river gushes with danceable tracks from artists rocking the popular Arabic/Western vibe that translates well to clubs in the West. (Many of the disc’s artists are based in Europe or the U.S.; such as Noor in Barcelona, Watcha Clan in Marseille, Zein Al-Jundi in Austin, Texas).

Arabic Beat features more of the upbeat Middle Eastern and North African dance music that made Arabic Groove a global success. Inspired by music from across the globe but true to Arabic music’s deep roots, Arabic Beat tells the story of a thriving contemporary scene that stretches across the breadth of the Mediterranean.

Algerian style rai alternates with raqs sharki beats, both taking on Western flavors via sprinklings of instrumental sounds becoming familiar to the melting pot of immigrant communities in Europe. Upbeat like all the feel good Putumayo releases, this disc does contain some thoughts relevant to recent goings on in the Arab world, (Marcel Khalife’s Osfour interpreted here by Watcha Clan, is one.)

 Altogether a good sampling of what might be to Westerners some lesser known names on the contemporary Arabic music scene. The album will be picked by those casual Arabic music listeners who want a musically snack, nothing too complex and nothing too different. If this is something you desire, then pick the album up and take it for a joy ride.

Samira Said - Aal Eih

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

Al Massih, When DJ's Step In For Composers Role

Technology has killed many careers, I am beginning to think with computers, editing software and affects being so cheap now, composers might be on their way out. As more and more songs nowadays are assembled by DJ's who have become very good at arranging beats to making them look and sound fresh. DJ's do often come up with new music, using other old elements that already exist.


This is the kind of music, Arabs are now into House beats are everywhere and they seem to be accessible or cheap to get. Maybe it's that life is moving in a faster pace now. Whatever it's, one guy in Lebanon with the name Walid Al Massih has moved from DJ'ing into composing music, while most of his stuff goes to his songstress wife Maya Nehme, he does give his work to some up and coming singers. He also arranges music  and makes upbeat tracks for other household names.   

See his latest musical arrangements for the new single for Maya Nehme, a seasoned and an ward winning dancer and now pop singer. Such music is no different than what Americans call here Euro Trash, but this very trash is very well known around the globe. It does bring so much energy for the party loving young folks around the globe.

Aside from that, you will like the many looks and dance moves Maya brings out for her latest hit. She comes to the business with a professional career in dance choreography where she has a school and a degree in music.  So no surprise that her song has all the making of a modern day global pop hit--if it was not for the fact that she sings in Arabic, and not English.

Update: I was not talking down DJ's, I am just suggesting that more and more DJ's and music arrangers are filling in for traditional composers--dude with a oud or guitar. This might be a fact as we now get a lot more songs that we used to get 20 years ago.

Am Fakker - Maya Nehme / عم فكر - مايا نعمه

With "Fekra" Aziza Reinvents Arabic Pop

I have found a truly fresh sounding beat for a song everyone seems to hate on YouTube. The beat is a new old one as it seems to come from an old Arab tune inspired by the great Egyptian maser composer Abdel Wahab. Only to have some guys with new fancy computers affects to give it a hip makeover that will draw more listeners. Yes the song takes fusion seriously and bring the beach music with an Eastern twist as she incorporates the drum.

Thus comes to the stage a different kind of star unfit for that other time and perfect for our new age--in the age of Lady Gaga and MIA, Katy Perry, we ought to find something more colorful and bolder with their ideas, outfits and flexible on that thing some call comfort zone. Aziza is a very old school name, it's amazing that someone with that name can be this hip.

I think aside form being cool, Aziza is gifted and she has the vocal strength to do a very good pop song--whatever that means now. She has many things going right for her, the persona is one of them. I think she takes a fresh approach as wardrobe. She does more than one look and each one of them is a world apart from the other--a creative way to launch a career and start the debate

Aziza - Fekra / عزيزه - فكره

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

Electric Avenue: Blending Arabic Music with Electronica

To be blunt, many of the first attempts at blending Arab music and electronica were painful.  Tapes sold in bus station stalls across the region combined the most generic of techno beats with melodies so catchy they could haunt you for the entirety of your bus journey. Classics included techno versions of the theme from Lawrence of Arabia or Umm Kulthum’s Alf Leila wa Leila. Similarly, the sonic orientalism of the Buddha Bar series seemed to be just as popular with the jet-set populations of the Middle East as they were in Europe. Chillout Arabia mixes and techo-bellydance songs, both of which often used Indian sitars, dominated the electronic music landscape. Even today, YouTube is littered with songs of “Arabic” chillout music accompanied by pictures of the Pyramids, deserts, the Taj Mahal and Mayan calendars. As with many things, underground scenes were concocting very different formulations, often using the same source material.


Rest of the story 

Why Do Many Young Arabs Love Trance Music?

I wish I have an answer, but I do not. On most upload/download Arabic sharing websites, there is always trance music out there, and from the look of things, it gets downloaded often.

It's very different from our usual Arabic music, It's a lot more mechanical which makes it perfect for crazy late night dances and clubs. It might be the rebel music, people just finding their own thing to to enjoy that separates them from the older crowd.

I know even in the States Trance music is picked on usually, but all bets are off at the nightclubs. It goes well with laser shows as well. I know this, I am not too keen on it, if it plays, i won't stop it, but I do not find myself dancing along. either.

dj 3bee6 - power trance 2012

George Dfouni-La Wayn Lebanese Night Club BeatGeorge Dfouni-La Wayn George Dfouni-La Wayn

This is a song that had to be made by a DJ! Fast beat music that melts various musical elments to the backdrop of English and Arabic lyrcis that offer little poetic value. But I would be a lier if I said I did not enjoy the music show. I heart the beat and it will defiantly bring you to the dance floor.

No need to to settle for music in English that offer little value lyrically, but get you to move. Here's an Arab who can do just that and give you some of those fast paced notes.

Thanks Walid Massih, the first dude of Lebanese clubs and night life.
George Dfouni-La Wayn

Melody Hits 8 Collection Album Of Singles

Here's a latest collection album, an assortment album curated by some music executives who have a good taste of music. they pick the winner songs from artists that perform under their label and put out an album that will appeal to man. There usually at least one song on such albums that listeners loath, but since they enjoy at least half a dozen, they overlook that.

البوم منوعات ميلودى هيتس 8
01 - Nawal ElZoghbi - Ma3rafshi Leah
02 - Ramy Ayach - El7a2 Ma3adak
03 - Nicole Saba - Kont Fe Haly
04 - Abdel Fatah El Greeny - Law Bass
05 - Akmal - Ana We Nassiby
06 - Somaya - Etmasken
07 - Mohamed Abdel Men3em - Kol Ma Aghamd Eany
08 - Mohamed Kelany - 3ayez Yesbny
09 - Mohamed Nour - Ma3a Nafsey
10 - Amena - Ow3a To2ol Lehad
11 - Mohamed El Sawy - Mesh Kol 7aga
12 - Karim Mohsen - Ehlawet ElDonia

Tash "Habibi Leh", The Good From London Via Dubai

Here's a song from a guy who does not know a word of Arabic, but that has not stopped him from making a sweet club mix song with a hear. This Pop, RnB, Dance, Fusion idol whose home is somewhere in between London to Dubai to Beirut. Tash has become Sony's first full signing to Sony Music in the Middle East. I like the way the song was mixed by blending a number of musical styles and bringing them in a ear pleasing fashion.

His genuine passion for music and his voice is a unique mix between the East and West, fusing traditional Middle-Eastern vibes with Western R'n'B & Dance. His album features songs recorded in Arabic and English offering a truly new and diverse approach to modern day, culturally influenced, international. Growing in London http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbrings all sorts of musical influenced with the immigrants from all over the world has helped shape up Tash's style

I do not really know enough about Tash, but I know that I like what I see.
For more info on Tash and to hear a teaser from his new album "The Deep End" check out his Facebook page follow him on Twitter

Tash - Habibi Leh

اوكا و اورتيجا - مهرجان الجزيرة | جديد 2012 Orka And Ortega!

I did just find something new in Arabic music, a fusion song where auto-tune meets vague rap with folklore songs and other unknown elements. This is a music track that cannot be made with money from production houses--they fear stuff like this and prefer to stick with pop safe.

Young people are funny sometimes, but when they want to unleash their talent, there are no limits. This is a cool track that won't be enjoyed by your parents, only you and your buddy will relate to this track.

اوكا و اورتيجا - مهرجان الجزيرة | جديد 2012

If You Are An Arab Who is Older Than 26, This One Goes To You

This is a nostalgic track for best of Lebanese pop singer Joana Mallah! She has a lovely career, and people who are older than 25 years of age, will remember her. the ones younger than that are too busy with the social media. I happen to be a fan of this starlet who seems not to have manged to carry over her fame into the social media era.

And there are those revolutions too, they did not help. Last we heard of her, she did a song for orphans, a song that can only come form song with a big heart. Enjoy this best of that takes you in a short journey to remember some great moments in pop history that manged to make some waves, but mostly stay under the radar.

Joana Mallah - Best Off / جوانا ملاح - أفضل ما غنت

Moataz Hosni, The Stylish New Egyptian Pop

Moataz Hosni knows what sells and he knows exactly who pays for music now. So with that in mind, he releases a club mix song that has some heart. It's always a good sign for me when I put the name of a given singer and get back image results. So that takes care of it.

And then he see his young, he is hungry for fame. I actually enjoyed his voice--not so much the mix, but the song is pretty passionate and up in your face for a desperate lover. Moataz might be the next big thing. However, with the large number of pop stars at he moment, I am not sure what that means anymore.

اغنية معتز حسنى - 100 قتيل | Moataz Hosni - 100 Ateel

Amel Bouchoucha Remakes An Algerian Classic

Algeria is a big country with a lot of a long history of proud people and a longer tradition of originality. One of those who strive to find excellence and originality at home is singer actress Amel Bouchoucha.

While Algeria has one foot in France and the other foot in Arabia, the talents in that country seem to have made a big name for themselves in those two places. While Amel is cultured and knows the French ways, she chooses to be on the Arab side in her acting and in her singing.

Amel came to lead generations of Algerians who needed a local response to all that Egyptian and Lebanese pop. Good looks are a must too, thus enter the phase of Amel whose all Algerian beauty and pride are hard to miss.

Amel Bouchoucha - Ya Rayeh ( Master ) .. ( أمل بوشوشة - يا رايح ( ماستر

Mr Sufian - Aish Hyatek [REMIX] Track

For long Morocco has been known as a place where creative folks go to get inspired. How about Mr. Sufian who calls Morocco home. For most Arabs the Moroccan dialect is exotic which means it offers a mixture of originality and flavor .

Aish Hyatek gets a remix and we ought to hear it. Mr. Sufian keeps on surprising me with his tracks, I hope you feel the same way about this up and coming performer

Mr Sufian - Aish Hyatek [REMIX] by MrSufian

Hotel California Gets An Arabic Pop Makeover

Hotel California might one of those global songs, that means people of the world know it and Americans are not upset. The Eagles had this gem that made them the household they have become--sure they have other hits, but none of the fame of Hotel California.

I know Tamer Hosny did a cover of it in one of his concerts, but what does he know. So here's popular Libyan Egyptian composer, producer, singer and actor Hamid Shaari take the song for a spin in his studio, and you know he did not disappoint.

I have always loved the song and now I have one more reason to love it, Hamid Shaari's hip Arabic touch unto this hit aside from Arabic obsession with Mercedes Benz that gets a shout-out

Hotel California Hamid El Shari Style .wmv