Ramy Essam Promotes Literacy At Home In Egypt

When your songs have tackled dictators, military rulers, religious extremists, sexual predator you always strive to find other topic to bring attention to. For Ramy Essam, he has found a topic to add to the list of subjects he sings about--Literacy.

Egypt has millions of people who cannot read nor write. Ramy has chosen an international day to combat illiteracy to release a video project. He calls upon volunteers to join an effort to teach at least one person. I salute the singer and his effort to spread awareness through his music and activism. He is right literacy is great for international peace.

What do you guys think of his new look? He kinda looks like Mado now--another indie singer.

Literacy and Peace رسالة رامى عصام فى اليوم العالمى لمحو الامية

Massar Egbari Brings Indie Music To Live Concerts

They are the geeky guys in your high school, they were not the popular kids, they were just shy and good at playing an instrument. So these guys got together and formed what has become on of the leading bands in Indie music in Egypt.

Unlike other bands, I feel massar egbari concentrates on the power of the lyrics and dreams as oppose to solid base music. Do not get my wrong, they have a roaster of talented musicians on the band's payroll. They have come together in 2007 and have been together ever since....their first international gig was in Malta. They have appeared in the indie music flick of 2011, Microphone.


I have come to like the mixture of funky and retro music, but most all their droves of fans as you see from the video seem to get into the lyrics and music that are put forward in a rish show MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, per their website, here;'s how the band sees itself

They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics. This sarcastic name was created since the band members felt that the society is trying to imply its power over people starting from their childhood till the day they die. This social power wants to stereotype everything including the way people think and feel, leaving no space for creation and innovation. Massar Egbari presents music and songs talking about the social problems. Love is not thier main concern although it represents a part of our songs. Through the members’ different musical backgrounds, the band is presenting a kind of Alternative Egyptian Music, mixing rock, jazz and blues with some Oriental music.

مسار أجباري - الشهيد/حاوي


 مسار أجباري - يا عم

Hamza Namira Song For Mostafa Hosny Ramadan Show

Hamza Namira, is a singer activist and commentator from Egypt. The super talented singer composer whose songs offer plenty of excitement and positive messages about social change. He has also worked to put songs and music for other shows.

Hamza remains one of the smartest and most gifted entertainers in Egypt. His latest song is about having faith, and placing that faith where it counts the most. It's a very catch tone that plays in the popular show with TV preacher Mostafa Hosny. A show translates religion relevant in every day and in common language.

I am a fan of this charming singer whose music videos are about making the world a better place and not just mere entertainment with models and fancy cars. For that Hamza has found global fan base, he is now with the London based Awakening Records. The beautiful lyrics and music are courtesy of wonder boy of Egyptian music Aziz El Shafie

حمزة نمرة بتحب حاجة من برنامج سحر الدنيا

Does Maher Zain Really Believe In This Stuff?

Maher Zain makes good soulful Muslim rock music, he is a true global star with fans that goes places where even Islam might not be the official religion. He packs stadiums and concert halls where his tickets are sold ahead of time. At the end of the day, it's a job that pays well that has made him into a public figure.

But he strikes me as a guy who cares enough about his music, I cannot speak about his faith. I am sure he is a fine family guy. But faith is between him and God. So his fans are right to point out, how awesome this guy really is. But at least I know there has to be a separation between the message and the messenger.

The message is clearly good and universal--even not Muslims can find Maher's lyrics meaningful, but he should not expected to lead a saint like life. I know he has a good name around the world and that's great, BUT, if Maher does not listener to his fans and mind the business side, we would not know about him and by the same token, he would not be around for long. That's why he pushes his social media bookmarking. It helps spread the message and also help bring in the cash.

In sum, balance is the key....Maher has it right, good music and good personality. While we wait, enjoy the track below where Maher seeks guidance.

Maher Zain - Guide Me All The Way | Official Lyrics Video

Mado Annoys The Military Establishment in Egypt

He comes across as a singer who has little fear, and he was one of the early voices that has criticized the military and its actions in Egypt. He is no fan of the SCAF and its old school generals with those outdated ideas. So Mado has been making music that many realize only now is timely.

That's the makeup of a visionary. While Mado has little to lose, the army tried to divide and conquer approach. While in general just about every Egyptian has deep rooted respect for their army--most are skeptical of the army's intention and actions.

I am sure the Egyptian army is one awesome army that loves the homeland, but at this point, I am afraid its leadership has been dragging them into the mud and with it most of Egypt. So Mado makes takes one shot after another and he has been increasingly bold.

I think some of the young activists also need to cool it too. However, this thing is not going to be over soon. No one gives away power unless they are forced to.

ya 3askar efham (piano) Mado يا عسكر افهم -بيانو- .. مادو

نفسى.. وائل عامر ومحمد عبد العال (مادو) وسونى (رحاله)

Review: "The Inevitable Change" Album By Qusai

Qusia might have just figured out how to make an album with a true positive message that speaks to the youth and speaks of their aspirations and frustrations. The word rapper and intellectual should not belong to the sae sentence, but Qusai might have merged the two world with the release of his much celebrated album "The Inevitable Change" an album not made on the cheap, an album in which traditions and heartfelt lyrics are crucial ingredients.

This is an album that will seal the mouths of those who have criticized rap and rappers, because with his lyrics flow and uplifting verses Qusai puts it all together in one album. The album has 12 tracks and offer a verity of songs in both English and Arabic. Qusai seems like a nice guy whose fans are truly in love with him. Those who might not love him cannot help but respect the Saudi rapper who knows that for rap to go mainstream in Arabia, it has to promote old values and things that people like to hear--pan-Arab unity and good virtues.

The album is a huge collaboration between the West and East--do not miss the hard rock bit and other fusions. I can now safely say, that with Qusai making music, the excuse to "I do not listen to Arabic songs" is no longer relevant. Why? Because Qusai can do both languages/styles and you would not tell the difference. For those politically savvy, will cheer the track on what see around us as a result of the Arab Spring--the album does not forget about Palestine--which he rightfully dubs, the Number one issue

Qusia kicks of his album with the verse Peace Be Upon You and then jumps into it. Qusia who has spend his time well in the States perfected (and perhaps improve) on this rebellious art form. But don't panic, the album has its fun parts with fresh beats and dance moments. The album is like an autobiography for Qusai who takes his listeners into a eye-popping journey that started in Saudi Arabia with a layover in America. You will feel that you move form the local mosque, to the souk, into the coffee shop, then into the club without ever getting disoriented or bored.

While thee has been many popular Arab rappers in the past 15 years or so, no one has worked as hard as Qusai has shown. Qusai has a lot of offer which he makes look easy because most of his hard work is behind the scenes. This is one produ rapper who has manged to be different by being proud of what makes him so great--home.
  
Arab World Unite (Official Music Video) | اتحاد العرب


قصي - يلا | Qusai - Yalla

DOWNLOAD: Ramy Essam 2012 Mini Album مينى البوم رامى عصام - المسلة

As far as Egypt protest music is concerned, Ramy Essam is king of that land. Ramy is an award winging dude with a guitar and a cause. He was one of few singers who did not buy the crap from the army and the propaganda machine. He stood firm and spoke loud. Get ready to hear from this energizer bunny activist singer who has become a big player in indie music in Egypt.

He remains one of the few artists who perform often and compose their music as they go....take the example when he made a song about sexual harassment in Egypt--a big deal. Ramy came to be the most recognizable face of the protest music, he has been given so many rewards and many articles have been published about his work.

It's enough to know this, his election song is like watching a high end political show with all that fine analysis. He is one of the smart ones that analyse what he sees around him in a way worthy of envy by many college professors. So check out his new mini album with six tacks. He is mocking the show the army is putting in Egypt and all the fine sneaky details.

I could not help by fall in love with the artist album cover, this is the soul of an artist all around. Ramy composes his music, plays his own guitar and sings with passion. The lyrics of those songs you hear are of Amjad Al Qahwajy. The lyrics pay a tribute to the Egyptian culture in away that makes the album accessible to a wide audience.

 01.Action Tany Mara
02.E3meli Bta2a
03.El Masala
04.Tartoor
05.Mal3oon
06.E3meli Bta2a Acoustic

Ramy Essam - Elections 2012 رامى عصام - ملعون يا نظام الانتخابات


Ramy Essam Movie Tour Album 2011 - 2012 | Manshourat

Uss W Laz2 Band فرقة قص و لزق Flies Under The Radar

Hany Adel is the cool kid of indie music, the composer singer is lending his voice and his talent to a hot band that is making it to large concert halls around Egypt. The name of the band is Uss W Laz2, translating to Cut and Paste. It's driven from a game band members used to play as kids--think scrapbooking, where one brings various things together in under a catchy theme.

Therefore, the band does that by mixing different kinds of music together and playing more than one Genre, sometimes more than one Genre in the same song. That's refreshing. The Band participated in various events and music festivals including "The International Music Festival",-"El Sawy Underground Music Festival",-"Maadi Revolution Festival",-"The International Day for Forgiveness"

So if you want to tune in to "Uss W LaZ2", you will be getting a healthy dose of original songs is played using different kinds of music on Arabic lyrics that talks about our social life in everyday Egypt. The band is made out of friends who seem to get along on camera and behind it. See their performance with Hany Adel

Uss W Laz2 Feat. Hany Adel - Daya3ty 3omrek

DOWNLOAD: CairoKee Wana Maa Nafsi 2012 Album البوم فريق كايروكى - وانا مع نفسى قاعد

If any Westerner wanted to hear rock music from the Arab world, they will sure have to check out this album from Cairokee 2012 who have just released their freshest album. Now Arabs  will also enjoy the different yet pleasant music. These guys can get their guitar to dance the way they want it to and make it seems effortless.

As far as the lyrics go, those lyrics represent a fresh take on indie music, personal stories that is heavy on self exploring. So this is the personal album one need to hear as they try to figure out what to do next or how to make sense of Egypt at the moment.

So you know when you go to a gym in the Arab world, and they play western music to pump people up? Now, gym operators can pump people and give them something different like that music Cairokee makes. Yet someone this album, is meant for the thinking man as well, promising you one thing, the sun will come out tomorrow and you will have hope.

Enjoy the tend tracks on the album, Cairokee and its lead challenge themselves and come up with what might be the first serious attempt at giving the Arab world, a real rock and roll album. I like the simplified Arabic the band uses.

This is band made for live experiences, they make the music as they go. I think I am ready to say it, Cairokee is the band to watch! They are sitting up the bar so high which makes other similar bands look band. Too bad the government in Egypt has repeatedly denied them a permit to hold a concert.

01.El Malek
02.Kol Yoom Mmkn Ykoon Bedaya
03.Bokra El Shams Tetlaa
04.Wanaa Maa Nafsy Aaed
05.Law Kan Andy Guitar
06.Souty
07.Basaal Aleaki
08.Tayeh
09.Lakn Ehsasy Msh Kfaia
10.Mestany

كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed

Cairokee New Album - ألبوم كايروكي الجديد حالياً بألأسواق

WATCH: كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed

Cairokee might as well be Egypt's most real band, their music is so heavenly good and their lyrics are loaded with meanings and beauty. Their second album is due soon, and they have a music video to get their fans and they are an excited.

The music video is pretty clever and presents something we rarely see in Arabic music video, personal struggle with demons. People with masks, the video does have a French feel to it and so does the get go music. This is a change for the band whose last songs were political and social, this time they are going for personal and life.

I have three cheers here, the first and the second go to the director of the picture, the same person who also wrote the lyrics--Amir Eid who chose the Egyptian city of Maadi to film his music video.
 كايروكي - وانا مع نفسي قاعد Cairokee - Wana Maa Nafsy Aed. And of course the cheer for music goes to Ciarokee for crafting this gem.

Consider this a song about the world famous hamster wheel and the dull routine that most of us live through on daily basis. Cannot wait to check out the album, I only wish Cairokee was given a permission to perform in the stadium as they had planned. I do not think the SCAF, that runs Egypt at the moment likes them very much.

This video was directed by Amir Eid in 2012 and was filmed in streets of Maadi. Music video by Cairokee. (C) 2012 Cairokee Productions. DOP Mahmoud Gawish Art Director Layla Omar El Farouk Cairokee Adam El Alfy-Bass Guitar Sherif Hawary-Electric Guitar Tamer Hashem-Drums Sherif Mostafa-Keyboard Amir Eid-Vocal & Acoustic Guitar Music By Cairokee Lyrics By Amir Eid

Grab Your Guitar, Cairokee Will Teach You To Play It

For a hit song from a hot band to take time showing their fans online how to play one of their songs is fresh. In the video below he will show you the way to tease your guitar so that you can recreate Ethbat Makanak. Not too many musicians will teach you how to play their songs. Amir Eid, the closest thing Egypt has to a cool rock star will lead the way.

Sometimes, I wish I can play the guitar, but I cannot. Chords are the codes composers used to map out a given song. I am not sure if this translates in other languages, but it's a cool way to connect with fans, more than 13 thousand have already viewed the video. Think about getting a free guitar lesson from your idol. So jam away

Chords for Ethbat Makanak

"Jadal" and Barakah Two More Indie Bands In Egypt

Jadal is a rock band from Jordan, they have perform din Egypt in a music festival for indie bands from the Arab world. This was a night for original and different Arabic music, it's night to rock out. The song of choice for this band was to turn a beloved Arabic classic into a rock song, or give a classic the rock treatment.

This is a smart move to get the audience to tune in, sometimes you can have original music, but if your lyrics are experimental you might not connect with audience. Vocally speaking the song leaves a lot to be desired but the music is pretty awesome.

 جدل - التوبة Next is a grage band from Egypt who want to grill the next president for their country. I love the vocal variety the band showcases, the male and the female vocalists are super charged. The lyrics are of theirs. Barakah, mocked the jail sytem where the big wigs have been hosted, they call it prions, we call is a resort. There were more than a dozen of bands, who offered their music to a hungry crowd. Needless to say, some bands were more refined than others. بركة - ماله الريس

City Band - Ana Mawgood Or, I'm Here

City Band refers to all Egyptian cities, and for those cities they make their music that tells stories from those pockets. their song is titled, I exist, or I'm Still Around!

The music video reveals their affection toward the American band Kiss! It's a free spirited style, but the song is rich with meaning about the fallen who are no longer around, or around but chose to change their address. However, the song also says that the killers are still on the loose.

Lead vocalist is Wael Amer meets Ahmed Mostafa, lead guitarist of the city and the Arab world meets the western blues style.
City Band - Ana Mawgood | سيتي باند - انا موجود

Khaled Helmy Ft. Ahmed Ezzat On Unity

These are two guys who rock all around. They have released this cool track about love of country. It's an awareness song about being on the guard against those enemies of Egypt. While the song is about the enemies and those who want to do harm to Egypt--too often this is an exaggerated threat.

I like this track. First the music is supercharged, it just sends you to the edges, and keeps you interested. The lyrics are relevant and well written. But the best things about this song is the excitement these two guys bring.

While Egypt is being pulled in many directions, the people always know what's best and have shown as much.
خالد حلمى و احمد عزت - ايد واحدة | Khaled Helmy Ft Ahmed Ezzat - Ed Wahda