Egypt, A 100 Days Of President Morsi Rule Song

Here's an effective song that showcases all the issues the Egyptian president has to confront. Very expensive cooking gas, car fuel is pricey, tomatoes is very expensive, Mango is cheap. Chicken is something most Egyptians can no longer afford.  Trash everywhere, terrorism and the Sinai peninsula. The Minister of interior is still the same, and democracy is no where to be seen. The song is the fruit of many young people's collaborating to evaluate the presidents' performance in his 100 days.

This is a fun song for the poor man, but it really states a large number of issues that he has to address and resolve. The song also flirts with the revolution and the change. I like this song it does not cross the line, they speak to Morsi like a peer--they do not do that often in most countries where dictators rule. There are so many challenges President Morsi has to address. I like the bit about social justice, and freedom in exchange for his rule.

I think people have to relax a little bit and give him a chance. You cannot invent an economy form thin air, and you cannot change the people. It's never a good idea to protest whenever we are feeling upset. Being disruptive is not even approved in most civilized nations.

‫اغنية كشف حساب للدكتور محمد مرسي‬‎

Video: Baladeyat Band "The Mean Zionist" Odd Song

For me as a Palestinian, Zionists are no different than terrorists. They may have a good name now in some parts of the world, but they were never anything good for Palestine. They murdered people, imprisoned thousands, shot and injured hundreds of thousands, and terrorized otherwise peaceful people.

I once asked the Michael Oren the Israeli Ambassador in the United States (an event at Georgetown University  this question: "You are an American citizen from New Jersey, you gave that up to go and become an Israeli, even though you have a choice to live somewhere else, I do not have a choice to move from Palestine, how do you explain that?"

His response was this, "I am a Jewish person, for us Jews we need to be responsible. Going to Israeli is part of being a responsible Jew" So this is what one Zionist believes. Zionists live in a different universe than the rest of us and they love re-writing history. I am hardly an activist, but you do not need to be one to see that one it comes to Israeli mentality, injustice is all around.

So when I read about a new song that went viral, I am always up for it, but then I learn the song is titled "Mean Zionist", I was intrigued to give this song a listen. The band behind the song is known as "Baladeyat Band" It's an Egyptian band that goes by the the name which means Homies.

As for the song is about being sarcastic, the voice of an Israeli telling his side of the story, as it looks to many around the world. The song also speaks about Mubarak sweet gas deal, and that time when people looked like Tamer Hosny. This is like watching Saturday Night Live, it offers many zingers, loaded humor and random elements like Santa Clause.

This is an original, the music was adapted from the Ukrainian folklore.  song, Baladeyat Band works on a lot of Originals for us, we write, compose and arrange 95% of our songs. I am hoping this video won't be taken down anytime soon. As for musical style, the music video below reminds of one of my favorite odd American Bands "Bowling For Soup"  

بلديات Baladeyat band - "أنا صهيونى واطي" "Mean Zionist"



وتقول كلمات الأغنية:

أنا اسرائيلي سادي, باكل حدادي، واخطف أرواح ملايين
أصلي صهيوني واطي, ومش اعتباطي أحتل أنا فلسطين
هعمل مظلوم مجروح, واستر وشي المفضوح, بالإعلام والألبندات
زيّك زي المسيح, بإيدي دمه يسيح, وهحارب كل الديانات
فين أيام جمال وأبوه, كات(كانت)أيام تمام ياهو
خدنا الغاز بدون فاتورة والعرب شبه تمّورة
فين أيام, فين أيام المخلوع ياهو
مضيت معاهدات مع حبيبي سادات علشان أكسركم لسنين
لو هتسيبوني أعيش واّ كل عليكم عيش, دوركم جاي يا مصريين
فجأة أتهزت الدنيا هزة, فركة كعب يادوب من غزة
الأحرار شباب الثورة قاموا قبل سادس دورة
كانوا فايقين, شكلي تاني هشيل تلاته وسبعين
أنا اسرائيلي سادي, باكل حدادي, واخطف أرواح ملايين
أصلي صهيوني واطي, ومش اعتباطي احتل أنا فلسطين

All My Arabs Song Salutes The UAE Leaders

The term Arab is loosely defined by so many people. For some it means the Bedouin, for others it's anyone who lives in those 21 Arab countries. Some even argue that anyone who speaks Arabic is Arab, but when it comes to music all bets are off.

Check out this song by the coolest pop singer from the Gulf namely the UAE, Hussein Al Jassmy. He has made Gulf music popular and has done that for at least 10 years now. While most Gulf based singers stopped catering for other markets than the ones at home, Hussein took the gold as he is a mega star in Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and all the nation on the Gulf

So he did a suck up job for the ruler of Dubai--one of the best Arab leaders to walk on earth. He is a business guy and a real Arab which means he is generous. His people adore him and he gets respect anywhere he goes. As someone who grew up in Dubai, I have come to appreciate the leaders of that world class city.

The difference between this song and other songs made for other leaders--the singer did not have to do it and he was not paid a penny.

حسين الجسمي - كل العرب

The Rise Of Egyptian Nationalism Though Music

Mohamed Mounir, the legendary singer who has been dubbed the voice of Egypt told a crowd of thousands of cheering fans at one of his concerts in Marina "I work as an Egyptian, it;s my full time job--join me" something to which the fans want wild. Dozens of songs have been made to promote brand Egypt and what it feels to be Egyptian.

Most songs in the wake of the revolution have been celebrating the army and the people of Egypt. But ever since the attacks in Rafah and the military operation in the Sinai dessert, more and more Egyptian entertainers are adopting the nationalistic tone---we are first. This is something good of course, but it should not be accompanied by xenophobia.

On that note, here's a new song a duet made by two dudes. One liberal guitar activist and one pop star who has done a song to promote the Muslim brotherhood brand during the election. Together they sing "I am Egyptian" They feature an athlete (Omar Al Ghazaly) competing on behalf of Egypt in the Olympics. I do not get the shoving of the white dude to protect a white girl. You do not really get to see the singers, only hear them.

Mohamed Kelany - Ana Masry / محمد كيلاني و رامى عصام - أنا مصرى

Good Arabic Sport Songs Vs. Really Terrible Ones

I like spot songs, they are supposed to cheer you up, super charge you and make you want to punch the guy so bad--do not do that. Hamada Hilal had a good sport song few years ago. There are not too many of the sport songs in Arabic pop. Good ones anyway.

Here's an example of a really bad sport song, that puts you to sleep, not wake you up. The song was made for a sport movie about a local soccer talent from Egypt who makes it big in the major league in Europe. The song that I do not like--noe even one bit is by the funky singer Abdel Fatah Girni, it's a terrible song for the movie--a good song for high schol graduation maybe, but not for sports.

The same movie had a hit song that pumps the hell out of you up, the singer who voiced the song is Loai, the song about the homeland--a touching song that does what a good sport song supposed to do--excite you.

The movie was a really good sport film, it does make you hope, believe, cry and cheer too. It was well filmed and that means they had to spend real money on it. It's romance, drama and sport all packed in one flick. The actors also took the film seriously, they were not trying to be cool, instead they just let the movie make them cool.

 طول الشمس بإيدك - عبد الفتاح جريني -


Loai - Baladna / لؤى - بلدنا

Morocco Weclomes International Super Stars, Locks Up Its Own

Morocco is a funny country, the King is screwing up the country yet many view him as untouchable, because he claims to come from a great lineage. People kiss his hand and his leg seeking blessings form this Royal who seems to be doing a better job in warning his people of the dangers of the alternative.

While the King is generous and promoter of free speech. Among his guests on this summer music festivals are Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey traveled to Marrakesh to perform at the popular music festival. They were kind and thanked King Mohammed VI for having them over. I am certain he used all those money from  programs dedicated to the poor to make rich people even richer.

But if you are a local celebrity--you do not get to be invited. Such frustration has been expressed by a number of Morocco's finest talents including Hoda Saad who complained about this just last week. But not being invited is not a bad thing, being imprisoned and tortured is not cool.

WE have written many times about one local rapper who sang On Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death, the forthcoming album from dissident Moroccan rapper El Haqed “the Enraged”—one

Called “El Habs,” or “Prison,” the song features lyrics that are particularly poignant now that El Haqed—otherwise known as Mouad Belghouat, a 25-year-old Casablanca kid—is serving a one-year jail sentence for a music video and song, “Dogs of the State,” that allegedly insulted Morocco’s infamously corrupt police.‬ The refrain is—like most of El Haqed’s lyrics—a challenge to the authorities.‬

Such a bogus charge that means so many things and thus, a talented young man is being put behind bars , but the world is taking notice of his struggle. He is not the only one to have it though as earlier this week, the United Nations issued a scathing report on human-rights abuses against dissidents in Morocco. It included accounts of sexual assault perpetrated on men involved in the democracy movement, and other horrific tortures.

A young lady whose name is Maria Karim, a 32-year-old Moroccan activist who co-produced El Haqed's  album is also in legal trouble for having allegedly insulted the authorities, is working on borrowed time to get El Haqed’s message out to Moroccans and, she hopes, to the world and so far she seems to have done a good job of it. El Haqed is more Moroccan than his prisoners.

So please, if the King of Morocco gives you a call, skip that conversation! And tell them you will show up when they stop locking up people for singing.

"Bladi" - Nouveau Track de l'Artiste Marocain Détenu Mouad "El Haked" #FreeHaked #Feb20

Lupe Fiasco Islam, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1

One of America's finest rapper is Lupe Fiasco, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco was born a Sunni Muslim, Lupe says he fully embraced Islam when his cousin, who had just converted, moved in with the family when he was 13. To me, Lupe is one of the smartest and most informed rappers out there. Rappers are not to be thinkers, not this one.

But as a rapper his 2006 album shaken the rap industry and presented fresh material. A year later "The Cool" where he was bolder and had a biggest budget. "Lasers" was not as celebrated as the previous work. Socially aware hip hop album and very electronic with some good singles, but as an album it disappointed. The problem is in the entertainment value, most agreed with the ideas and philosophy  but the music left somethings to be desired.  Now comes, "Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1"

I am reading his interview with Newsweek and I am astonished how informed and how one can have an intelligent conversation with this very talented raper.  

About the film--or trailer "Innocence of Muslims", the anti-Islam amateur film Lupe walked a fine line “They should fight for the dude’s right to make that movie. Unfortunately, we also live in a world with everyone else. America is not its own planet. You can say whatever you want, but have some class.” He adds, “It’s a provocation, but I think that at the same time, the Muslim world is taking it a little too seriously. If you want to battle and protest against it, this is the opportunity to talk about all the great things the Prophet Muhammad has done and the ways he’s inspired people.” This is true and Lupe said it best. After all he is the guy who had a song called Muhammad Talks.

“There’s Muslim rage. There’s Christian rage too,” he says. “Truth is supposed to hurt. That shit’s supposed to hurt, it’s not supposed to feel good. If you’re feeling good about something, you should really question that. That’s how I was raised. With Muslim rage, you’ve got a kid who walks into a restaurant with a bomb strapped around his waist, pulls a cord or presses a button, and kills all these innocent people. He’s not killing Christians or Jews, he’s killing other Muslims from a different section of Islam, because they’re Shia and he’s Sunni. He’s 1,400 years removed from the original conflict, so people say, ‘That’s terrible.’ Then you have a plane that drops a five-ton bomb on a school because there are reports that it’s insurgent-based, but they haven’t been thoroughly sorted, and you just dropped a bomb on a school and killed kids. And that guy’s Christian. But you don’t say, ‘Oh, these terrible Christians.’ All you say is, ‘Oh, these misguided intelligence officers. It’s collateral damage. Shit happens.’”

He continues: “Isn’t that rage, to drop a bomb on somebody? Isn’t it rage to park a tank 50 miles away and shoot rockets into a village? What’s more rage: people burning an effigy of a president that they’re never going to meet, as people chant and throw rocks, and then they go home to their poverty-stricken shanty towns. What’s more rage: that, or dropping a nuclear bomb on somebody? We’re still the only country that’s done that.”

For More details: Here

Lupe strikes me as a very loyal person who stays close to his roots not trump on them. He is very vocal about his religion, but he also remembers the great things that come with free speech. Lupe is rapping like he is your favorite history professor. His fourth album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 is out.

Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album PT 1 - Available Now

Where Have All The Decent Latifa Songs Gone?

Tamer Hosny is the causality of the Egyptian revolution, Latifa is the causality of the one in Tunisia. She was a friend of the regime, and they have always honored her and asked her to perform in their private and public events.

The revolution stars, she stays mum, the revolution wins she stays mum.Then she said stuff that might have offended some people. Bu frankly she has not had any good press in more than three years--even before the Arab Spring. I do recall reading a story from Latifa where she told of her new born niece named something after the new Tunisia.

Latifa is a great singer with a really nice voice which she used for both pop and Tarab songs. She made dozens of fun songs that remains with us and with many generations to come. But I do not know what it is with Latifa finding good songs or making time to release new material.

In few years, Latifa's political affiliation might be viewed as a good thing as the Islamic leaning politicians are already freaking out some people over there.

In the meantime, here's a song of Latifa's where she does a Tunisian dialect hit, something she has not done enough of lately.
لطيفة ـ ناره

Dana Halabi Launches Children Foundation

Dana Halabi or Dana, the pop star who is no stranger to making raunchy music videos has finally found a  good cause where she can fight for children of the Arab Spring.  Dana Halabi will work with her foundation to help bring some happiness and joy in some of the broken spirits, she sees on TV screens in places where the Arab Spring has visited.

The headquarters office will be in Beirut and the foundation will be working to offer support to children who have lost family members due to the political fevers. The goal is to work with a thousand child who need such services. A management company and a public relations firm has been tabbed to get the Halabi Foundation name out there, raise money and accomplish the mission.

Kids will be able to learn music, painting, carving and whatever art from they chose to channel their negative emotions. Trainers and experts will be in charge and running the show. Dana has already released a promo song for the foundation. There are tons of children in that music video talking about life. Still Dana is still Dana and she did her thing.

 I did not spot any children in the kickoff, I only saw people who wanted to drink and have a good time.

 دانا حلبي وأغنية خاصة لمؤسسة الحلبي الخيرية

This Rap Won't Rot By Stormtrap

Stormtrap Asifeh dedicated a rap song for the thousand of Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails. A powerful track with touching lyrcis. About a guy who wanted to be a doctor yet he ended up in Israeli jail. This song will mean a lot to the people who have children, siblings, and fathers in Israeli jails. They know how it's. This song sounds like it has been written by a prisoner, it does offer intimate details.

I did not live my life to tell it over a phone line- or from behind a glass window. When I was a kid they told me, prions are for criminal. My crime is being Palestinian. The song goes to extra length to keep the focus on the prisoner and the lyrics.

 ما رح أعفن - عاصفة | Stormtrap - I will not rot

Mai Selim & Amr Mostafa Random Duet

Amr Moustafa is insane when he speaks about politics, but he is one creative guy if he picks a guitar. He does wonders and he seems to be back on the saddle writing music--his latest work was for Assala. An older video has surfaced of the composer turned singer turned political hack doing a duet with Mai Selim. Amr Moustafa will have a new song on the Mohamed Hamaki 2012 album.

It's a cute song that seems to have broke with no prior coordination. Mai has not made new music recently--she is busy with her little gal. This is a cute duet that could be part of a bigger project. About those who get shy and do not speak their mind when in love

Mai Selim & Amr Mostafa - Entaa Ba`a "New Song"

Magida El Roumi Brings The Good Times To Batroun

Magida El Roumi should be the spokesperson for the country of Lebanon, when others are mad and upset by what they see in the political arena in that country, she sees hope and faith in a better tomorrow. That way she makes people believe her message and her love for that country.

Despite all issues and instability at those though times, Magida headlined the concert which she was asked to cancel due to safety concerns. She gave an interview and spoke about her concert and the risk she took to bring this concert to life. This was a classy concert with music from all over the map and audience from all over the world.

"We are concerns, but those concerns do not stop us" she said. It was a dazzling concert where she performed six of her new songs from her latest album "Ghazal" she even has a never performed song, a salute to the people of Lebanon and their steadfastness.

Magida is one of the voices that Lebanon should be proud to have on their side. Just looking at the concert goers, this is not a concert this is a festival and people have turned out for the diva.

ماجدة الرومي لا شيء يمكن ان يكسر ايماننا بوطننا

You Cannot Get More Lebanon Than Najwa Karam

Najwa Karam has made a point of her unlimited love for her home country, Lebanon, she will only sing in that country's dialect, she celebrates the army and the people often and she accepts all invitation for concerts at home. She really shows up

She is also a business force too and plays Lebanon's best tourism booster. She is fiery, she is smart and she is seems naturally good looking. Najwa Karam has rocked the music scene in Lebanon since the late 80s, and she has yet to take a break. She has seen it all and every song is a hit, each song is also Lebanon.

She has an upcoming concert this Sunday in Beirut, and the promo video will remind you of her greatest hits and moments in front of thousands of adoring fans. Najwa Karam Concert Promo. I have yet to have the chance to see this mighty diva perform live.

Najwa Karam Concert Promo

Video: كايروكي احنا الشعب - Cairokee Ehna Elshaab

Cairokee is a hip indie rock band in post Mubarak Egypt. They are the hottest and busiest band among many impressive bands. Ciarokee is much different than most bands in one thing, they are always changing and constantly changing their style.

You can never be board with this band, they always do songs in a different style than their last one. They made rock activist music, then they did an awesome third eye blind style songs and French feeling music videos. Now they are dabbling into poetry when they sing one of those Egyptian classic poem by the folksy poem Abdel Raham Al Abanoody.

They took his poem, composed music for it and sang it in a fitting style for this blues songs. I am detecting they are taken on the Muslim Brotherhoods and other religious groups in Egypt. It's proper for them to sing the blues, they sort of feel cheated--I would say they are upset for not winning. I like the line where they shame the brotherhood for abandoning the Tahrir Square after they have meet a backroom deal with the military. 

I love the music and adore the lyrics, and wish the band well. I truly believe this, Cairokee is a band that would do well in music festivals outside Egypt- They put on a good show all around.

Video: كايروكي احنا الشعب - Cairokee Ehna Elshaab

The Day Oum Kalthoum Met Sheikh Zayed

In the country of the United Arab Emirates, there's name you must know, Sheikh Zayed. He is the founder of that boom in the desert, a visionary who has made miracles out of little resources, a man who invested in the human resources and the capital of his country. Abu Dhabi would have never been possible without this leader and without his love for change and challenges.

The now late leader, is remembered is a man who liked music. Here's a picture of his when he has invited the lady, the diva and the legend of Oum Kalthoum to come perform in his country. In 1971 she met with him too, he gave her a pearl necklace and she performed two sold out concerts. Prior to the oil boom, the UAE was known for pearl diving. The necklace was made in 1880 and it is now been offered for an auction. They are estimating it will bring 80 to 120 thousand US dollars.

The concert was planned for his fifth year anniversary as the ruler of the now United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Zayed is in our Hearts زايد باقي في قلوبنا

Weird! Every time Disaster Strikes, Someone Makes A Song

When people are sad, they want to be given an opportunity to recover from it. Kind words, best wishes and such are helpful. I am not sure making songs is the best way to help people recover--what good does it really do? I give you this, songs often fit commemoration sad occasions and parented to honor the victims. When in reality  it's all self serving and it's all about personal glory.

If I am wrong why each time, a song like this plays, a commercial to buy a coke, or a washing detergent plays? Because, they need to pay the bills, and sobbing alone does not bring anything.

Take the massacre that took place in the Sinai desert--the fallen hero were gunned down by thugs, and clowns who use religion to achieve their own narrow agendas. Yet, the singers of Egypt could not leave it alone and instead put together an old song and brought it back.

When the song Seena was released few years ago, nobody cared much. Now it comes back to life. While I love the song, I have no clue how it helps. They made songs about peace yet people have none. Maybe I am being cynical, but someone has to look at things in a different light.

Various - Seena / المجموعة - سيناء

UTN1 Promotes Much Needed Peace To Iraq's Youth

The Iraqi rock/pop band wrote one of those songs that have a big  and a timely message. Their song was written for an Iraqi reality TV "Salam Shabab", a show where young Iraqis from all across the land, faiths, cultures and sects appear next to one another. The show needed a song with message about peace and youth, the people behind the reality TV show wanted the song to be catchy.  

So, they commissioned UTN1 with the task. The band wanted to give something back to their motherland at those troubling times. So they creative process went one for some time, and then the band came forward with this song you can hear below--this is just a portion of the song. The song is inspirational, moving and asks of Iraqis to rise above the challenges.

I did actually hear the song performed live by the band and it was something. It's about standing united and building Iraq. I wish more people in more places would subscribe to this message. Ignore the forces of darkness and mayhem, and put your good faith in your fellow citizens.

Give it a listen
  
 برنامج سلام شباب قريبا Soon Salam Shabab Program UTN1

Happy Lebanese Army Day And Thanks For The Music Videos

The army in Lebanon is celebrating their 67th anniversary this year, and for that, they are bringing the best of Lebanon's talents. Pop stars from home and asked them to sing for the army in a bid to boas support and morale. I respect the army and I am hardly a pacifist. But pop should not be the only way the army gets it;s positive PR. Actions speak louder than words.

I do not know what the plan is, but this year it seems they army has gotten some money to enter the PR game. They are hoping t be viewed as the only armed power in Lebanon. While this is nice and admirable, everyone knows this is untrue. No one would take an army that does not protest its people form outside powers seriously.

I think the events in Syria have a great deal to do with this year's big celebration and media effort to support the army. Say the regime in Syria falls, then some people in Lebanon think they can take on Hezbollah and disarm them...I say good luck with that. While most politicians are disliked figures in Lebanon, the army has a better name.

You need a sign? the army song has brought together two divas that were not on speaking terms Nancy Ajram and Nawal Al Zoghby--both appear in the song and festival. I like how Assi is trying to be the big brother and trying to play it cool.   

Happy Army day and I wish them well.

نجوم لبنان يتألقون في حفل عيد الجيش وصلح نوال ونانسي

Iraq's National Anthem And Their Soccer Team

Iraq is having a rough road ahead as politicians are not murdering their people and turning in one another. They are also failing to deliver security to their people and have not manged to find a workable solution for their personal differences. Each group seems to seek help from a foreign government. There are those who get a boost from Iran, others get in from the United States, and some look toward Turkey and Saudi Arabia. In the meantime people are dying for no reason, bombs go off and people go to waste.

But there's still some hope at least for those who like soccer and good music. The national anthem--written by a Palestinian who loves all his follow Arabs. See Shatha Hassoun joins the Iraqi soccer team in performing the Iraqi National Anthem in a giant stadium. I adore the little Iraqi girl who makes me hopeful for a better future.  

موطني - النشيد الوطني العراقي مع المنتخب

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