Assi was born in Baalbeck, Lebanon and was the third youngest among his 13 brothers and sisters. Assi's musical talent became evident very early, when as a child he was performing Lebanese songs in circle of his friends and family. Assi studied for approximately five years (1985-1990) at the Higher Institute of Music in Lebanon concentrating on the Oud performance and Arab vocal techniques.WIKIPEDIA
Showing posts with label Society and Culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society and Culture. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hakim
Hakim was born in Maghagha, a small town in Al Minya, Egypt. Hakim grew up with the sound of working-class tradition of Sha'bi; the root of southern Egyptian. He became influenced by the great Sha'bi singer Ahmed Adaweyah and began practicing Mawals, the vocal improvisations which begin a traditional Sha'bi song.[2] At fourteen years old he formed a band and started performing at local parties and school functions with the accompaniment of a tabla, duff, and an accordion, playing covers of classic Sha'bi hits by Ahmed Adaweya, Mohamed El Ezabi, and Abdel Ghani Al Sayed. Soon the band was a hit and expanded by adding keyboards and drums and performing all over the Minya province.His father, the mayor of Maghagha, wished that he would get a higher degree, and although Hakim loved singing, and wanted it to be his career, he bowed to his father’s wishes and attended the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, graduating in 1983 with a degree in communications. But while in the capital, he kept up his musical interests, meeting new people at the cafes on Mohammed Ali Street, including the accordionist Ibrahim El Fayoumi, who became like a god father to him.Source WIKIPEDIA
Labels:
Accordion,
Africa,
Ahmed Adaweyah,
Al-Azhar University,
Cairo,
egypt,
Maghagha,
Society and Culture
Monday, August 10, 2009
Nancy Zaabalawi
Nancy Zaabalawi was born in Damascus, Syria; her father is a musician who used to play the guitar and he was a member of the Artists Syndicate in Syria. In a musical family, Nancy Zaabalawi was born and with no doubt she inherited the singing talent from her father. Since she was small Nancy Zaabalawi used to memorize songs quickly, and she participated in many musical programs for children in the Syrian television and in other Arab TV stations. Nancy Zaabalawi studied Arabic literature at Damascus University before studying English literature and computer at the Faculty of America. But despite her work as an executive secretary at the Syrian International School, singing remained her number one hobby and used to sing in a hotel, where she used to spend the holiday every year with her family in Alladekieh and in many restaurants and hotels in Damascus. Nancy Zaabalawi participated in the program Super Star in Beirut, though she did not win first place, but her participation in the program was sufficient to make her start in the musical career and to rise to the world of fame. ancy has worked hard on her first 7 songs: Ouridouka, inta w bass, Khoz ra7tak, Si7it min el nom, law laket, mousta7il, shou zakkarak.
Labels:
Arabic language,
Beirut,
Damascus,
English language,
lebanon,
Middle East,
Society and Culture,
syria
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mai Hariri
May Hariri was described as the most beautiful woman in Lebanon; known for her jovial and witty spirit, she radiates a constant positive energy with her cheerful personality. Equipped with a unique vocal ability, a team of professionals, lots of support from many in the music industry and her natural charm, May has finally launched her career as a Lebanese Pop Artist.May has been an achiever all her life and always attained what she sought for. Like most teenagers, May at a young age was attracted to the arts, and especially to becoming a pop star. While life had a different road set for her, May kept her dream in mind and at the right time, she ventured with all her strength to achieve her lifetime goal.With the release of May Hariri’s first Music Video, she unleashed to the Arab world a combination of wild, sensual and enchanting concepts with the clip of her debut single “Ha Sahhar Ouyounou”. The Music Video was filmed at the Grand Hills Village and was filled with surprising and courageous ideas that flabbergasted the fans and media alike. Many of Lebanon’s leading opinions in the music industry like the esteemed Melhem Barakat and Simon Asmar expressed their support and trust in May‘s work. Melhem Barakat even added his own vocal effects to one of the tracks on her album entitled “Amma Alek Kalam”. May’s Album slated for Release in May 2004, also entitled “Hasahhar Ouyounou” contains a variety of tracks with different moods, and all filled with strong beats pumping over Arabic and Oriental melodies which vary from the soft to the dance. Walking the brick road of fame, and already capturing the audience with her beauty, sensuality and wildness, May Hariri will give her fans a sweet voice and super performance.At the moment and a year after launching her first album, May has made 8 music videos and 3 singles: “Habibi Enta”, “Ya Btaa’ Elgaram” and "Habibi, Ta’ala". To honor the memory of the martyr president Rafique Hariri, May, crowned the end of her first year as a singer, with an emotional and heart breaking performance, for the national song and video clip “La Ma Koulset Lehkayeh”. In 2007 May Hariri started her first line of jewelry in Kuwait. With the much awaited line being held off until January of 2008 the new addition to her career was well received.The stardom, which May achieved in an unprecedented short period of time, was reflected through the vast number of all the successful festivals and tours she performed in her first year.WIKIPEDIA
Labels:
Arab World,
Kuwait,
lebanon,
May Hariri,
Middle East,
Music video,
Pop music,
Society and Culture
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Assi El Hillani
Mohammed Al Hellany better known as Assi Al Hellany, was born on the 28th of November in Baalbeck, Lebanon in 1970. Assi grew up in a large family with 13 brothers and sisters, of whom he was the third youngest.Assi El Halani started his music career by singing Lebanese songs at an early age among his family and friends. Assi had a big interest in singing which soon grew stronger. At the age of 17, that is around 1987 he started his life as a singer officially when he participated in the “Art Studio” TV program for young artists, and was the winner in the popular Lebanese song category.Assi studied music for almost five years at the Higher Institute of Music in Lebanon from 1985 until 1990. El Halani specialized in playing the Ood (oriental guitar) and in arab singing techniques.Assi Al Halani had performances in many concerts and festivals including the Jarash festival, the Carthage festival, and in a number of concerts around the Arab world, Europe and America.Assi has released over a dozen albums and is firmly established as a major star in the Region. His most popular songs include “Wani Mareq Mareet”, “Ahebbak Gedan”, “Amshi Lihali”, “Mali Saber”, “Ahla Al Oyounv”, “Shoag El Sahara” and “Kayed Ozzalak”, all of which are included on his new ‘Best of’ compilation which spans his entire career to date.Source - Facebook.com
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Dolly Shahine
Dolly Joseph Abu Shahine commonly known as Dolly Shahine (born July 2, 1985 in Sebney, Lebanon) is a Lebanese singer and actress. She rose to fame in 2005 with her role in the Egyptian movie Wija as the femme fatale. In 2008 speculated by rumours she drew controversy and criticism that she had converted to Islam in order to obtain a divorce from her Catholic husband, Lebanese businessman Sami Qalib. In late 2008 an Egyptian court ruled in her favor for divorce.The daughter of Joseph Chahine and a Brazilian mother, Shahine's surname can be spelled Shaheen, Chahine, or Shahin. She currently she lives in Egypt.WIKIPEDIA
Labels:
Africa,
Catholic,
egypt,
history,
islam,
lebanon,
Middle East,
Society and Culture
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fady Andraos
Fady Andraos (born October 21, 1981) is a Lebanese singer and actor born and raised in Lebanon to a Christian Lebanese father of Palestinian descent and a native Lebanese mother.His first television appearance was on the Lebanese reality show Star Academy in 2005. During the academy, Fady's talent in acting drew the attention of the Lebanese actor/writer George Khabbaz, who offered him the lead role in a Lebanese sitcom called Fady & Rady, starring with Khabbaz and Wissam Sabbagh. His first single "B Alby Dally"; a mix of rock music and eastern music ,was released on July 9, 2007,and hit the Arabic music charts. His first album will be released in the beginning of 2008, and he's now shooting another sitcom called Jeeran along with other starac fellows.Wikipedia
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Julia Boutros
When she began her singing career at the age of 12, Julia could already sense the need to use her talent on behalf of others. Her first song, a French tune titled 'A Maman", was dedicated to all mothers on mother's day. It proved to be the first step in a lifelong journey of dedication: her gift to others.
By the age of 14, she had released her first album, titled ‘C’est La Vie’ (This is Life), written and composed by Elias Rahbani.
It was also around this time that the civil war in Lebanon broke out, playing a central role in Julia's life and bringing into sharp focus her desire to commit herself and her singing to humanity and civilization in the Lebanese community in particular and the world in general.
Early on, unlike other artists her age, Julia dedicated her career to a cause. This burning desire to be a voice for others led directly in 1985 to her recording “Ghabet Shams Al Haq”. Composed by Julia’s brother Ziad Boutros, who composes most of her work today, the song expresses their anger at the continued killing of the innocents: children, women, men and the elderly civilians.
"The only thing we were able to do at the time was to raise our voices and send a message to the world, and that was achieved by my first song" says Julia.
She wanted to send a message and she did so, forcefully. One week after this song was released; Julia's voice entered every house in the Arab world. Her voice had become their voice, with millions of people singing her songs. Even schools began teaching the children the real meanings of Julia's words.
After “Ghabet Shams Al Haq”, Julia would say, "I felt that I had a responsibility and that it is to speak on behalf of my people whose voice goes unheard".
Today, Julia’s fans range from children to elderly, as she became a national symbol for Nationalism, Patriotism, Resistance and even Romance.Julia received several national and international awards, including The Lebanese President's Award which was presented to Julia for her contribution, through her voice, to the Lebanese Resistance against the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, shortly after the liberation of the South in May 2000.Recently, and during the latest Lebanese - Israeli conflict, Julia Boutros was featured on Al Jazeera TV Station in a special program; she talked about the Politics in the Arab world, daring to say the least. She has today developed a fundraising project for the families of all Lebanese Martyrs who perished during the 33 day war. http://juliaboutros.net
By the age of 14, she had released her first album, titled ‘C’est La Vie’ (This is Life), written and composed by Elias Rahbani.
It was also around this time that the civil war in Lebanon broke out, playing a central role in Julia's life and bringing into sharp focus her desire to commit herself and her singing to humanity and civilization in the Lebanese community in particular and the world in general.
Early on, unlike other artists her age, Julia dedicated her career to a cause. This burning desire to be a voice for others led directly in 1985 to her recording “Ghabet Shams Al Haq”. Composed by Julia’s brother Ziad Boutros, who composes most of her work today, the song expresses their anger at the continued killing of the innocents: children, women, men and the elderly civilians.
"The only thing we were able to do at the time was to raise our voices and send a message to the world, and that was achieved by my first song" says Julia.
She wanted to send a message and she did so, forcefully. One week after this song was released; Julia's voice entered every house in the Arab world. Her voice had become their voice, with millions of people singing her songs. Even schools began teaching the children the real meanings of Julia's words.
After “Ghabet Shams Al Haq”, Julia would say, "I felt that I had a responsibility and that it is to speak on behalf of my people whose voice goes unheard".
Today, Julia’s fans range from children to elderly, as she became a national symbol for Nationalism, Patriotism, Resistance and even Romance.Julia received several national and international awards, including The Lebanese President's Award which was presented to Julia for her contribution, through her voice, to the Lebanese Resistance against the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, shortly after the liberation of the South in May 2000.Recently, and during the latest Lebanese - Israeli conflict, Julia Boutros was featured on Al Jazeera TV Station in a special program; she talked about the Politics in the Arab world, daring to say the least. She has today developed a fundraising project for the families of all Lebanese Martyrs who perished during the 33 day war. http://juliaboutros.net
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Malikah
Lebanese Queen of Rap Lynn Fattouh, known as Malikah. Born in Marseille, France in 1986, Malikah is a Lebanese Algerian raised in Beirut. What makes her a unique Arab rapper, singer, and MC, that stands out in the industry, is that she is not only a female but she also raps fluently in Arabic, English, and French. “I have a collaboration track on Aks’seir’ album, that was released a couple of years ago where I rap in French and Arabic (Algerian accent),” she said. This track was the retake of the famous Abdel Kader for Algerian Singer Cheb Khaled.
Malikah describes her “2 personalities” when it comes to music. “Malikah is the rough, serious, hardcore, Arabic woman who raps about politics, religion, and social issues; and MC Lix is my alter-ego, the feminine, sexy lady who is more commercial and talks about love, friendship and so on,” she added.Malikah first hit the Lebanese hip hop scene in 2003 when she performed in front of a number of Lebanese Male rappers at the “Peak Hall,” Lebanon. “Back then, I had to cover my face because my parents were against me rapping,” she said. She secretly continued doing her thing until she was asked to perform on Lebanon’s Future Television show “Zaven” in 2003. “This is where I had to face my parents. Eventually we spoke and made a deal that they would let me do my music as long as I keep up with school,” she explained. Three years later Malikah started MC’ing.
Malikah describes her “2 personalities” when it comes to music. “Malikah is the rough, serious, hardcore, Arabic woman who raps about politics, religion, and social issues; and MC Lix is my alter-ego, the feminine, sexy lady who is more commercial and talks about love, friendship and so on,” she added.Malikah first hit the Lebanese hip hop scene in 2003 when she performed in front of a number of Lebanese Male rappers at the “Peak Hall,” Lebanon. “Back then, I had to cover my face because my parents were against me rapping,” she said. She secretly continued doing her thing until she was asked to perform on Lebanon’s Future Television show “Zaven” in 2003. “This is where I had to face my parents. Eventually we spoke and made a deal that they would let me do my music as long as I keep up with school,” she explained. Three years later Malikah started MC’ing.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ramy Sabry
Before graduating from the music academy in Egypt , he had already started .His musical career by composing songs for few of the famous singers , such as Amer Moneeb , Sherine and Fadl Shaker .Ramy sabry him self is a young singer whose future is blooming.In 2005 he encountered director tarek alrian who immediately decided to adopt ramy’s talent and to produce his first album << habiby al awalany >>3 videos were shot , Two of which were directed by Tarek Alarian and one by Moussa Eissa .Having launched his first album , Ramy participated in many musical events such as : live concerts , school proms and university welcome parties
Eventually , Ramy began his success and has become a well known singer in Egypt . moreover , in the media field , he appeared in (3) biggest show programs in the middle east : taratata which was shot in paris , nagham and sekout hanghny
He was even selected to be given some movie scripts to consider which he unfortunately turned down.In Ramy point of view , he wishes that Tarek Alarian direct his first film as he would most likely present Ramy in his best image
In 2008 , Rami worked hard to give us his second album But there has been a lot of problems, His musical album was leaked to websites and all his work lost in vain . Therefore, The album has bee postponed in the markets more than once .
Ramy was racing against time to make his album see the light again , he make new songs for his album in a record time. Last.FM
Eventually , Ramy began his success and has become a well known singer in Egypt . moreover , in the media field , he appeared in (3) biggest show programs in the middle east : taratata which was shot in paris , nagham and sekout hanghny
He was even selected to be given some movie scripts to consider which he unfortunately turned down.In Ramy point of view , he wishes that Tarek Alarian direct his first film as he would most likely present Ramy in his best image
In 2008 , Rami worked hard to give us his second album But there has been a lot of problems, His musical album was leaked to websites and all his work lost in vain . Therefore, The album has bee postponed in the markets more than once .
Ramy was racing against time to make his album see the light again , he make new songs for his album in a record time. Last.FM
Labels:
Africa,
Arts,
egypt,
Fadl Shaker,
history,
Middle East,
Sherine,
Society and Culture
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Omar Souleyman
Omar Souleyman is a Syrian musical legend. Since 1994 he and his musicians have emerged as a staple of folk-pop throughout Syria, but until now they have remained little-known outside of the country. To date, they have issued more than 500 studio and live recorded cassette albums which are easily spotted in the shops of any Syrian city. Born in rural Northeastern Syria, he began his musical career in 1994 with a small group of local collaborators that remain with him today. The myriad musical traditions of the region are evident in their music. Here, classical Arabic mawal-style vocalization gives way to high-octane Syrian Dabke (the regional folkloric dance and party music), Iraqi Choubi and a host of Arabic, Kurdish and Turkish styles, among others. This amalgamation is truly the sound of Syria. The music often has an overdriven sound consisting of phase-shifted Arabic keyboard solos and frantic rhythms. At breakneck speeds, these shrill Syrian electronics play out like forbidden morse-code, but the moods swing from coarse and urgent to dirgy and contemplative in the rugged anthems that comprise Souleyman's repertoire. Oud, reeds, baglama saz, accompanying vocals and percussion fill out the sound from track to track. Mahmoud Harbi is a long-time collaborator and the man responsible for much of the poetry sung by Souleyman. Together, they commonly perform the Ataba, a traditional form of folk poetry used in Dabke. On stage, Harbi chain smokes cigarettes while standing shoulder to shoulder with Souleyman, periodically leaning over to whisper the material into his ear. Acting as a conduit, Souleyman struts into the audience with urgency, vocalizing the prose in song before returning for the next verse. Souleyman’s first hit in Syria was "Jani" (1996) which gained cassette-kiosk infamy and brought him recognition throughout the country. Over the years, his popularity has risen steadily and the group tirelessly performs concerts throughout Syria and has accepted invitations to perform abroad in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Lebanon. Omar Souleyman is a man of hospitality and striking integrity who describes his style as his own and prides himself on not being an imitator or a sellout.http://www.sublimefrequencies.com/item.asp?Item_id=57&t=Omar-Souleyman:-Highway-to-Hassake-(Folk-and-Pop-Sounds-of-Syria)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The R.E.G. Project
Guy Manoukian (via last.fm)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
mohannad mchallah
Image via Wikipedia
Labels:
Aleppo,
Business and Economy,
Dubai,
lebanon,
Middle East,
Rafik Hariri,
Society and Culture,
syria
Friday, April 3, 2009
Massar Egbari
Massar Egbari are an Egyptian Band from Alexandria, Egypt. The band members created that sarcastic name for the band since they 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 we think and feel, leaving no space for creation and innovation.Massar Egbari presents music and songs talking about our social problems. Love is not our 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, giving the band it's own unique sound.Massar Egbari started in 2005, and played on almost all the Egyptian stages, and starting 2007 the band started to perform in Europe as it participated in Malta Arts Festival (Valletta-Malta) , Barisa Rock Festival - Rock for Peace (Istanbul-Turkey), The Biennale of young artists from Europe and the mediterranean (Bari-Italy)and some of the band members participated in Seven Gates Music Workshop (Skopje-Macedonia) with musicians from Macedonia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Turkey and Italy.WIKIPEDIA
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Claudia Shamali
Clauda Chemali is a Lebanese singer.Throughout her career, Clauda Cheamli shot a number of her songs a video clips that increased her fame and popularity, among them is cited, ' Min Asadeg', 'Habeb El Rouh', 'Wadwad an', 'Ya Shabb', 'Batal'a Fik', 'Biyekfe Tigheeb'....Recently she released her album entitled 'Fradan Habeit' produced by Rotana company.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Maysam Nahas
Image via Wikipedia
Maysam Nahas is a Lebanese female pop star.
Maysam Nahas’s singing career began in the early 2000s with a first song and video clip “Kol Echoq” and bloomed with another album “Kaddab Kebir”.
Maysam Nahas’s latest album is “Mahdoum”.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Assala Nasry
Assala was born in Damascus, Syria. She has been active since 1991. She has two children; Sham and Khaled from her first husband Ayman Al-Zahabi. They were divorced in 2005. Then she married Tarek Al-Aryan who is a famous director in 2006.
Her father Mustafa Nasry was a well known singer in Syria. He discovered her talent for singing and pushed her into the career when she was 4 years to perform children, patriotic and religious songs.She was very attached with her father who died in 1986. It was the greatest shock in her life. She stopped singing for three years and took the role as father and mother of her younger brothers and sisters: Reem, Amani, Ayman and Ayham.http://www.assalanasry.com/
Her father Mustafa Nasry was a well known singer in Syria. He discovered her talent for singing and pushed her into the career when she was 4 years to perform children, patriotic and religious songs.She was very attached with her father who died in 1986. It was the greatest shock in her life. She stopped singing for three years and took the role as father and mother of her younger brothers and sisters: Reem, Amani, Ayman and Ayham.http://www.assalanasry.com/
Labels:
Ayham,
Business and Economy,
Damascus,
lebanon,
Middle East,
Singing,
Society and Culture,
syria
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Cyrine Abdelnour
Cyrine Abdelnour (born on February 21, 1977) (also known as Cyreen Abdul Noor) is a popular Lebanese singer, actress, top model of the world 2003 and a leading female celebrity in the Middle East. Her Father is Lebanese and Syrian mother. She burst into the music scene by her album, Leila Min El Layli which was released in about 2004. The album was considered a hit in the Middle East and shot Cyrine to fame.Cyrine's second album, Aalik Ayouni, became a blockbuster hit. The single, Lou Bass Fi Ayni became one of the most popular and widely listened songs of 2006, followed by a second single, Aalik Ayouni.Cyrine is known for her wonderful vocal talents and she has amazed the Arab World with her many hit songs. She is also an active singer and has gone on a number of tours around the world.Cyrine also went to star in Arabic Movies that will be released in cinema's later this year.Wikipedia
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
May Hariri
May Hariri was described as the most beautiful woman in Lebanon; known for her jovial and witty spirit, she radiates a constant positive energy with her cheerful personality. Equipped with a unique vocal ability, a team of professionals, lots of support from many in the music industry and her natural charm, May has finally launched her career as a Lebanese Pop Artist.May has been an achiever all her life and always attained what she sought for. Like most teenagers, May at a young age was attracted to the arts, and especially to becoming a pop star. While life had a different road set for her, May kept her dream in mind and at the right time, she ventured with all her strength to achieve her lifetime goal.With the release of May Hariri’s first Music Video, she unleashed to the Arab world a combination of wild, sensual and enchanting concepts with the clip of her debut single “Ha Sahhar Ouyounou”. The Music Video was filmed at the Grand Hills Village and was filled with surprising and courageous ideas that flabbergasted the fans and media alike. Many of Lebanon’s leading opinions in the music industry like the esteemed Melhem Barakat and Simon Asmar expressed their support and trust in May‘s work. Melhem Barakat even added his own vocal effects to one of the tracks on her album entitled “Amma Alek Kalam”. May’s Album slated for Release in May 2004, also entitled “Hasahhar Ouyounou” contains a variety of tracks with different moods, and all filled with strong beats pumping over Arabic and Oriental melodies which vary from the soft to the dance. Walking the brick road of fame, and already capturing the audience with her beauty, sensuality and wildness, May Hariri will give her fans a sweet voice and super performance.At the moment and a year after launching her first album, May has made 8 music videos and 3 singles: “Habibi Enta”, “Ya Btaa’ Elgaram” and "Habibi, Ta’ala". To honor the memory of the martyr president Rafique Hariri, May, crowned the end of her first year as a singer, with an emotional and heart breaking performance, for the national song and video clip “La Ma Koulset Lehkayeh”. In 2007 May Hariri started her first line of jewelry in Kuwait. With the much awaited line being held off until January of 2008 the new addition to her career was well received.The stardom, which May achieved in an unprecedented short period of time, was reflected through the vast number of all the successful festivals and tours she performed in her first year.Wikipedia
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