Music At ISNA Annual Convention

The Islamic Society of North America--the ones they say weather it's Eid or not had a sold out convention in the heart of the Nation's capital. They brought the speakers who spoke about Islam and its role. they also spoke on challenges facing the community. Business also were there selling and promoting various merchandise of interest to the Muslim community--Dish and Hajj.

But they also included some entertainment by a performance of Native Deen, the local native rap band from DC who have a global name recognition. The band knows how to work a crowd and knows hoe to turn the blues into cheers.

Native Deen promoted their brand and sold their CDs, I think they were in their elements and I like their interviews with fans and convention goers. They did a great job reaching out to young Muslims and getting them excited about something they can relate to.

ISNA

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

Secrets And Questions Journalists Can’t Ask One Direction

First and for most, they are hot band and they have a reputation to protect. They are popular with the tween people of the world, among their most famous fan is Malia Obama. 

The forbidden list:

1. Who is your celebrity crush?
2. Which of you have girlfriends?
3. Who came up with the name One Direction?
4. Anything "X Factor"-related
5. Worst habits about each other
6. Do you guys fight?
7. Best prank someone pulled on you
8. Describe each other in one word
9. Funniest fan stories
10. If not in the band, what would you be doing?
11. Pre-show rituals
12. No questions about money or religion

We know about this list because one Canadian DJ Scott Rush, a morning-show co-host on Ottawa's the New Hot 88.9 FM, learned moments before he was about get 10 precious minutes on the phone with One Zayn Malik.

Minutes prior to connecting Zayn with Rush, publicist was about to connect Rush she very casually, rattled off a list of "few things you're not allowed to ask." I think the list is lame and the band members are smart enough to be themselves they are no running for president, their fans love them to be who they are.

 Though I get the part where no questions about money or religion.

Where Is Outlandish When You Need Them To Pop?

I was introduced to band Outlandish by an American roommate of mine at college. He comes from the great state of Washington and he was a fan. He thought I would like the band because they have Islamic feel to them and the lead vocalist has Moroccan origins (Isam Bachiri).

The band has Pakistani and Danish upbringings, two band mebers are Muslims and one Catholic from Cuban origins. he band does a fresh take on hip-hop/R&B/soul music. The bulk of their songs is in English, but they usually feature lyrics in Spanish, Urdu/Punjabi, Danish, and Arabic which gives their tracks an exotic flavor few global stars can claim.

Their hit song Aicha took the world by storm and was well received in places like Asia namely South Korea. Their other tracks often top the charts in European capitals. The band has participated in the Evening of Inspiration concerts since 2006.  They continue to be involved in a number of causes and their music inspires hope.

I have not heard any new songs from their band in at least three years now. Below is a track that I was touched by.

Outlandish Callin U

One Direction Nails It With "Live While We're Young"

When you are young, you do not realize this, you only want to be a grown up and have your own things. But not One Direction who are back with a new single. "Live While We're Young" is the tittle of their latest single and it's scheduled to be released in the U.K. on Sept. 30.


This is not a single, it's a motto for this sugar pop band that has rocked the music industry as well as the world of many teenagers around the world. "Live While We're Young" will be the first track off their second album, and the guys are very pleased with the song and the message.

The five-member British have captured limelight since its debut album, "Up All Night," became a No. 1 worldwide smash earlier this year. Concerts, tours and media appearances do not stop the guys form enjoying life while under the influence of Youthfulness. They work hard but they seem not to take anything too seriously--except the fans I hope.

The song has been crafted by “What Makes You Beautiful” top-notch team Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk, the single follows exact the same sunny pop-rock style as the group’s first album. The only real difference is that now the boys are singing about indulging.

Louis Tomlinson says: "If we go out on a night out and we're a little bit drunk, it's not obviously going to be a great picture, but it's not too bad. The fact is we're young; everyone who is our age is going out anyway." This is yet another happy music video about enjoying life and no one has more to look forward to than One direction and the band-mates.

One Direction - Live While We're Young

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

Ahat " Woes" Band Making Rap Cool Again

Ready for yet another indie band making its mark on the music scene? These guys want to rap and their rap is political...they come from the land of Jordan and their tracks are telling tales of the Arab stories from the Spring and before. They are just starting out, so their voice has not been tweaked yet.

I think these guys have plenty to rage about, they band is made-up of three dudes and one lady--Meera. Some rap, some find beats, other composes and one takes pictures. Learn more about this band that states they have been around since 2008. The lead rapper is Yasir Haddad, Tarek Al Badri raps and takes pictures, and Ali Al Zibady beat box and music guy.

I hope in four years from now, I would come back and have a lot more to say about the rap band that made is big.... it's easy to rap, but to make it last is never easy.


اغاني راب عربي فرقه اهات من الاردن


استضافة اعضاء فرقة آهات الجزء 1 - رؤيا | Roya

Watch This Music Video Rocks, Ana Satreen - أنا سطرين

I love a good rap song, and I love it more when it has a good beat, and funky mixing. In "Ana Satreen", a song about freedom of expression. Thanks to Asfalt who features Ameer Yossef to make this awesome track. I love how they made the music video.

This kind of songs are not made in 2012, it seems most of them were made last year, but these guys have brought the activist rock back to the forefront. Per their own words,  Asfalt strives through their songs to reach out to average arab men/women about everyday life issues, culture, values etc.. Mix some feel good music with some egyptian pop culture and there you have Asfalt.

I think this just did that with their latest music video and track. They are Cairo based and draw inspirations form the stories they live everyday in this ever evolving city. Asfalt received a shout out from another hot indie band Cairokee, shared the song and wished them well.

@AxeerStudio| Ana Satreen - أنا سطرين - Asfalt Ft. Ameer Yossef

Native Deen Imported To The World From The District

The DC native band Native Deen travels the world performing their popular music songs that celebrates Islam and great upbeat music. I follow their activities on YouTube and I come to love their sense of humor--I first learned about this band in I think year 2004.

I was moved by some of their spot on lyrics and their flow and beat. Native Deen music is a clear fusion of Hip-hop and R&B flavors. The trio made up of Joshua Salaam, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Naeem Muhammad came together in 2000 to walk together in order to highlight issues confronting Muslims living in America.

It's strange that I have yet to see the band perform live I mean. we both live in the same small city, we both worship at the same place of worship, we both like music and yet somehow I have never manged to cross paths with the band Native Deen. These guys made is really big and have manged to form a great fan base, they have done so without that help of big bucks and a mega company promoting their event move.

They are the little guy who is scraping to make their message and their talent known to the masses. I am being told that they will perform in Washington DC during the ISNA conference this labror day weekend. 

SubhanAllah - Native Deen ft. Junaid Jamshed

Why Is The British Council Promoting Indie Music?

I have to admit something, I was not one of those kids who grew up talking about the British Council, most of my friends talked it up so much. Since I was interested in English, I never gravitated toward that institution. I must say, everyone who went there spoke highly of it. I just did not care for the attitude of people who have attended classes there and socialized in the various clubs over there.

Now, I see a concert video, the entire concert video is in the video below. For an indie band from the heart of Egypt, the guys who rock and roll, Masar Egbary The band is sporting a unified scarf theme.

 The video below reveals the artsy side of this popular band, the prelude to their concert starts with a play, a dialogue with loaded meaning that will sure please the college crowds who always want to be one inch closer to sophistication. I like the slides accompanying the performance.

 مسار أجباري وجماعة المسرح البديل - سطور من دفاتر مصر

The Fascinating Choir Project Keeps It Fresh مشروع كورال

They might be one of the coolest things to happen to Cairo's music scene in a really long time. They are The Choir Project The team behind this amazing choir project does things a bit differently. For starter, they invite people from all walks of life to put their aspirations and concerns, their feelings and thoughts, their jokes and woes into song.

The Choir Project started in 2010. It began as an offshoot of the international Complaints Choir, the brainchild of two Finnish artists with the aim of “transforming the huge energy people put into complaining into something else.” In Cairo, Egypt, 25 young men and women — many of whom have no background of training in music or live performance  joined forces for this project.

A week-long workshop of communal improvisation, lyric-writing, and composition culminates in a short performance — with often surprising results. Then fruit of their labor is put forward in a music video that seems to have a lot of fans out there. While they do have accomplished vocalists on the ticket, those people are often in supporting role, as they star is the man on the street who has a talent that has gone unnoticed by many.

Take for example, their latest songs, they tackle the topic of the day, electricity in Egypt, there has been issues with that most recently, and naturally people are pissed.

 مين طفا النور - مشروع كورال Meen Taffa ennour - The Choir Project

The Arab and Muslim Girl Who Roots For One Direction

She is a young Libyan and Egyptian daughter of a seasoned music mogul and radio owner Hami El Shari. She has impressed me before and she is back doing it again. Nabila El Shari is joining the global force for fans for the British boy band One Direction. She went a step further and did a cover for one of their most beautiful songs "What Makes You Beautiful "

The girl rocks, she knows the song very well not just the lyrics but the emotions and excitement! If the band can go with a girl, I would put Nabila on the ticket, but that will only get their female fans upset. I am sure other females have done covers for One Direction pop sugar sweet songs.

Zayn Malik is one of the five members of One Direction. Zayn was one of the finalists on the XFactor 2010 and was put in a group by singer Nicole Scherzinger and judge Simon Cowell with four other boys; Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson which give birth to the group One Direction.
 
Nabila El Shari ft One Direction-What Makes You Beautiful

Ashara Gharby - Gwa El-Fawanes عــشـرة غـــربى - جـوا الــفـوانيس

I like how these guys make their music....Ashara Gharby means, few minutes of Western music. However, these guys have manged to incorporated the lute with other musical elements that are more hip. They even picked up a Ramadan song, talking about those world famous Ramadan lanterns.
I love how smooth the track is, it's exciting and frankly very fresh.

I know it will draw in both Arabic music fans and those who do not care of anything foreign to them. I think this is kind of music that only friends can bring together. The band members are as follows,  Fawzy - Bass Guitar Souka - Oud Yassin - Vocal Joe - Keyboard Kerdani - Drums Gabry - Lead Guitar Zatona - percussions Mostafa Yassin - The band's poet & manger
Ashara Gharby - Gwa El-Fawanes عــشـرة غـــربى - جـوا الــفـوانيس

Dina El Wedidi: This Indie Is Better Than Yours

This 2008 track was composed by Dina El Wedidi and released this indie performer unto Egypt. Dina is possibly one of the brightest female indie vocalists who keeps in the music scene talking in Egypt at the moment. She started with cover of of 1920 songs and went on to perform Sheikh Imam songs and tales that most Egyptians have memorized as they are part of the folklore.

She started her music career at an early age, but Dina fine-tuned her talent, and sharpened her music saw when she participated in many musical workshops and training with the award-winning Grammy Award, Fathy Salama and other independent bands in Egypt and beyond.

Thus Dina now has found her voice and style as she has been introduced to different genres and enriched her musical culture. She, also, learned playing on Arghoul ( a cool and classy traditional Egyptian instrument).

On 2008, Dina composed her first piece for her song El Haram, and since then, she composes music for lyrics that inspire her to be sung by her or others, however, she is not presenting herself as a music composer yet trying to focus on her singing. Yes, it's tough to claim you are a composer in the presence of many great names, but that does not mean she is out.

 دينا الوديدي - الحرام

WATCH: One Direction Spoof "What Makes You Beautiful"

One Direction was the hottest band in the VMA wards, they have set the house on fire with ther mega hit What Makes You Beautiful. Their catchy song rocked the house and have earned them few fans as they in studio crowed went bananas for One Direction.

Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne don't just have to worry about The Wanted dissing them -- it has been discovered that a boy band poked fun at One Direction over a decade before the group even existed. So they have landed on a music video that could have been made recently accept it was made so long ago in 2000.

In both music videos, one sees ton of tattoos, a shirtless guy. Dressed like a banana an carrot. What do you think of the 1D video? Directioners of the world unite as One Direction is paving a path for themselves and locking in fans for a generation to come.

Many spoof the band today and tell jokes at their expense in pursue of hits and viewership. But I have found myself to like their songs and I am not even a teenager anymore. They work hard on their music and they put their heart on it. Sure, they get a lot of teenagers, but a good song is a good song.


blink-182 - All The Small Things


One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

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

KashKool (Notebook) Band Sings For Ramadan

A cool B list Band that goes by the name Kashkool just released their Ramadan track reminding us why Egypt is a great place to observe the holy month. They kicked of their track with the Azaan or the call to prayer. A band member actually performs it flawlessly.

And then the song stars in the humility of humans seeking forgiveness, and others seeking to break bread with many on one of those tables all over the streets of Egypt. This is a good song, and the style in which it was made reminds of of the 60s tracks that are made for the same purpose. The lead vocalist on this track really earns his paycheck.

KashKool Band 3yon EL Khal2

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

WATCH: Zayn Malik and Niall From One Direction Fires Up The Night At The MTV Video Music Awards

One Direction took North America by storm as have quickly changed the focus of the MTV Video Music Awards, winning two early awards and stealing the attention from Rihanna and her other performer during the evening celebrating music.

But One Direction, lead by Zayn Malik the heartthrob British boy band, quickly took over, bringing thunderous cheers from the crowd upon winning best pop video. MTV tried something new this year, unveiling a double-decker red carpet that featured two stories of stars and celebrities. Thousands of fans lined up outside the show's new home, the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The house was packed in screaming One Direction fans who are into sugar pop.

You will be happy to know One Direction drew the loudest cheers of the day — something even rivals The Wanted acknowledged — even though fans had to labor under a scorching sun with the temperature at 90 degrees. But it was all worth the Katy Perry blowing kisses to each member of One Direction

It was the night's first televised award and one of five top-nominee Rihanna was up for. They also won the most share-worthy moonman during the pre-awards show. Katy Perry announced the first televised award of the night -- best pop video, which went to U.K. boy band One Direction for "What Makes You Beautiful."

One direction is the the first British act to debut atop the Billboard 200 album chart, seemed stunned as fans screamed upon announcement of their win. "We've grown up watching this show and to even be here is an honor," Niall Horan said before the band made its way through the crowd.
The New British Invasion Arrives, Conquers

بابا فين Where Is Dad? The Hit Song With Arab Kids

Some goofy looking guy wears glasses and calls a number, then a group of kids answer the phone, and give him a trip. Kid stories about their world. The guy feels tired as he keeps trying to get though the the kids father.

It was a cute song and everyone was surprised by this kiddie song that was highly entertaining. The kids do a good job driving this man mad by being cute and kiddish. The song came in the early 2000, and it inspired a number of copy cats since then...Haifa Wahbe made a sequel to it few years ago--it was a good song too.

The song came from an album with a kid group called Free Baby,  it came few songs, none of them was as popular as your';s your father hit!

بابا فين