Who Makes Better Music? Egypt Or Lebanon

Egypt has always been there as the home of Arabic music, anyone who is anybody must make a stop in Egypt in order to be on the radar. Because most TV networks have traditionally been based there, Egypt is a huge market and they tend to have an industry going in there full time. To Egypt, entertainment is their black gold. A cash cow of sort that keeps many families afloat.

But in the early 2000,  the power has started to shift, Lebanon has stabilized, and has been made the home of many TV networks and cool cafes. More and more Lebanese venture into music--movies are only coming from Egypt, but in music the Egyptian pop has been losing traction to generations of Lebanese stars who have returned home to make good music. The ones in Lebanon has also taken advantage of internet marketing, they no longer have to go to Egypt to be famous, they can have their own show on the internet and make money form home--in theory.

Also Lebanon tends to be a lot more liberal than the entertainment industry in Egypt--less censorship and more investments form wealth business men from the Arab Gulf who seem to have bet their money in Lebanon. Combined with a zombie phase most Egyptian composers have gone under--they were not making hot records from 2002--to 2008. What was the last Amr Diab hit? In that phase Tamer Hosny has prospered and good hard working entertainers were left in the dark.

But then again the Gulf started buying out all those big names, they would hire the top entertainers from Egypt and Lebanon, give their amazing lyrics--mostly poems and invite them to record the songs free of charge. Sometimes the Arab entertainer would make a bank from one hit song. The Gulf still buys music--they can afford to. And they tend to be more generous with their concerts and private events--no star would turn them down.

Yes, Egypt has kept its place, they were down for few years, but starting 2010 and better songs are coming out from that country, better albums and bigger stars. Sure, the Arab Spring did not help, but everyone was done for a while. Egypt will always be there, it's a sure thing. They have an industry that's a 100 year old--no other Arab country come even close. Sure, some might hate the Egyptian dominance, but at ultimately, they are 90 million strong.

I would put my money on Egypt any-day, but that does not mean that Lebanon cannot compete, in face I think competition is great for everyone. 

Piano Unfiltered By Some Persian Guy

I know some piano players can be crazy, some make crazy part of their show. One guy does piano a little faster that most can muster. I do not know how does the ultra-conservatives feel about the piano, but this guy needs no permission to dance his way to your heart .

Samir playing the famous Persian song and also sang by Afghan legend Ahmad Zahir "Sultan e Qalbha." This clip stood out to me and I thought to share it with my blog readers. This is a really soothing piece with some amazing key strokes.

Sultan e Qalbha (سلطان قلبها)

Lebanon Chooses Its Miss 2012

Rina Chibani stood tall as she waved to the audience after being crowned Miss Lebanon 2012 as she poses with her twin sister, first runner-up Romy Chibani, in Platea venue, north of Beirut. 16 women competed to win the title, as a jury composed of 9 members evaluated them, among them Lebanon's first and so far only Miss Universe, Georgina Rizk, former Lebanese minister Ziad Baroud, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram and Lebanese Champion Maxime Chaaya.

There were other winners too. They are glamorous fashionable and good looking. They needed some class and someone that will make about 90 million Egyptian to tune in. Miss Lebanon had the attention of Lebanon as young ladies competed for the title. But it's not a big commercial success if your show does not get picked by Egypt.

Thus, enter the stage Nesma Mahgoub, the title winner of Star Academy and a lady with a golden voice that infects you with its magic and warmth in seconds. The show crowned a young lady, but they did so on the music of Nesma who must have enjoyed being part of the show.

It's a night were dreams come true. Like many, I have mixed feelings about beauty competitions, but music is always good. The results were impressive, two sisters won-the first if the Miss Lebanon and her young er sister is her runner up.    

Check out the moment and the music

 نسمة محجوب فى حفل ملكة جمال لبنان ٢٠١٢

Musician Gabriel Abdel Nour Wears So Many Hats

If Lebanon to have an opera concert, then they must feature the man about town Gabriel Abdel Nour, the musician composer, singer. Lebanon loves this guy, they adore his music and they have come to respect his style of music. He sings local song like an international star would. He is very proud of his roots, and that's why he is the musician to kicks off one of Lebanon's most notable music festivals--Al Shaiah

Gabriel makes good music, he sings in they lovable Lebanese dialect. He is the kind of composer that diplomats love to pal with. He is a smart one too. His music is about humanity, celebrating love, the fatherland, fraternity, peace, and the respect of the human rights.

Aside from his stunning music career, he is a professor Gabriel Abdel Nour is currently the Vocal Teacher for Eminent Lebanese and Arabic Singers. He is also certified in psychology. Enjoy his music

غبريال عبد النور - ما بعرف اكذب


شو ناطرين - غبريال عبد النور - أغنية لبنانية Lebanese Song

Introducing George Zghaib, "Miracle Child" Of Arabic Music

He is a little Lebanese boy who has been rocking Arabic music news with his talent. He plays a mean lute "oud" and does a great job covering classics of the Arabic songs. Pretty much all the legends he has memorized songs for them and can perform them life. People go wild for this boy and I have been burried in stories about him.

They call me the "miracle child" he is like a magician with that lute, I am speechless! This guy is getting people excited. Young people like him who have such talent have a bright future for them--they just need to be children. Lebanon continues to impress me with surprises liked boy George. Reports have confirmed George  residing in the Lebanese home of Syrian singer George Wassouf.

Not sure what the future holds for George but we have had stars start at a young age do songs like those. Singers like George Wassouf, Wael Jassar, Asalah and Angham started at a young age--they seem to have done well for themselves.

Georges Zgheib akhadou al ri7


الطفل الموهبة جورج زغيب يعزف و يغني ...أنا بعشقك


Al Jaras - الجرس - الطفل جورج زغيب يغني لعبدالحليم حافظ

Wa'ad El Bahriy 2012 Album البوم وعد البحرى - اغير حياتى

Not every great voice out there, gets to release their own album, but today I was pleased to see one do just that. Wa'ad El Bahriy released her debut album where the title "I Change My Life" here's what I think of this drop dead amazing album.


Since voicing the songs of Ashman on a popular TV show few years ago, Wa'ad has slowly, judiciously tweaked her sound, moving from mild brunch-friendly romance to mild, brunch-friendly pop to the mild, brunch-friendly rock. Wa'ad navigates her way carefully through the disc's decorous tracks, investing her usually unruffled sound with just enough rough-and-tumble.

The first thing that struck me is that it's very different from her earlier work, the celebrated covers of Asmahan's vintage tracks. The album has bluesy and much more upbeat, and (generally) more fast-paced tunes. In fact, after 3 or 4 listenings, I'm enormously satisfied, and increasingly confident in Wa'ad's ability to continue producing stellar albums. Wa'ad appeared on the Star Academy show's second season where she rocked out.

I believe each track from Aghayer Hayati to Montaha El Ehsas ranks among Wa'ad's best vocal performances, and has an incredible quality to it that truly makes it stand out. As for the musical ingredients are as likely to come from the romantic and classics collection of Arabic music. One of the most appealing aspects about this album is its relaxed, intimate feel. This album clearly being aimed at wider audiences than the straight-ahead oldies crowd, with perhaps a good helping of more pop-oriented songs. But the CD is remarkably laid-back and surprisingly eclectic.

Wa'ad's voice breathy but with an intriguing detached, almost aloof quality. Somewhat surprisingly, the album does not often go into cabaret musical territory, but when it does, the results are also both tasteful and intriguing.

Wa'ad is based in the United Arab Emirates where she goes to school, but she is often in Cairo working and recording songs. She is a student of music and have trained in a number of instruments most notably the lute. 

01 - Aghayer Hayati
02 - Arrab Meny
03 - Tagrebah
04 - Bala Dallaa
05 - Matelmesnesh
06 - Moaamla Khassah
07 - Mesh Hanssak
08 - Baatezer
09 - Ya Reet
10 - Montaha El Ehsas

Waad El baharey album Now -اعلان البوم وعد البحرى الان


Waad Al Bahri - CBC.flv "وعد البحري"الستات مابيعرفوش يكدبوا



وعد البحري اوعدك Aw3idak Waad Al Bahr

LIVE: Salallah Oman Reunites Carmin and Donya

They competed against one another for the title of Arab Idol, but TV makes it seem much worse than it really is. They seem to be the best of friends. In Salallah's Music Festival the two young ladies took on the stage and performed an AMAZING live performance, a cover of one of the most popular oldies in that part of the world.
 
People out there, like pop, but they do not go to concerts to dance, they go there to be amused with real music, old school Arabic music where poetry, original music and live entertainers all come together to give a nice sit down concert.

Both of Carmin Soliman (Egypt) and Donya Batma (Morocco) appeared next to one another for this concert. I wish the audio was better for their song together. They are both young--under 20 years of age. They have become stars in a really tough time, their next move is important.

On a side note, Oman went out for this dazzling stage, I did not think they cared much for details, but it seems they have given themselves a great music festival that can rival ones in places that has had concerts for decades now.

 يا منيتي - دنيا بطمة و كارمن سليمان - حفلات صلالة 2012


كارمن سليمان مهرجان صلاله 2012 الف ليله و ليله


دنيا بطمة - قالوا حبيبك مسافر - مهرجان صلالة 2012م

This Weightless Music Track Can Heal You

I do not know how this video ended up in my video queue, but it's a relaxing video, a weightless experience. It's for sunset, clouds, and the beach.

I's a track by Marconi Union which came together in 2002 when Talbot and Crossley met while working in a record shop. Their self-produced debut album, Under Wires and Searchlights, appeared in 2003 on the small British independent label Ochre Records.

Their last album came in July 2011, a new album, Beautifully Falling Apart (Ambient Transmissions Vol:1) was released on Just Music.

The track below is from Weightless, a collaboration with the British Academy of Sound Therapy. Per Wikipedia, according to scientists at the Mindlab institution (a commercial 'neuromarketing' company) it induced a 65% reduction in overall anxiety and brought test subjects' resting pulse rates to 35% of their usual resting rates.

Marconi Union - Weightless (Radox) HighQuality Audio (most relaxing tune)

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Piano/Cello Cover)

Piano and classical music has its fans, you do not have to be rich to enjoy its richness and you do not have to be high class to enjoy its high class. It's music that speak to the soul and moves the heart with its magic. It relaxes you when you really needed it the most. It comforts you and better it express your every emotion.

They are called the Piano Guys and they manged to capture some of the best songs and make videos in the nature--you really cannot resist the combination. I wish more of those Arab composers do stuff like this, I know we have a lot of them who do classical music and original material--Malek Jandali and Zain from Jordan.

I know they will appreciate the video below. It's a cover of Christina Perri (A Philadelphia singer and songwriter  A Thousand Years.

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Piano/Cello Cover)

Shawkat Sayyd, The Oud Player With Humor

Your average Oud player are a dime a dozen in the States and in Europe. You can find them in lounges, weddings, events, and hookah places. But nevertheless, it's still fun to see those oud players break character. Most listeners of oud Music take themselves way too seriously.

One guy who plays the Oud is not most players, he is a riot. Master oudist/vocalist Shawkat Sayyad and his wife, Nazira, perform Middle Eastern music every weekend at the Pasha Lounge in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Jensuya of TarabRaqs and other diners joined in the fun. See his toast bit, the guy is a natural.

I have seen Shawkat perform before in Virginia at the Jerusalem Restaurant when they opend up their Diwan lounge. He is an older gentleman who does not have to pretend or to act all uppity. I love the man not because he plays good classical Arabic music, but because he reminds me of my grandfather who is a free sprit and likes to say whatever he wants to say.

Jensuya Raqs with Shawkat Sayyad at Pasha Lounge

DOWNLOAD: Nesma Mahgoub 2012 Classy Album البوم نسمه محجوب - هتقولى ايه

In her cover picture for the album, the young and and talented Egyptian singer Nesma Mahgoub is channeling the legendary diva Asmahan. That tells me more about how the young singer views herself as an artists who can deliver you some really fine songs with her strong voice.

I like Nesma she sounds like one of those opera singers who can rock your world with their really loud voices which they manipulate so well. 12 tracks is what makes the new album, it is Tarab album all around. Classical music has finally found a young gun of Arabic music who really believes in it and want to bring it back in style.

The album is not meant for everyone out there, it's for the grownups among us, the songs are for the mature listener seeking a new thrill in music....it plays like a conversation between Nesma and her listeners. In a way this feels like reading someone else's journal telling us about their life and how they reacted to certain situations.

I am glad the producers have chosen to find this project, the album does something different with Arabic music. Nesma is seeking neither popularity nor cool, her album reminds us of how unique Arabic music once was. So there you have it grow up and believe in the power of dreams again, this album will have a positive and an uplifting affect on your soul. Hope at last.

01.Hat2oly Eh

02.El7elw Malo

03.Betshawer 3a2lak

04. Arfak

05. Mast8nash

06. 2alby We HoraFeh

07. Bast8rab

08. Elly Meganenak

09. Seeb Ro7ak

10. ElHafl

11.Life Wont End

12.Ya Toyour

Nesma Mahgoub - 7at2olly eih - نسمه محجوب - حتقوللي ايه - Distributed by K Music

Nesma Mahgoub - Al 7afl - نسمه محجوب - الحفل - Distributed by K Music

Nesma Mahgoub - 3arfaak - نسمه محجوب - عرفاك - Distributed by K Music

Hatem Al Iraqi, The Savior And Iraq's Hit-Maker

Iraq has seen better days, but hope is not dead. I think that every time I hear a song buy the loyal son of Iraq Hatem Al Iraqi whose name represents the nation. But his voice does more than represents Iraqi, it united a people. His music soothes the soul. Hatem made it big, by keeping it safe....people like Iraqi music because one it's sad, two because the dialect can express sorrow like no other.

No need to sound fake, and no need to go over the top, just fine the right lyrics and Hatem's voice will put his all Iraqi flavor and give you a classic. It does help Hatem that he is a composer so he knows the music through and through.

Watch this clip below where he brought a poet, a real poet to add another emotional layer to this song, Hazem Jabir, this is a song that other Iraqi singers need to copy. Because if they do, you know Iraqi will be back in the lead (musically) in no time.

P.S. What's with Iraqi's obsession with blond models?

حاتم العراقي حازم جابر ربع حبي فيديو كليب وحيد

Michel Fadel, Lebanon's Hottest Pianist Pays Homage To Warda

Michel is an artist popular among those who like classical music--both Western and Eastern ones. Michel is loved by the majority of Lebanon's pop and romance singers because he gives them his heart through his music. Elissa loved the guy and shows up to his concerts and so does many other celebrities.

In his latest concert the pianist composer paid tribute to the late Algerian iconic diva Warda. In the piano he played some of her most famous songs. Michel makes grownup concerts embraced by the elite and the intelligentsia.

He was later joined by a celebrated violinist Dana Dabbous, together they made one wonderful live musical experience. Not sure hoe common is the writing on the piano, most classical artists do not decorate their pianos, but Michel did it to promote his beloved country as its name is all over the instrument.

Tribute to Warda - Michel Fadel Concert 3al Lebneneh in Beirut Holidays 2012

Dana Dabbous performing with Michel Fadel in A3yad Beirut 2012

A Ramadan Classic "Wahawy Ya Wahawy وحوي يا وحوي"

Ramadan songs that stand the test of time are many, and we all love the classics. What some of us also love a classic makeover, like the video below from  female vocalist from Habaybna Band. Wahawy Ya Wahawy is a timeless song that we all have gotten used to listening too every and each Ramadan. It's really old song that has been remade and re-recorded by countless singers and bands.

This video was recorded at a Ramadan music festival in Cairo. I do not recall any singer ruining this song, each time it gets remade, I feel that people stick to the original song.

فرقة حبايبنا - وحوي يا وحوي

Breezy! With Nesma Mahgoub 2012 Album

Egypt's latest young diva who has the newest and strongest female voice in Egypt is about to releases a new album and she is having a concert just for you, the fans. Nesma won titled and impressed judges to bring the golden title to Egypt.

Then she disappeared for about six months, only to come back again and perform a cover song for an indie movie--And her YouTube has been going crazy with comments, and new songs. To her credit, Nesma has the confidence to mange such a strong female voice, it's a strong voice, but there is no shouting. Nesma which means a breeze has also the sincere side and emotional fortitude to do romantic songs. Her yet to be released album seems to have a Gulf dialect song too.

Fame in the post Star Academy world has been tricky for so many, but for starter Nesma seems to be ahead of the game by at least 80 million adoring Egyptian fans
Nesma Mahgoub' Album Concert

The Egyptian Opera Warda Tribute With Khaled Selim

In a wonderful tribute night for the late Algerian diva Warda, the Algerian embassy and Egyptian singers planned this night to walk us through memory lane as the late singer's music came to life with the voices of a host of Arab singers who have nothing but love and respect for this diva.

One of the stars of the evening was Egyptian singer Khaled Selim who has actually appeared with Warda on a TV show few years back when they acted. Khaled spoke for a minute about what Warda means for him and then chose one of her songs to cover.

Khaled has one of the most flexible and capable voices in Egypt nowadays. He transitions from pop to classics in a heartbeat and pull a stunning act each time. This why he is one of the youngest singers to frequent the Egyptian opera--they know he won't disappoint.

Khaled Selm Layalina/ خالد سليم ليالينا

Lindsey Stirling Re-imagines Phantom of the Opera

I have never been a big fan of operas, but there is one that everyone was talking about, the Phantom of the Opera which was later made into a movie, but that was not enough to convince me to buy into it. A little clip on YouTube has manged to do the trick.

The lady behind it is a 25 years old Lindsey Stirling who has attended BYU, the same school that I happen to also hold a degree from. She makes it a lot more fun, exciting and whole new level of spunky. The customs, and the cinematography are captivating. Lindsey is a violinist who rocks out, she makes this art form accessible to so many of us without tarnishing this classical instrument.

I love the bits and the concert scene, Lindsey looks very comfortable performing this song in a number of settings. I cannot wait to see and hear more of Lindsey Stirling who is promising an album in September of this year.

Phantom of the Opera- Lindsey Stirling

Sherine's Divorce And Her Best Song Ever

Five years ago she got married, and two kids later, the marriage is over. This was a surprise move, no one really knows a thing about it. he news just broke and Sherine is not married anymore, but she still keeps a friendship with her ex now. I think, it's timely to play this song of hers about moving forward and forgetting the past. Her ex composer husband Mohammed Mostafa. Both have closed of their cellphone and so has Sherine's manager.

The year was 2005 and Sherine made the jump from a B list pop singer to the A list all around singer who is well versed in all musical styles. While Sherine have had a beautiful career so far and she keeps rocking it with making great music and dazzling concert performances....I happen to think the song of hers-below was her greatest song to date.

There has never been a sweeter song about being sweet when things are bitter than this Sherine gem. Not only do the lyrics deliver one hell of an emotional roller coaster, the acting Sherine is worthy of an award. Back then Sheirne was single and her songs were alive, this picture of hers will be part of her legacy, something she will give to her kids after her.

I adore the music video and the simple nature, a girl, a cause and a chair. Nothing too elaborate just a well acted story of heart breakup. Back then Sherine was with Nasr Mahrous, man who knows how to produce a hit and create stars. Nasr and Sheirnge no longer work together....and Sherine has also announced she is leaving Rotana and producing for herself.

شيرين لازم اعيش

My Dad Used To Jam To Syrian Fahad Blan

When it comes to Arabic Tarab, Syria does not kid around! Syria is the place where legends of this style of music has been made for centuries. Look no further than on of those underrated Syrian legends Fahad Blan. One of Fahad's most famous hits was a song where he is explaining his condition to his loved one.

Fahd passed away in 1997 not before he has made a huge name from hims and his family that comes from a little Syrian town where they used to do menial jobs. Fahad started his career doing odd jobs one of which a bus operator assistant. The bus used to travel to Damascus a lot where he would take part of a competition doing a cover of Syrian icon Farid Al Atrach.... needless to say he made a good impression.

The atis would join the Syrian radio and sing there, then he has his won songs and the rest is history. Fahad had many marriages including Lebanese diva Sabah. Fahabd used to open and present other legends of his time. He was considered one of the top ten artists in the Arab world in his time.


فهد بلان - واشرح لها

Najah Salem, One More Underrated Lebanese Diva

 Najah called Egypt a home and never forgotten that Egypt opened its arms to this lady when she needed a place to live away form the wars. Najah Salam is a Lebanese singer and actress. Born in Beirut on March 13 1931, the daughter of a prominent poet and lutenist, known throughout the Arab world. Like many of her peers Najah started singing in school choirs until 1948, when her father embarked in Cairo to present her to the likes of Oum Kalthoum, Farid Al Atrash, Asmahan.

Her first works came in 1949, as she performed in Ramallah, Baghdad, and Damascus etc. She returned in 1950 to Lebanon to record on Lebanese television some new songs which are Ala Masrahika Ya Dunia, and to also play in several films such as Ala kifek, Ibnu Duat, Alchab Al Asmar, Al Dunia LamaTadhak. She is a Lebanese singer who has masted various styles of singing including the Lebanese folklore songs. .
But Najah's rise to fame came to light in 1956 when her love of pan-Arabism brought her many fans and she traveled to places like Tunisia and Algeria. In 1956 she has also appeared in Cannes where she brought her film to the festival goers.

It wasn't until between 1970 and 1974, when Najah visited each single Arab country and performed there. Her Lebanese songs are far more famous than the ones she did, even though most of her other songs were inspired by Oum Kalthoum. One of the many titled Najah has earned is the one closest to her heart-- Ashikat Masr, the one who swooned by Egypt.

She left Lebanon for years during the war years, and only returned toward the end of her career where she did her country proud and helped enrich the music scene. Najah Salem's musical adventures stand as a testament to our life of live and love of all things gorgeous.
  بالسلامة يا حبيبي بالسلامة


نجاح سلام _ ميل يا غزيل najah salam - mayel ya ghzayel