Moroccan Dounia Batma, Makes The Gulf Crazy

She is a diva in every sense of the word. Sure, she is young, but her emotions are her vocal training some spend ages trying to develop. She has the confidence at a level only the legends enjoy. Her commanding stage presence is well documented. This Casablanca native, the girl that rocked Arab Idol and was only given the runner up title is taking a break to sort out her career plans.

She did released a number of singles that I call crowed pleasers, but an album has not materialized yet--which is a good step. Last thing the fans need a rushed album that has not been made with hear and soul. One cannot rush greatness, Dounia has a career that's shorter than one year--she auditioned on September 8, 2011

In those few months Dounia performed in a number of  dialects and various styles from classic Egyptian songs (Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Warda, Faiza Ahmed), to Arabic pop music (Samira Said, Fulla, Najwa Karam, Asala Nasri) and Gulf music (Ahlam, Mohammed Abdu, Talal Maddah) She has also dabbled so well into Gulf music.

After the show, Saudi singer Rashed Al-Majed was quoted about her voice was "rare". She has done well for herself where received a beautiful Mercedes, more expensive that the Chevrolet Corvette that was among Arab Idol's awards. This was a gift from a group of fans from United Arab Emirates.

Dounia has been a fixture in Morocco's music festival where she tends to get booked often, the Gulf has also called, they seem to big among her biggest fans out there.

 دنيا باطما اغنية وردة الجزائريه مالى HD

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

If You Want To Market Watches, Please Come On Time

Egyptian diva Sherine singed up to promote a watch brand along with Lebanese super star Ragheb Alamah. There were many celebrities present there. Most celebrities came on time for the event and mingled with the attendees who shelled serious cash for those overpriced watches.

Sherine did it differently, she came two and a half hours late to the event. When she arrived, it was reported no one was still in the event, but a handful people. No one was there to received Sherine who expected a big and a warm reception. According to reports, she seemed annoyed, irritated. She left the event ten minutes later.

If this story is true then Sherine might have to work hard on her classy side. Sure she is busy with the Voice, but all the other celebrities have places to be. Plus, you are promoting a brand of watches, watches people buy to keep track of time. Aren't you saying that the brand sucks? If this very pricey watch did not help you to be on time, then people should look somewhere else.  


في حفل كارتييه: شيرين تحضر دون استقبال وتغادر بعد دقائق


Sherine Abdel Wahab - Da mosh Habibi 2012.wmv

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

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

Haifa Wehbe Is Not Getting A Divorce, Okey?

Lebanese pop diva Haifa Wehbe did something usual on her Twitter account, she got personal. Haifa Wehbe shut a number of media outlets who have claimed she is getting a divorce from her young Egyptian business man Ahmed Abu Hashima. Those tweets are still hot. Haifa and the young businessman got married in April 2009 and they have manged to keep the marriage work.

Below are the tweets from Haifa where she is stating the facts. She will sue those who spread rumors and lies about her personal life. She also asks reporters to be professionals. I respect that, but Haifa this is part of being a star. You must take the good and the bad. It's not easy to make a marriage work when your every move in public is under a microscope.

I'm going to address something so everyone better open your eyes and ears cause I'm only saying this ONCE before my lawyers take action.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

I'm not divorced nor Am i going through a divorce. Ahmed and i are living our happiest days and no one can touch what we have nor break us.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

All these websites and their rumors. Leave us in peace and stay away from my family. Be professional and report facts, not LIES.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

haifa wehbe - ragab

Waad El Bahary, The Great Syrian Singer Revival

Waad El Bahary lost close to 40 pounds for her upcoming video. The producer and picture direction, they wanted an image reboot to launch the music video for one of the songs in her latest album. Image is too important to let for chances. Waad is a lady with a voice worth its weight in gold.

But a good look is key to any music video. A makeover is essential and allows people to see an entertainer in a new light. I am loving this new look! It looks like we are now cooking with gas. A good song deserves a great music video and Waad is given her best.

No need to show above the shoulder....Waad is really ready for a closeup. This Syrian songstress is making Arabic music sound fresh again. Speaking of which, do you ever notice that Syrian ladies who can rock the house tend to be a little be larger? This is no strange....as most of those seasoned opera singers tend to be the same thing.

Tagreba soon - Waad El Bahary تجربه قريبا - وعد البحرى

As Always, Magida El Roumi Stays Classy

Lebanese composer Melhim Barakat was reported to have been feeling not too happy about his song not being made the lead song of the album. His song was made the lead song, it's the number one song in the album and yes, it's a great song where the composer does an incredible job.

But in Mr. Barakat's world, he wanted the song to be the promo song--the one all radios will play to drum up marketing for the new album. Magida has maintained her position of respect love and appreciation for this composer. She was asked about the feud and has taken the high road. She has akways made classy music and that was personal because she is a classy lady.

This is a great album that did not had a perfect release date due to the ongoing ever changing Arab world. Watch this report about her concert in Lebanon, she attended the press conference for the Batroun International Music Festival. Go forth Magida and keep your head high, you make good music and let those critics who want to make names for themselves by bashing you.

ماجدة الرومي: هذا هو ردِّي على ملحم بركات

Samira Tawfik's Best Hit Songs Are Here

I call her the dark pearl of Lebanese songs, the lady of Lebanon's other people, the line that rocked hard and  the original mountain side vocalist, and the legendary singer who continues to inspire the career of dozens of young Lebanese singers

Samira was not the hottest girl in the room, but what she might have lacked in good looks made up for in confidence and attitude that moved generations. Samira did not have a chance in making it in her home, so she made a habit of singing in Jordan and Syria where she has made a huge name for herself and then came back home and was treated as an iconic lady. Then she made movies too and did well then. Her first songs were recorded in Jordan using the Jordanian Bedouin style

Her career took her to all those fine places where the Lebanese expats live (In Australia she performed in front of Queen Elizabeth, in Mexico she performed too, in Venezuela she performed and was given an ward by the Parliament, she has also performed in France, London and Africa)

Samira is still alive with us, living at home but struggling with a number of health issues that come with age. She has made a lot of people happy and for that the people are grateful. A collection of her best and most famous songs is below

اجمل اغاني سميرة توفيق

Ghada Ragab "Sorty" 2012 Album البوم غادة رجب - صورتى

If you want a good album that's easy on the soul, an album that will speak to you like you are the only one out there, then here's the album for you. This album comes from the Egyptian diva Ghada Ragab who is a regular guest in the Egyptian House of Opera. Ghada have had a quiet career for longer than 15 years now, but in 2012 she changed the playbook.

Ghada figures Egypt is too busy with whatever is going on with them and the business are not racing to sign her--even though no one has ever spoke ill of her talent. She went to Lebanon made a hit song there that was picked by all radios. Then from there she moved to Turkey made her album there. While in Turkey she has collaborated with a number of musicians and singers to bring her comeback album to light. She even sings in Turkish too. But to her credit she can sing in half a dozen other languages beautifully too.

Romance, blues, and pop are all in the album. Ghada went all in for this album to give herself and her fans a worthy comeback. the album itself has real music, live orchestra and Turkish flavor. She has the sweet angelic voices that can stretch as far as she wants to take it. I hope you find this album of high entertainment value. A high class art have never been so accessible. To better understand my point, check out the title song music video below.


01 - Yama Zann
02 - Teaaraf Leah
03 - Awey Awey
04 - Daiman Maak
05 - Kolo Men Dah
06 - Sorty
07 - Sorty [ Music ]

Sorty - Ghada Ragab صورتى - غادة رجب

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

Laila Nazmi, The Ditsy Egyptian Songstress

Laila Nazmi is a little known Egyptian singer who did a number of light and catchy songs in the the late 60s and 70s. She did the cute songs played the ditsy personality so well. Her songs were humorous and supposed to be a fun dance songs. One more thing not to forget about her, she is from the great city of Alexandria. She did go to music school and graduated in 1968, so she got her education, but her music appealed to those who less education.

I am sure during her time, critics have spoke ill of her (how dare she?) But time has shown them wrong, she is a legend now and her music has been remade by just about every girl who wants to be that ditsy girl who just wants to have fun. Laila's songs are now part of the Egyptian folklore

Laila did small town songs about the girl who falls for the guy next door and tries to win him over by winning over his mother. Her second most famous song is about her not liking tea as she likes a pop instead. I know it sounds lame, but we all grew listening to those songs, and they seem to be favorites at weddings. Laila has starred in  number of movies

 ليلى نظمي أمّا نعيمة


ليلى نظمي - ماشربش الشاي

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

LISTEN: Asala Nassri 2012 Album البوم اصاله - شخصيه عنيده

She called the album something of herself, "A Stubborn Soul", that's how the world sees the Syrian diva, and that's how she sees herself. Asala Nassri released her much talked about album of 10 tracks. There's a lot of dreamy romance, pop funk, and blues. But mostly this is supposed to be happy album, a personal one indeed. I love the new package, a new image, and a cool logo with a major media marketing roll-out, I am now thinking Asala is finally joining the online world and leaving nothing to chances.

This is Asala's first mainstream pop album in more than four years now. She is back with fore and a cover album that says, I am still the diva you once knew and I am going nowhere but up. Star Gate produced the album, and Pyramedia is distributing it around. Call is the Asala 100 percent Egyptian album where most of the talent lives in Egypt where Asala now has a home.

This album seems like Asala's lucky charm, she is back in rocking mode like we have known her in the 90s when she mostly worked in Egypt. Asala is showing other Arab women that having a family is not a death sentence  you can have an amazing career and a great loving family too.

This is the album that will move a lot of records this Eid season, because among the many stars who are releasing new albums, Asala has the broadest fan base men and women celebrate her and so do young and older folks.

 01 - Sha5sia 3anida
02 - Ana 7obak
03 - Asasy
04 - Begad Teganen
05 - Bona2an 3la Raghabatak
06 - Kabartak Ala Seedak
07 - 2ool Ba7ebek
08 - Ro7y Wakhdany
09 - Sabny
10 - Shaghel Baly Hawak

Assala " Shakhsya Aneeda " Album Promo | برومو ألبوم " شخصية عنيدة " أصالة


Assala - Kabrtak Ala Sedak / أصالة - كبرتك علي سيدك


Assala & Ramy Sabry - Mesh Faker / أصالة & رامي صبري - مش فاكر

Majida/Magida El Roumi Really Loves Lebanon

There's no other person in Lebanon who can have a candid and informed conversation with the Lebanese nation as much as Magida El Roumi can. She is one of those voices that you know has her country Lebanon in her heart and mind. She does not do politics, but rather speak common sense to politicians who are either incompetent or focused on their own interests. 

Magida has delivered a speech once before about the frustrations she sees and lives at home, everyone talk notice of her words and cheered her when she was done. It looks like Magida is not done and will never stop caring about Lebanon. She has delivered yet another speech in a place packed with the suites, who stood there as she spoke truth to them

The venue looks like a church building, but it was really at the American University in Beirut where Magida was receiving an award. There, it seems Magida has people's attentions, many beautifully dressed children line behind her....but right before the event finishes, Magida sang. Elaph caught up with a number of music producers who expressed their opinions about the album and the homeland

كلمة نارية للرومي خلال تكريمها بالجامعة الأميركية

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