Saad Ramadan In A Red Ferrari @ BAU!!

Saad Ramadan was invited to do a concert in Tripoli in Lebanon. the concert was disguised as an award for the young singer's career. That means he did not get a big paycheck, just an award. He drove to the even tin a Red Ferrari and entered the stage where he sang, collected his ward, then sat in the cafe to take pictures with the young fans--girls and boys alike.

As why does he need a Ferrari--other than looking cool and insecure I do not understand. It's unclear weather he owns the car. The event took place in Beirut Arab University – L'Université Arabe de Beyrouth - BAU. His young career means he has a long way to learn how to attract positive attention for himself.  

Saad has not released any new songs in a more than year now, he says he is working on a big surprise songs that will make us happy. To be clear, I like the fancy car, but a celebrity driving one and taking pictures of his ride reminds me of those broke rappers who like to flash whatever cash they have.

Saad Ramadan - Nawila - ناويلا

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

Nancy Ajram And Ahmed Fahmy Join Arab Idol

I did not think it was a good business decision for Nancy Ajram to join the panel of judges for the popular show Arab Idol. But regardless of what I think, it seems that Nancy Ajram wanted the gig, so she has singed the contract to be part of the show. We will see how this will play for Nancy Ajram--the smartest and most popular Arab songstress for the past decade. Ajram singed the contract on October 5th in her Beirut home.

Other changes to the Arab Idol show is the new host or presenter. Egyptian singer turned actor Ahmed Fahmy has singed a contract to host the show. I love to see Ahmed take this role, he has an extensive resume, the good looks and the nice demeanor to make him a hit. Ahmed would be replacing the Kuwaiti actor Abdallah Tulehi. Model Anabella Hilal will return for the second season 

Ragheb Alama, Ahlam and Hassan Al Shafei will remain judges and so will Arab Idol and broadcast worldwide on MBC 1, a Pan Arab television station. The first season aired in December 2011. 

Watch 80,000 Koreans Lose It To "Gangnam Style" Live

South Korea is hardly known for its pop stars and cultural icons. But this Fall, it all changed when a littl known Korean pop singer PSY released his catchy "Ganagam Style", a song that went viral and traveled the world and back. The singer expressed his amazement of his new fame and his global hit.

The song is about living it rich people style, but for reasons unknown the song caught fire and have transformed the career of PSY for a little known singer into a cultural icon across the globe. For all we know Aliens might be watching him too doing it Gangnam Style.

To thank his fans, he half a concert where 80 million people turned out and the massive crowd seemed to go bunkers for their homeboy singer as he moved on the stage, backed by his dancers. What other star can turnd out 80 thousand concert goers?  

PSY Gangnam Style, 싸이 강남 스타일 Seoul Concert for Fans. Seoul City Hall Korea

Watch People Walk Away From Haifa Wahbe's Concert

In a recent concert appearance in a Beirut Sport Club, Haifa had to deal with some unhappy concert attendees. The story goes she the Lebanese diva was more than one hour late for her concert at the Club. It goes that some people are busier than others. And as she walked unto the stage, some people started leaving the hall. Supposedly from the video, she started kicking her leg and asking them to go.

Then she greeted everyone who chose to stay and promised them to party with them till the morning. She also said that who have left her show are missing out the good times. I would question the story, had the video below did not reveal that there were many empty seats in this private function.

This must be a humbling experience for the unstoppable diva with with global fandome.  

هيفاء وهبي مستاءة من مغادرة الجمهور حفلها

Pictures: Sandy Puts The Sun Back In Sun City

The Sun City Summer Shopping and Music Bonanza came to an end, but the night did not end with an average star. For the grand finale  they booked Sandy. If anyone gets the boys worked up for a concert, it's Sandy. Thought I think she packed the house with thousands of screaming fans.

She did the best and safest thing for herself....she dressed modestly! Egypt cannot talk the heat right now and the boys are pigs. So, her concert had the most attendance by boys and girls. She started the evening with her latest song and a special danced. The songstress performed a collection of her songs.

It was tough to find an exist for the starlet, but she manged to get out and avoid riots and mobs of fans. I think Sandy is doing all the right things by slowly and carefully planning her career. This appearance in Sun City Mall helps push her to the front line ahead of many of her peers.

As this music and shopping festival ended, I should hope the organizers  manged to do what they wanted to do by spending so much money on on many stars to lure shoppers.    

Beirut International Film Festival Missing The Red Carpets and The Stars

There's no reason why a global city like Beirut should not have a world class film festival. They have the sophisticated people to pull off, they have the businesses to back it up and put up the money to bring A list celebrities. Cities like Dubai got nothing on Beirut.

Why are the stars missing from the film festivals? Where is the red carpet? In fairness, this is not the sole blame for the organizers, it might be frightening for many celebrities to come to the Middle East at the money due to the Anti-Islam film demonstrations and the Arab Spring in Syria.

The organizers had to battle on many fronts to hold the film festival, their selection reflected a complex reality.  They said so in their press conference. I am hoping the next year the film festival will be held in better conditions.

   مهرجان بيروت السينمائي الدولي بلا نجوم ولا سجادة حمراء

Ehab Tawfik US Tour Lands In Arlington

Ehab Tawfik is coming to America everyone get ready for this throwback to the 90s. He is the guy who helped shape Arabic pop--not so much the early 00s. He has released religious songs, but his best song that out early this year when he did a a lovely duet for Egypt.

His tour will come to America, and he recorded a special message asking you folks to come to his concert. I think Ehab means many things to many people, he is a likable guy with dozens of hit songs that we all have memorized. A lot of older unmarried ladies turned out for the intimate event, where the danced in the eyesight of the singer.

He is coming to Arlington, Virginia on the day of the Eid--August 19th. They will have a belly dancer there too. You only have to have 69 bucks. I think he may go to different cities too, but they have to see some demand. I would go just to see Ehab do Sa'hrany Leel We Nihar and Elly Medawbny!

Sary Stars is bringing him on this tour. Lilian is the nice lady who is a good friend of Ehab's is the one behind the concert and his concert from town years ago at the same location

Ehab Tawfik Message USA 2012 by Sary Stars

Sun City Mall Holds The Hottest Concerts In Egypt

Malls are nothing is they are not crowded, they are nothing if the crowds don't open up their wallets. One mall in Egypt is working out a new formula. They want to drive people to come in to the mall by offering dozens of concerts with big names.

Sun City Mall opened in late 2012 and have been drumming up marketing by luring in new customers to the new mall with regular concerts. The mall is self cost close to 500 million dollars to complete. A luxurious hotel is attached the the seven story mall.

Big names in pop much now, would not mind taking a pay-cut to stay afloat as not as many concerts are planned. Sun City Mall books them to perform in their open space where thousands of people can stand in and enjoy the music. The hope those concert goers inside the mall will purchase something. I would say the concerts are free to the public, but this is Egypt so you can never be too sure.

زحمة (إسألينى يا حبيبتى )...بلاك تيما

Toni Qattan, The Guy Who Keeps Jordan Interesting

Few years ago, Jordan almost lost one of its youngest and brightest pop stars, Tony Qattan who was struggling with some serious health issues at the time. Two years later, he is back with force being the live of the party at Amman and Palestine biggest summer music festivals. We have shared his videos in Palestine this summer, and now comes his videos form his Amman concerts.

I like Tony he seems like a natural at this and he has always shown that he can keep the fans pleased with his varying style in between romance and folklore songs. He seems to be one of those happy people who you can tell if he is smiling--he seems to pull that one off very well.

Enjoy his own song and hgis cover of Jordan's most popular song Ya Saad. Not to mention Toni's good looks and high sense of style
 طوني قطان - دبك دبك حفلة 2012


طوني قطان يا سعد حفلة

WATCH: Elissa Concert أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي Par Ouailitto

So Elissa goes to Egypt, and headlines a massive concert where she brought her best hits to the country of 90 millions.  She appeared in that country's hockey stadium (an attachment to the Cairo staduim), people were dazzled, and the Lebanese diva is marking a great comeback concert that follows her smashing successful concert in her home--Lebanon

Elissa wore a modest yet gorgeous dress, orange dress! The stage seems to have been made just right for this mega concert where the fans finished the songs of Elissa before she started them. The concert was well organized and seems to have been a lot of fun where the songstress gave the concert goers a great time.

This is Elissa's first concert in post Mubarak Egypt, the venue fits 30 thousand people, three police units were in charge of protecting Elissa in addition of her personal guards who had to fight off many fans and admirers. Fun facts, Elissa lost one of her diamond earning as she was performing--she did not realize it till later. Some fan messed around with a laser pointer something that Elissa asked him to stop doing--she cut off the song to do that. Elissa was also caught off guard reading the lyrics to one of her songs on stage.

elissa أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي par ouailitto

Ahmed Magdy, People Of The Intranet HATE Your New Music Video

I think Ahmed Magdy is a well meaning Egyptian singer, his new song about Cairo 2012 and new elections is timely, but I am not sure what's up with the politics. Ahmed starts the song asleep as the TV goes off with interviews from Tahrir and people fired up---he seems to be part of the couch movement.

Magdy seems to be frustrated with all the politics he sees and nothing on TV but politics and debate. So he titled his song "I am not in the mood". A humorous song about most people in Egypt, they are no revolutionary, only some are. Magdy is cynical and I can see that...but it seems the net don't like his new song.

See the part where he is trying to take a leak. This is the anti-activist song, a song for those indifferent among us who want to be back their old routines.

Ahmed Magdy - Mesh Fel Mood / أحمد مجدي - مش فى المود

Lebanese Saad Ramadan Performs In Algeria's Music Festivals

The lovely country of Algeria is busy celebrating their independence this year with music festivals all over the Republic. To make the occasion extra special, they brought in who is who in Arabic entertainment. The most recent addition of stars who have performed in Algeria is the hot Lebanese singer Saad Ramadan. Saad took his romantic and heartache songs to Africa.

This is a new territory for Saad whose songs have made it all across the universe, and now he is ready for prime time. He performed not in one concert but in three different music festivals (مهرجان قذيف ومهرجان الجميلة ومهرجان قسنطينة). Saad made sure to compliment the late Warda and how she will be missed.

Saad was impressed by his first visit to Algeria, and its people whom he called heroic and people who appreciate and memorize good songs. He wished them well on their 50th anniversary of independence. I am very surprised by the success of those festivals in Algeria, they have manged to secure the biggest names of Arabic pop and beyond.

Saad Ramadan - Msabbe3 El Karat {Original}

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

Sizzling Palestine Summer Music Festivals

Al-Bireh, Ramallah and Birzeit are all Palestinian towns in close proximity to one another and those thriving towns have a lot in common as they all seem to enjoy life and music. Three different music festivals were held  and a number of local artists, dancers and ones with a pan-Arab recognition. Such events hope to attract tourists and signal that Palestinians are life loving people too.

I have a number of videos from each of those music events, Tony Qattan headlined one of them, Palestinians singer Mais Shalash. Keep in mind this is a news report where dancing old ladies are in the center of attention. I need to remind that those three cities are the center of the Palestinians leadership and economy, most other cities are too busy trying to make a living and coping under the Israeli occupation.

ميس شلش في ختام مهرجان البيرة الثاني


طوني قطان في افتتاح اسبوع التراث في بيرزيت


 مهرجان الرقص الشعبي الفلسطيني - وين ع رام الله 4

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

Lian Bazlamit To Perform in Jordan Ramadan Concert

If you was wondering where has pop up and coming Lian Bazlamit has gone, worry no more. She has a concert in Amman this summer, in time for the month of Ramadan--I would have chosen the Eid time.  celebration. It seems she is the headline of a big Amman bash with three other performers in three separate concerts.

August 2, 2012 alongside Syrian pop star Samer Cairo
August 9, 2012 alongside Lebanese heartthrob Josef Attieh
August 16, 2012 alongside Lebanese power horse Adam

The venue is at a place well know in Amman, Action Target is bringing the young songstress, Lian is set to perform in all concerts. I am sure her fans cannot wait to see their starlet who is making a good use of her summer.

Baloona, Yet Another Lebanese Summer Music Festival

Why not? Nothing beats the heat like the outdoors can, so why not bring the party together and hire local talents to bring it all together and excite the crowd about your town or about your event.

In Baloona, a village in Lebanon, brought together two different singers. Michaella, one female that will attract the young an dthe energized, and  Melhim Barakat, the guy who speaks his mind, but also makes very fine music. She partied with people as she sang. She even gave interviews and spoke about her latest work and events where she will appear.

The moody Melhim Barakat asked people to turn off their cameras and he has banned the singers form filming his performance. And yes, no one has footage of Melhim Barakat.

في بلونة... ميكاييلا تتألَّق وملحم بركات يمنع التصوير

While Arabs Shame Belly Dancers, Non Arabs Dominate It

Everybody loves belly dancing, no body would want to be one. As far as Arab people go, it's a dead profession. And such belly dancer have became just another word for prostitute. So, who gives? The people around the world picked the dance and made it even sexier.

Go to any restaurant in Lebanon or a Moroccan restaurant, chances are the dancer is not Arab, but she appreciate the culture--which to her means belly dancing. Which was no surprise to me when I saw the video below about belly dancing festival in Lebanon and most of the stars were from Europe, Latin America and beyond. Few Arab belly dancers were also present.

Needless to say some mid aged bald guys with a sleazy personality showed up. Check out the belly dancers from Spain and Mexico who have been interviewed. The lady behind this event is a local belly dancer with the name of Amani.

   مهرجان الرَّقص الشَّرقي في بيروت يجذب الأجنبيَّات

Video: Mohammed Fouad Concert In Ramallah, Palestine محمد فؤاد في رام الله

Color me impressed, will you?

Egyptian romance wonder boy Mohammed Fouad headlined the Palestine International Festival in its 4th night. I am a fan of his and so most of the young and younger Palestinians. Fouad has the issue of Palestine close to his heart--his brother died fighting the Israelis. Foaud as sang for Palestine--among other things too.

The event was well attended and Fouad did his thing, doing old and new songs of his to keep his fans happy and entertained. I know it must have been hard for him to adjust as he might be used to more tech savvy and fancier concert venues, but it was what it was.

This is the first time the star sing sin Palestine. He said that anything for Palestine he will do and he will answer the call. He has also commented that Palestine is in the heart of all Egyptians and Arabs. Needless to say the fans cheered for him as he sang and as he sported the world famous scarf

Not sure why we do not see much of this singer lately, 2012 was a big bust for him, but I know I am looking forward to hear the song of his that will play as the credits roll for Ahmed El Sakka's new TV drama.

محمد فؤاد واغنية ام الشهيد لايف من حفلة رام الله-فلسطين


مقابلة وطن مع الفنان محمد فؤاد في مهرجان فلسطين الدولي


محمد فؤاد في رام الله واخر الاخبار حصريا