Lamitta Frangieh "I Haven't Been Raped On Camera"

Lebanese model turned actress Lamitta Frangieh is the gal most Egyptian producers and directors call on if they wanted a girl to bear it all, a girl that can tell raunchy jokes, play with the boys and look good in a bikini.  For Lamitta Frangieh, it's all business and all is for a paycheck. Nothing is wrong with that. For most Arab viewers, she has no standards as she seems to do more roles without her clothes than with.

But in one interview for Al-Ain newspaper, the model has shared with her criteria. "I have yet to appear in a role where I get raped," "Most of my roles have been light and humor filled" "If I do film a rape scene, then I have boundaries I won't cross," "at the end, I am a girl form the East"

She added, "those scenes have to be part of the plot and not feel forced" Lamitta's latest movie is a romantic comedy about Facebook about an Egyptian man who lives in Jordan and gets in trouble due to the social network site. The film will be dreicted by Jordanian American director Mohy Qandoor

النجمة اللبنانية لاميتا فرنجيه في مشهد ساخن ومثير


P.S. Rape is a serious issue and I do not take it lightly. I just think the comments were insensitive. 

Arab Men Now Seek Plastic Surgeries For Themselves

You have heard the rumors that men seek to make their wives more gorgeous than the next guy's so the put them under the knife in pursuit of perfection. Nip Tuck is also a popular procedure in places like Lebanon--a pioneer country in anything freaky. But the City of Dubai the one upper is refusing to let go and claiming something for themselves in the plastic business.

Dubai is the capital of fun in its part of the world, it's the place like Vegas of sort. But now they have entered the plastic and cosmetic surgery business with force. Only to find out that most of their clients now are actually men seeking to look younger and maybe with a smaller nose and more hair.

Foreigners are flocking Dubai along with locals seeking the thrill of surgeries. A local newpaper has reported that 68 K person have visited with a plastic surgeon. 15 k of those 68 k are visits by locals who have actually gong under the knife. The city has appointed a commissioner to promote this business for tourism. The report have interviewed a little girl who wanted her ears smaller, and another lady who wanted to add fat to her face.

تزايد إقبال الرجال على عمليات التجميل في الإمارات

Video: Sex And The City Mai Hariri & Fulla - Bahwak / مي حريري و فلة - بهواك

Female musicians do not collaborate often, not clear why. There has not been many duets where ladies share the stage and the lines of a song. But there is no conventional wisdom that says one is not supposed to do that.  It took two ladies in their prime to bring about fresh music video between two Arab ladies in recent history.

Lebanese Mai Hariri  and Algerian Fulla released a duet and a music video to go with their romantic song. Together offer one lethal combination, the incredible looks, the unmatched sense of style and most of all their singing voices. Each of the songstress does her thing very well, I love the Algerian part performed by Fulla--I think she should do more of this.

The music video had to be glamorous, lots of fashion, nice homes and fancy cars. This is the rich life everyone, get used to it. It feels like it has been filmed somewhere in Hollywood. And yes, there's an eye candy shirtless guy by the pool too. The music is your average house mix upbeat track. When you watch the music video, the lyrics are the last thing on your mind.

The music videos has it's Disney"up" moment with balloons and all. Not sure how I feel about ladies stepping on almost naked dudes. The dancers make the song relevant to some folks. I think the director for this clip deserves an ward for mixing so many different elements and making a watchable music video

Mai Hariri & Fulla - Bahwak / مي حريري و فلة - بهواك

Video: More On Miss Lebanon 2012 And Celebrities

Twins Rina and Romy Chibany were crowned Miss Lebanon 2012 and runner-up. This might be a good decsion given the medai coverage the decision has received.

The 21-year-old sisters, from Zahle in the Bekaa, were among 16 contestants from across Lebanon who took part in the competition, which included contests in the swimwear. Rina was handed over the crown by last year’s winner, Yara Khoury-Mikhael, and has now guaranteed her place in the Miss Universe contest, to be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 19.

Speaking to Elnashara news website moments after she was crowned, Rina said, “I’m very happy to have won. I promise to restore the pride of this position, in deeds, not in words. Read more

Also, she added, that she’d “have been much happier if my sister had won,” but vowed to cooperate with Romy throughout her reign. Aside for the two glamours sisters. Nancy Ajram was among the 9 judges. Wael Kfoury performed--though he was criticized for performing in playback and looking casual in one of his songs. Wael did well, give the man a break folks--rumor has it he has some family issues to deal with. SThe Nora Jones of Lebanon Hiba Thawji was in attendance and so was he Lebanses version of Lady Gaga Maya Diab.

Evidently, this was the place to be seen. There were drama too--they was a word of a rumored winner who tanked--which upset her father who took her away form the stage live on TV due to her low grades.


   رينا شيباني.. ملكة جمال لبنان للعام 2012

Cyrine Abdel Nour-Snin 2012 She Does Not Need The Work

One of the pleasant surprise of Arab pop is Cyrine Abdel Nour, a family gal with a best TV drama in ages, and a solid concert bookings around Lebanon and Egypt. She is also a popular singer in the virtual world. She did not make a single in more than three years, but just recently she had a song that was featured in a film.

She appears in a music video to promote the song. She sounds good, sweet, mellow with a dance beat. Cyrine is one of those entertainers who have met success by crossing over from modeling into singing into acting. She is a diva that has the looks and the commercial success to boast about. She has grace and class written all over her brand.

Her very long TV series Ruby finished few months ago, but her fame has only grown stronger since then. Her fans do not like to see their star compared to other entertainers--Haifa and the pack. Frankly, she stays away form those circles and instead focuses on her business and her family.

Cyrine Abdel Nour-Snin 2012/ سيرين عبد النور- سنين مسلسل الست ٢٠١٢

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

Pictures: Orange Arab Celebrities Tan Screw-ups

Egyptian songstress Soma had a recent concert in one of Egypt's hottest shopping malls--Sun City. The concert was part of the the shopping festival where big Arab names appear and sing for the thousands of mall goers who only have to be there--it's up to the mall then to sell them something.

Enough with that, Soma has a very exciting voice and a talent that helps her shape her voice to do happy and sad songs with the proper emotional strength. Take it from me, she can rock. But I am taking issue with is her tan that make her look like an orange. Soma performed for about an hour and the fans wanted more.

Not sure where Soma got the orange spray or a tanning bed. It's also possible that she has been on the beach for ages, but knowing my Arabs--we fear the freaking sun. I think it was a makeup misstep that left the songstress looking like an orange with a face.


الحرفنة ليها ناسها فى صن سيتى مول | Football Stylers at SunCity

Cyrine Abdelnour Gets Into The Lingerie Business

I give credit to the Gulf based Arab lingerie company for doing something people wanted. Start a bosh lingerie and sleepwear company, built its brand and always be on the media by hiring new stars to promote your brand. Among the Arab ladies who have singed up and endorsed the products are Diana Haddad, Yara, Razan Al Moghraby, and now Cyrine Abdelnour.

This is how you build a brand, you make a good product, you put on a show and pick beloved entertainers to make your product seem high end. The Dubai based company is doing something right, I think picking Cyrine Abdelnour is a clever move, she is on top of her game her TV drama "Ruby" was a massive hit. Her music career is about to see a surge. She is likable.

Nayomi is thriving in a conservative society that has a guilty pleasure of all things intimate. The CEO is doing his job by increasing the brand awareness without getting in fights with conservative voices. They only showcases the sleepwear not that other stuff. The brand has expanded into selling perfumes and lotions.

Nayomi Summer 2012 Collections Fashion Show with Yara

Maya Diab Tattoo Is Going Lady Gaga Weird

Maya Diab is a popular chick, a singer, a product promoter, and a TV hostess. She is a celebrity not non for anything in particular. But she seems to have seen a surge in popularity the past three years. She has been around for more than a decade now, but her time is now.

Her latest weirdness is a whole body tattoo done by an artist where it took him hours to do. This was a marketing stuns for makeup lines, more than 120 makeup artists took part of this show. Together they draw up/worked on more than 30 models. Maya Diab was the guest of honor as she is the sportsperson for that brand. Thanks the now infamous tattoo, the entire Arab world now knows of the brand--which I won't name here.

This is insane to see such events in the Arab world, such events are weird around the globe, they were received with mixed feedback. No wonder they chose the city of Beirut where tolerance is high as long as you can is art. Tattoo is a popular art from around the world, yet the religious communities in the Middle East and some here in the states continue to shun it.

I am happy they had the freedom to hold such bizarre show in downtown Beirut, still I think it;s weird what they are doing        

مايا دياب تغطّي جسدها بالوشم

Swarovski Middle Ages Fashion Show In Lebanon

Lebanon draws all kinds of tourists, and many of those like fashion. So Beirut makes one hack of a place for fashion shows. One company had a show over there and it was their annual show. Swarovski knows a thing or two about accessories and women jewelries. They are hard to miss in any of their malls and they seem to have consumers all over the world who appreciate their gems.

I know my friend Tony, a young Lebanese American always gives his mom on of the Swarovski gifts each Christmas.


سواروفسكي تطلق مجموعتها بروح العصور الوسطى

Tahra Hmamich Dabbles Into Modeling

Let's get one clear, she is not leaving the music scene anytime soon, but when a friend ask her to wear some of his fashion designers, she could not say no! 

Moroccan singer and former Star Academy participant Tahra was approached by her friend and home girl fashion designer Nisreen Elyahy to model some of her latest designers. Tahra did not hesitate and this looks like a gorgeous collaboration all around. Tahra has the height, the lean figure, and the that pleasant look and features.

Nisreen is not a new comer to the fashion game, other Arab celebrities have wore some of her designs including  including Susan Bader, Somya Khashab, Carol Samah, Hasna Zalagh, Nabeela Abid and the list goes on

Jwail Hatim "Joelle Hatem" Nude Lebanese Model

Jwail Hatim, some know her as a model the internet knows her as the girl who wears bikinis. She is Lebanese model with a foreign name. The dudes on the show where she appeared are encouraging her to pose for playboy. She has their full support or as they said, "this is the demonstration that we will join"  Jwail is pron in America to a Lebanese father and a Brazilian mother--she is a South Carolina native.

I have been doing some reading about her and she claims to have worked in Europe and in America, so she has nothing to hide. Among her statements, I do not mind posing for Playboy if it's an artistic shot. Jwail think the folks in Lebanon are not cultured enough to tell the difference between porn and artistic nudity. "I don't feel ashamed, I love my body" she has said in an interview here

She has been known for being bold and doing jobs other models won't do, she has been popular with magazine covers. She likes sports and avoids carbs and fat. I do not know what to think of her, she seems to have a good career out of what she is doing. If people did not like her, she would stop doing what she is doing.

Mtv- Joelle - lebanese international TOP MODEL


جويل حاتم تبدي استعدادها للظهور بمجلة بلاي بوي

WATCH: Khaled - C'est la vie (Clip officiel) A Riot

Khaled tops himself once again, he refuses to age and certainly refuses to go out of style. With the release of  C'est la vie, he is back to being hot, relevant and a global star he never stopped being. A French dance song that's worthy to be played in any club anywhere in the world. It will get you moving and it will bring back to life even zombies.

Algeria's finest son and hottest musical talent has been a fixture in French music for over a decade now. The clip delivers all the right punches, it's hip, trendy, French and Algerian at the same time. Part of the clip, you see urban dancers trying to show Khaled their best moves as he sings his song.

Khaled sits aside, does his song and lets them put on a good show for us, as he smiles approves and applauds them. The young break dancers are a great choice for this intense hit. This is the new France, out of many one. Khaled has found himself a catchy tone that has surprised many and pleased even more. I know this comeback of his that took many years was well worth the wait.

Khaled - C'est la vie (Clip officiel)

Haifa Wahbe Outshines The Prettiest Ladies Of Lebanon

Not sure, who thought about that, but Haifa was invited to take part of a big celebration for Lebanese models. After all, her album was title MJK, stands for Miss Universe, so she is a natural choice to kick off the concert. But then she upstaged everyone and their mother. She is like this energy source that sucks everything around it and people gravitate toward her.

She is tall, dresses fancy, and looks good. But few can get the news headlines the organizers want than Haifa Wahbe. She likes to hang out with other gorgeous people.

Women wore some fancy dresses, short ones, underwear and such to find the one lady that will go on to represent the country, the culture and the people of Lebanon. More than 400 lady wanted the title of Lebanon Super Model. They had to be younger than 22 years old and have a college degree. Elaph interviewed the organizers and the guy fashion designer. Haifa though rocked the hall and seemed like an event from the great city of New York. Haifa had few looks as she took on the stage to perform her latest pop hits.


هيفا تخطف الأضواء من أجمل عارضات لبنان

WATCH: Najwa Karam Sings At Ragheb Alama's Wedding

This is an old video from the Lebanese TV archive, Ragheb was on top of his career and he was the cool kid who knows what the ladies want to say. Everyone tried to copy his style, but he copied nobody and decided to have an open wedding where he invited his friend to sing for him and for his bride.

See this vintage video for the queen of Lebanese music Najwa Karam at an earlier time and simpler times. She looked different, but she sounded a 100 percent like she sounds now. Najwa rocked the party and Raghb looked so funny dancing to Najwa's song. His dance moves are funny and can only come from a  guy who has never danced or someone who is under a great deal of stress.

Ragheb Alama is now dubbed Mr. GQ and a super star, he dresses well and now has launched his line of men cologne. I hope he can look at this video and laugh about it, not feel embarrassed. Love can make us do and say goofy stuff.

نجوى كرم تغني حفل زفاف المطرب راغب علامة

Jay Sean Gives Lebanon A Night To Remember

Jay Sean, is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, beatboxer and record producer who likes the club scene. Lebanese like anyone who likes the club scene to they invited him to party with them at home. He brought the party to Lebanon and the video will show you as much.

Locals and tourists flocked the concert to enjoy what Jay ha sin store for them. The song of a Punjabi Sikh immigrant in the always evolving city of London. Jay was never meant to be a singer, he was in medicine school before he dropped out to sing professionally.

They added the fashion show to his concerts and those Lebanese party goers who like a drink and a good beat. I checked out some of his tracks, the go makes good club mix and he has a likable personality. See the story from his concert and the interviews with the folks who are among his biggest fans.

 Jay Sean يلهب ليل مدينة جبيل

Ragheb Alama Releases His Fregrance "Notes D'amour"

Ragheb Alama is a business man all around, he makes music to make a living and he appears on TV for the cash  Now comes his latest business venture "Notes D'amour". The Lebanese singer has released a new cologne for man. He has already held a huge event for it in Kuwait and he is about to go to Tunisia to launch it in that country.

I have yet to put my hands on the fragrance, but form the picture is seems to be from the fresh and verde school. Ragheb has posed for the poster of his "Notes D'amour" in the fashion of many of those Hollywood personalities doing the same thing--I still think he could have put on a watch.

Ragheb had plans to launch his cologne in Lebanon but due to the instability there he went on Twitter and blasted the situation over there. So far he has deferred the launch in Beirut. I think selling such products is a smart thing--women celebrities in Arabia have been doing that for some time. Now comes the man's turn in the grooming section.

Nasr Mahrous and The Making (and Marketing) of Top Pop Stars

Sherine Abdelwahab, Tamer Hosny, Baha Sultan, Diab, Suma, Khalid Agag, Mohammed Foaud, Mohammed Mohie and a dozen more household name in Egyptian pop have all been branded and brough to the spotlight by one humble Egyptian man that goes with the name Nasr Mahrous, a music producer. Nasier owns the label Free Music and was the guy who made stars before Rotana ever could. He made and produced top quality songs turning them into hits. Nasr seems to be most proud of his collaboration with the late legendary singer Mohammed Roshdy.

the last thing, I have seen of his work was the music video for Baha Sultan, a really good one that cam elate last year. Nasr knows all about shots and production. Nasr is a producer, director, lyricist and and if needed to, he can sing. Nasr's father was a music producer before him and Ameer, Nasr's brother is one of the top sound engineers in Arabia. This is the work of an all Cairo family that likes the business and the art side of their work.

Nasr started in the 80s by selling cassettes and distributing them around Egypt. In the 90s he started releasing a series of various artists under the label Free Mix--those sold huge. That also included a Free Baby tape, that had many silly but lovable hits. Nasr uses a decent formula, which is making mix tapes for new names, if those names have hits, then he and produced them an entire album. Nasr has tried his hand on feature films by releasing Captain Hima, a romantic comedy with Tamer Hosny and Ziena.

Some of those stars might not work with Nasr's lable, but they still all refer to him as big brother who gives them advise as needed. Perhaps the two names who are considered Nasr's greatest commercial success, I would count Tamer Hosny and Sheine, they are the biggest money maker in Egyptian pop at the moment.


Making of "Soma - Da Habiby" كواليس كليب "سوما - ده حبيبي"

Making of "Shirene - Mabtefrahsh" كواليس "مابتفرحش - شيرين"

Making Of "Khalid Aggag - Wahdany" كواليس "وحداني - خالد عجاج"

Mohamed Hamaki 2012 Album Art Cover

I know in this image obsessed world of ours cover images are kind of important to the artists and to the fan who wants a piece of his favorite entertainer.  Hamak traveled the world to bring us a good cover art for his 2012 album and I think he has mangaed to preserve his cool hair, his smile and put them in a good concept. 

الأن بالاسواق - البوم حماقي الجديد - من قلبي بغني

Dubai Mall Fashion Show And Models

Many people have many opinions about Dubai, some love it, others not so much. One thing, this city is trying to do is be an open city....you want to put a fashion show in a fancy hotel, Dubai! Want to party till the morning and stay in the highest hotel in the world, come to Dubai! Want to drive nice and obnoxious cars, Dubai as it too. You want sports? Dubai got awesome venues!

Now, the city is doing something I am fond off, promote women fashion designers from withing that country. They sponsor local brands, and bring in the local ladies who have a knack for fashion, then they put on a good fashion show and with that sales come.

This has been going on since 2004, and the latest fashion show for modest dresses just wrapped up in Dubai. Rich Arab ladies form all over the world come and help stimulate the Dubai economy. Just look at the cat walk and see all the people standing and cheering for this new fad.

I think this is a cool idea, they close a section of the mall and put out a good show. I have always liked Dubai and people form there, but I am sensing the city is changing and women are trying to speak like they do in places like Beirut--dropping English and French references..

إماراتيات يتفوقن في أزياء الشلية والعباية