Hamaki Getting Clever About Fighting Internet Piracy

Hamaki's album was fun and dance inducing, but it was not earth shattering. An average pop album for a star we like. But he realized, some of the songs needed to be improved, thus, he is re-releasing the album with new musical arrangements. He had to do a focus group over the title song, which he changed last minute as he talked it over with his team.

I like Hamaki and I liked his 2011 album too, but his old stuff might have been better. Or to be accurate  he just has one style and keeps changing the lyrics. This demo music and club mixes is his thing, but he is hardly the only one. Now internet pirates who upload the album on the net for everyone to share are no volunteers, they make serious money each time anyone downloads the album.

Hamaki released a new album, with a new track and new arrangements  he has also included a pass for few of his concerts. Anyone who purchases the album can attend some of his concerts. Now if people buy the album and do not get in those concerts, Hamaki is in trouble and the model will fail. He might have started something new, but for it to work, he has to keep his promise.

حماقي يمنع سرقة أغاني ألبومه الجديد

سامى يوسف - تبعوه لما عرفوا Video: Sami Yusuf "It's A Game"

Muslims Rocker Sami Yusef is back with force and I am so happy to see him walk into the spotlight again with a song worthy of this talented musician. This time he is back with a song about the prophet and the film they made about him. Sami is a very sober voice among many Muslims.

His comeback song is animated this time, and offers plenty of martial for the young an old. Sami is looking cool even in cartoonish look. It seems he has found his zen to challenge his vocals one more time and produce such a lovely song in at least three languages. In under two hours, the song has already packed so many views online.

His advise, let them say what they wish....it's a game. The artist finally crafted a song that will reboot his career and bring him back to his earlier successes. This time he is teaching Muslims to be cool under pressure without sounding patronizing. Anger is not a strategy....

سامى يوسف - تبعوه لما عرفوا Sami Yusuf - It's a Game

Divorced Sherine The Blues Ladies Found Her Blues

Sherine got divorced really out of the blue--she seemed to have a happy marriage with two children. But then it all ended. She seems to have moved on as she takes part of the Arab version "The Voice". Some of her older songs were really sad. A sad song from a women whose dignity is everything for her. She refuses to take a backseat. I feel she might be taken a page from another Egyptian diva with a sad personal life--Angham.

She got the voice to do pretty much any song from the happy and catchy pop song that blazes one's summer. To the sad song about separation, she delivers sober and mellow songs straight from the heart. She is one of the most successful female voices commercially and artistically.

She did transition from the girl who wants to dance--first three hits of hers into the serious singer whose fans come from all over Arabia. She did well and has enriched Arabic with her songs and her concerts. Not so much her interviews though, but she is a likable entertainer and wish her well.  

وحدة بوحدة - شيرين 2012

سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Hamada Helal is back with a new album, and we are all enjoying the samples for this upcoming album. I am loving each of the tracks Hamada will release. Sweet, happy, funny and heartbroken are the colors of the upcoming album. Hamada manages to do what other stars fail so bad in doing which is recreating his old songs with new material and song songs. He works withing a formula.

It works for Hamada because he keeps the album energizing as you can dance and part to this album. Not using fancy words helps, by finding middle ground language. Most people who are asking a fun album, they are not looking for a mental workout. Not exactly street language and not that one you need to go to school to process. Keeping humor is also a signature Helel move, it helps him be one of us--he is not too rigid.

Hamada is on top of pop culture reference and when he brings them in his songs it seems he is speaking to his doorman not to his university professor. In one track Helal wears a sponge bob costume and wins the kids over. But he also keeps college kids with a couple sad songs where he lets his emotion out of the bag. This is how you keep a balance and this is how you move records.

I can assure you this, Hamada's album is a golden chance for the cassette market to redeem itself. Everyone in the streets of Egypt and beyond want to be buddies with Helal. They can take a peice of him with them home when they purchase his album.

Enjoy the sample  

 سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Where Have All The Decent Latifa Songs Gone?

Tamer Hosny is the causality of the Egyptian revolution, Latifa is the causality of the one in Tunisia. She was a friend of the regime, and they have always honored her and asked her to perform in their private and public events.

The revolution stars, she stays mum, the revolution wins she stays mum.Then she said stuff that might have offended some people. Bu frankly she has not had any good press in more than three years--even before the Arab Spring. I do recall reading a story from Latifa where she told of her new born niece named something after the new Tunisia.

Latifa is a great singer with a really nice voice which she used for both pop and Tarab songs. She made dozens of fun songs that remains with us and with many generations to come. But I do not know what it is with Latifa finding good songs or making time to release new material.

In few years, Latifa's political affiliation might be viewed as a good thing as the Islamic leaning politicians are already freaking out some people over there.

In the meantime, here's a song of Latifa's where she does a Tunisian dialect hit, something she has not done enough of lately.
لطيفة ـ ناره

What's Going On With Syrian Singer George Wassouf?

Now we know he is in Sweden recovering and going under physical therapy. After making a much anticipated visit to the motherland Syrian and dismissing the clashes George Wassouf fill ill. People were reporting he is in a critical condition and most people seemed to have bought it. Love him or hate him, Geroge is a survivor and so is his music

This is not the first time the iconic singer has a health scare, last year we almost lost him, but he made a full recovery. To his credit the man seemed to have stopped commenting on the revolution. I have read stories that he was detained for few hours, another that he has saluted the Syrian troops. Other ones that he has met with the Syrian leader. So many many stories coming out, none seems to be confirmed.

Here's something we know is true, he is working on a new album with the title "Zikrayat" or Memories. The album is set to have six tracks. Ziad Burji have composed a song on the album, Tony Saba arranged the music, lyricist Ahmed Shatta has a song in there too. The album will be released in the holiday season toward the end of the year.  

George Wassouf - Ana Asef Clip HD

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

Download Majid Al Mohandes 2012 Album البوم ماجد المهندس - انا وياك

Majid El Mohandes or Majid is a hot ticket artists. While he is huge in the Gulf area, as poets and weddings throw money at him to see him. He is also huge in Lebanon and hot for Egypt--he gets booked for lots of interviews. The Maghreb adores him as he is a frequent guest on their music festivals. Iraqis are proud of him and his music. So this guy must be doing something or many things right.

He changes styles in between Iraqi blues, poetic romance, and pop and faster tracks songs. You cannot really put your finger on it, but you know you like him. He sings a song like if he had just opens his heart. His songs are so good that you think you have already touched the man's heart because does a fine job putting his sentiments on exhibit. I like the cover albums for this one, he is once again the classy guy we have come to expect from him.

This Iraqi singer just released a work of art album, an impressive 17 tracks. No one does that, and no one can afford this large track numbers. Majid does not need to worry about that, his fans love his work, and people give him their finest lyrics and music just to be on his album. Some have awesome title for Majid, like the prince of Arabic song. I like to dub him, the Lord of Arabic music. Not only is he a fine singer, he is also an accomplished composer who has given some of his work to his peers.

Majid tends to mix styles, he makes Gulf themed music catchier and this friendlier to the ear. He makes romance both the happy and the sad moods. He makes Egyptian and Lebanese pop songs that can and often does rival the most seasoned singer. It's no secret that the people who been talking about this album. I am certain, Rotana will be happy they have booked this artist. He might sell the most records for them this year. His fans are loyal and he always gives the reasons to be so.

When it comes to romance, Majid is a professor and we are all taking a course with him, but listening and studying his albums. The first five tracks are in the simplified Gulf Arabic, the sixth track is about Baghdad lover where you can dance. Track 9 has kinda of cool throwback music.  The rest are made for the Gulf listener.


01 - Ana Waiak
02 - Ya Yma
03 - 3la Babak
04 - Baien Ghalai
05 - Kef Te7sebha
06 - Ghazl Baghdadi
07 - Jet A7ebak
08 - Lait Lana
09 - Sa7arny 7laha
10 - Ya3ny Mohtam
11 - Ent Ana
12 - 3la El Zekra
13 - 3la Babak Wa2ef
14 - Raf Qalbi
15 - Zakarnakom
16 - Sabr Ayub
17 - Mawal Eza Ashofak

اغنية ماجد المهندس - انا وياك | من البوم انا وياك

ماجد المهندس انا حنيت


ماجد المهندس - جيت احبك 2012 - البوم انا وياك

DAM And Their Damn Good Rap

No other Arab rap band have reached the level of fame and popularity like the one the Palestine 1948 rap group DAM. They had the first mainstream rap hit that made its way around the globe and back. The song was titled "Who is The Terrorist?" It was a hit on so many levels, the activists loved it and so have the ones who study Arabic. The young Arabs loved it too as it was a good beat and meaningful lyrics. It was 2002 and rap was making baby steps in Arabia. North Africa had songs much earlier but none of their word went mainstream.

The band kept going releasing other track that met a lot of success, then they made a movie (Slingshot Hip-hop  about them, the movie won award and gave them a new fame in North America. They keep releasing good rap songs, the two brothers and their buddy, they have inspired many young rappers all around the Arabia, and have worked with big names. They still have to go the mainstream Arab TV show--like a star academy appearance or something of that nature. I think they will bring down the house.

Their last album came in 2008, I am certain there's a new album in the works as they continue to battle the Israeli occupation and racism with their poetic lyrics.

DAM Ft. MWR - 3aref Nafsak [Lyrics] - ElNmr.coM

Medhat Saleh To Boycott The Egyptian House Of Opera

Medhat Saleh is a guy who is happy doing performances at the house of Opera in Egypt, they love his music and his voice has expressed and documented Egyptian moments for a really long time. Medhat is a popular name in local concerts where people needed a heavy dose of all Egyptian music. He never disappoints and he has his fans young and old. He is well-educated and trained in all Egyptian style songs, regional and national as well.

Now, Medhat thought he is close to the House of Opera and its orchestra. So when he was invited to the Arabian Music Festival in Alexandria, he thought he could borrow part of the Opera's symphony for this appearance. They shut him down.

According to an interview with AlHaram he wanted to mix the symphony with the Arabic Music orchestra to produce a new show for the festival. Naturally he is upset and has condemned their denial of his request. He pledged not to perform at the House of Opera again. He will focus on his upcoming performance at the Egypt University Opera concert on Nov 16th.

مدحت صالح ,ع الحلوة والمرة , بقى عايز تنسانى , صافينى مرة
    

WATCH: Assala & Holland Symfonia 1 / أوبريت أصالة في هولندا - الجزء الأول

This video was filmed roughly two months ago when the Syrian diva toured Europe and performed in sold out concert halls. Arabs and non Arabs turned out for this show, the Holland Symfonia joined in the show and gave a stunning musical performance accompanied by Assala's strong vocals.

She sang for more than an hour, think Holland, the home of the classical music of Europe, watch this very detailed video with the orchestra who did not speak Arabic, by managed to be touched by the mighty Assala.

How about that dress of hers? The artists who opened up to her act is worth his weight gold, he does deliver good knockout songs for the older generation and those who want very timeless Arabic form of music. See the fans flock the room with thrill as Assala gets introduced.

Assala & Holland Symfonia 1 / أوبريت أصالة في هولندا - الجزء الأول

Toni Qattan Coffee And Traditional Arab Marriages

Toni Qattan might be this summer's biggest music surprise, he has seen so many music festivals and traveled across the Arab world including Palestine for concerts. He is a big deal in Jordan and Lebanon too. But his latest single which I did not love at first is shown that the guy is a hit-maker.

Using the Bedouin dialect to tell of the marriage tradition when a family asks for the hand of a young lady into marriage to one of their boys. They have to serve coffee and let the elders talk about this union. The song turned out to be a hit and embraced by both ladies and men alike. It's a happy song about a wedding season. Toni did well with the song and he has performing it all summer long.

طوني قطان - قهوتكو مشروبة (مهرجان ليالي القلعة 2012)

Hamada Helal 2012 Album البوم حمادة هلال - متقولهاش

Egyptian pop star Hamada Hilal is one hot entertainer. when he is not busy making blockbuster movies, he is recording albums in the studio. The two careers often overlap, but one thing this is a gifted singer with a great sense of humor. He is due for a new album--he has not made one in years now.

The sample for his new yet to be released album is making the rounds on the internet. I have gave it a listen and I am serious, this is a good light pop album with fresh and fun lyrics. The music is catchy. Hamada makes it look easy to bring out the hits. He is a smart singer, he makes good choices that fit his style and advance his brand.

This is one family guy who knows pop and knows how to fire up a party. He is often doing them all over Egypt. In few short years Hilal has become a household name in Arabia, he is a lovable guy who lives in the real world. But he is more than pop too, he does romance and goes the blues. A lot of people like whatever songs he makes. I would say 80 percent of he makes is pure gold, the rest has its fans.

His 2012 album will have 10 tracks and you can hear the samples to hear for yourself the melodies and the lyrics. I love the third track because it comes in the Saaidy peasant dialect. We do not hear many of those songs going mainstream. Track four makes reference of Egypt number one goalkeeper Al Hadary, and Angelina Jolie.

01 - Aker We Aataref
02 - Asly We Fasly
03 - El Zeana El Aala
04 - Goan
05 - Haga Keda
06 - Malek Ya Donia
07 - Matoolhash
08 - Shof Men Emta
09 - Yarab Nefdal Keda
10 - Sponge Bob

اغنية سبونج بوب حمادة هلال

This Song Should Be Mandatory For Arab Females

Assala has always done things her way, when people tell her you cannot, she just says, watch me. When her husband cheated on her and tried to make himself some kind of victim, she told him to buzz off, she dumped his face and went on.

She married a guy who loves her, lover her music, her kids, and has given her twins. Then she have collaborated together on one of the greatest comebacks. Assala has beat most younger females and marked herself as a survivor.

She is having the greatest year of her life, success on TV, on music and even taking up the cause of the Syrian revolutionaries. Then came her 2012 album, a good album with at least 70 percent of greatness. But the one song that moves me, and I think it expresses much about Assala's boldness, she says she is stubborn. The song feels like jazz but the lyrics are a lesson on being your own woman. She takes everything as a challenge and she follows through.

Assala - Shakhsya Anida / أصالة - شخصية عنيدة

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

Majid Al Mohandes 2012 Romance Album Teaser

Iraqi singer Majid Al Mohandes is the lord of pop music in the Gulf region, he has made a lot of Iraqi songs too, but they are not why he is so well know. He makes good music for the Gulf, and often collects a lot of money from his concerts appearances and [private functions.

But he is not just about the money, he likes to be a big deal in places like Lebanon and Egypt. So once in a blue moon, he releases something that goes mainstream. He is very good this way. His album sell big in the Gulf, but his romantic singles top the charts in Beirut, Morocco and Syria. I do not like his albums, I find myself loving his singles.

He is a very sweet guy where words coming from his mouth are sweeter than anything you have ever heard. He comes a cross as a sensitive soul that can be broken by the simplest things. He is very sincere. The dudes of the internet love his voice and appreciate his songs. unmarried guys think, they are the perfect lovers, it's not until they get married when they find out, they really are not so. Until then Majid will help them heal and fall in love with that imaginary soul

Majid Al Mohandes NEW Album Teaser "Ana Wayyak" - "ماجد المهندس "أنا وياك

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)

WATCH: Melhim Zein 2012 Music Video ملحم زين - ما عاد بدي ياك / فيديو كليب 2012

Melhim Zain never liked making music video by his contracts require he does so he makes them. A song from his 2012 is airing now on Rotana TV channels, but not yet online. However, here's a video for it on YouTube. His album was good and offered a lot of different songs in both Iraqi and Lebanese. He is a fun guy who knows this is all business.

He performer as concerts but it seem that his fame and success do not get into his head so he keeps his head high. There's a girl in his music video and some strange things going on. Then it gets better. Melhem calls his wife as he sits with their kid and tells her he misses her. But ti seems she has other plans for their future.

She shares with him that she is only with him because of their kids. Then he is in the car singing with a guy (I think that's the song's composer Fares Iskander) an old Fyrouz song. All that in the actual son has not started yet. Then the song honors the screen....

The song wants to put the spotlight on kids from broken homes. And By the way why do music video always get filmed in fancy homes. You know some of us are poor.

 ملحم زين - ما عاد بدي ياك / فيديو كليب 2012

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: The Many Girlfriend Of Kathem Al Saher

Iraqi composer singer and now reality TV star Kazem Al Saher is a charmer, he is well known for his touching and epic romantic songs. He has been in the business for 20 plus years and he have had dozens of hits and many great albums. He is not a guy who likes to talk too much about himself in interviews and such he seems like a down to earth guy. But in his music video he holds nothing back, always with gorgeous ladies.

He is a happily married man with a lovely family and a recent grandchild given to him by his older son Wissam. This family man has had many musical collaborations with lead female artists. Sometimes he has loaned them his music, sometimes he would sing with them on stage. Let's take a look at some of his most famous lady muses:

1. Latifa from Tunis, she was the first lady Kathem Al Saher has worked with. He has sang with her and has composed songs for her. She was a huge name and he was starting up his career then. They are best of friends.  كاظم الساهر /البرت هول 1997 / ياقدس
2. Egyptian songstress Ghada Raghab was next on the list. Kathem has comended her voice and has given her a musical piece. It was a lovely collaboration from a guy who has been around the block and a new voice then. لمـــــاذا ؟ - غادة رجب  كاظم الساهر غاده رجب - ابعد عني  
3. Magida El Roumy is a huge star and has sang a number of poems by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbany--the go to guy for many of Kathem's gorgeous songs. Magida wanted to collaborate with Kazem so he gave her one of his best musical work to date--she added it to her 2012 album. Kathem was jazzed up about his collaboration and has spoke about it for a really long time وعدتك - ماجدة الرومي & كاظم الساهر & نزار قباني (HQ) كاظم الساهر وعدتك ماجدة الرومي 
4. Asma Laminawar, then, she was a local singer with a lot of talent. She had the local fame, but on the pan Arab music radar, she was unnoticed. They did a song together in early 2007-2008 and then they performed it on stage in Morocco. It was an instant hit, so Kathem doubled down and did another song with this Moroccan delight in his 2009 album. Again it was one of the finest songs for that year, a classic. كاظم الساهر و اسماء المنور اشكو اياما المحكمة كاظم الساهر اسماء المنور