Egypt, A 100 Days Of President Morsi Rule Song

Here's an effective song that showcases all the issues the Egyptian president has to confront. Very expensive cooking gas, car fuel is pricey, tomatoes is very expensive, Mango is cheap. Chicken is something most Egyptians can no longer afford.  Trash everywhere, terrorism and the Sinai peninsula. The Minister of interior is still the same, and democracy is no where to be seen. The song is the fruit of many young people's collaborating to evaluate the presidents' performance in his 100 days.

This is a fun song for the poor man, but it really states a large number of issues that he has to address and resolve. The song also flirts with the revolution and the change. I like this song it does not cross the line, they speak to Morsi like a peer--they do not do that often in most countries where dictators rule. There are so many challenges President Morsi has to address. I like the bit about social justice, and freedom in exchange for his rule.

I think people have to relax a little bit and give him a chance. You cannot invent an economy form thin air, and you cannot change the people. It's never a good idea to protest whenever we are feeling upset. Being disruptive is not even approved in most civilized nations.

‫اغنية كشف حساب للدكتور محمد مرسي‬‎

Video: The Coolest Arabic Music Video Animation ‫كليب جوني‬‎ - مترو | Jonny - Metro

I like Egypt and I love public transportation, I wish I can say the same about the Metro, it seems to scary people off. But one indie Egyptian singer wanted to make the metro cool while singing about real issues with this overworked system.

He made a cool animation--it's no Hollywood production, but it's still awesome to watch. It has some bright and Arab looking folks in animation. I happen to like the song and the subject it brings up. I love the virtual tour of the city that never sleeps.

To find a place for my leg, I need to maneuver, and to find a place I need to start a revolution--the song goes. This about how a person feels taking the crowded metro for the first time. Johnny's song makes it look like a worth while adventure. 

 ‫كليب جوني‬‎ - مترو | Gony - Metro

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

Ghida Nouri's Upcoming Video Blog Jokes and Looks

Ghida Nouri is an Egyptian blonde that gives her an advantage over other entertainers. She is also funny that can make her career. She was a frequent guest at the popular news satire show by Dr. Bassem Yousef where she told joked and sometimes, thy joked about her exotic look and her being from a ghetto part of Egypt. I am familiar with some male mentality in Egypt who tend to give females a hard time.

There's a promo for her upcoming show she gets her own show and she is trying to tell people she has what it takes. It seems that she has many fans out there and other celebrities also endorse her. The promo's weirdness and lacks focus does not tell you much. I think it's refreshing to see a female in that role--there has been one before her that has a really cool show (Mona Toof anyone?)

So watch the video and let us know what you think. I do not see the video doing Ghida Nouri a favor, I am certain she is more than a pretty face. But I think a lot of people like her just for the looks. I do not connect with her jokes yet, but good looking girls are usually funnier. I hope her video blog or vlog offer a lot of jokes but purpose. I know I admire Ghaida's effort to highlight the struggle of some Egyptian  women during the latest revolution.

Ghida Nouri welcome to prime time!


غيدا نوري: الحلقة زيرو :Ghida Nouri #Zero
   

The Fascinating Choir Project Keeps It Fresh مشروع كورال

They might be one of the coolest things to happen to Cairo's music scene in a really long time. They are The Choir Project The team behind this amazing choir project does things a bit differently. For starter, they invite people from all walks of life to put their aspirations and concerns, their feelings and thoughts, their jokes and woes into song.

The Choir Project started in 2010. It began as an offshoot of the international Complaints Choir, the brainchild of two Finnish artists with the aim of “transforming the huge energy people put into complaining into something else.” In Cairo, Egypt, 25 young men and women — many of whom have no background of training in music or live performance  joined forces for this project.

A week-long workshop of communal improvisation, lyric-writing, and composition culminates in a short performance — with often surprising results. Then fruit of their labor is put forward in a music video that seems to have a lot of fans out there. While they do have accomplished vocalists on the ticket, those people are often in supporting role, as they star is the man on the street who has a talent that has gone unnoticed by many.

Take for example, their latest songs, they tackle the topic of the day, electricity in Egypt, there has been issues with that most recently, and naturally people are pissed.

 مين طفا النور - مشروع كورال Meen Taffa ennour - The Choir Project

Me, Myself, And My Muslim Eid

The Muslim holiday of Eid is almost upon us (this Sunday by most accounts), marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims abstain from many things including food and drinks from dawn to sunset. Eid is the day we no longer have to fast and we can feast upon whatever the heart desires. It’s a day where many Muslims get stomach aches from pigging out. I learned this the hard way a few years ago on my first Eid at home after being away for so long. The next day I fell ill due to eating lots of candy, desserts and nuts during my visits with family and friends.

I realize that many of the Muslim countries and communities around the globe have their own rituals to celebrate the day. The biggest winner on this day of celebration are the kids who extort cash and gifts from the adults in the family, most notably their parents. It’s a great day to be a kid as you get to buy pretty much whatever you like and eat all the candy and street food you can find.

I recall not going to sleep on the eve of Eid as the mosques go crazy with their microphone praying and wishing everyone a happy holiday. But that’s not why I would not go to sleep, it’s just that we are excited for this day to come. We would put our new clothes next to our beds and wake up first thing in the AM. We would break into our parents’ bedroom, kiss their hands looking cute and wait for them to give us our cut. This became an issue for many countries, as there would be a shortage of smaller bills and coins because everyone wants change to hand out to people. As kids, the last thing we wanted to hear from our parents was “I will you give you your cash gift once I have change.” Instead we would offer to go break the money for them and we would do just that.

I lived part of my childhood in Dubai, and on the day of the Eid we would wear our new clothes--the ones we bought just a few days prior, and then accompany our parents (mostly our dad) to the mosque. Everyone looked so happy and so shiny on this day, and yes, everyone gets a new pair of shoes, too. Aside from getting cash or (عيدية) from our parents, in Dubai it was common for strangers to offer you gifts, cash and candy on that day. Some would even walk around the rich neighborhood and knock on doors, asking for something. The streets were decorated, and the shops were well stocked with toys and anything that kids like.

At the mosque, complete strangers would shake your hand and give you hugs; people were joyous. I remember being impressed by the Pakistani and African Muslims who would wear their brightly-colored national dresses on this day--something I still see here in the States, too. Afterward, everyone would head home where they would partake of a feast--mostly containing salty food. In Egypt and many Arab countries they would consume Feisikh (grey mullet left out to putrefy, then salted and left to pickle for several months). I was not a fan, but my mom would never know it.

This is the one day when as a kid, you get to go through your wish list and pick out something nice for yourself. Some mothers try to reason with their kids and persuade them to let mommy hold that money for them--not me. I remember in every Arab country boys would buy kites, trucks and swords. But the most popular boy toy was a plastic gun, either water or firecracker. We would organize games where we’d play off against the guys two streets down from our homes. Needless to say, while boys are rolling in the dirt and running around, girls are looking snazzy with those fancy purses and popular dolls. In Dubai, the local politician would have an open house where people would come to meet and greet--they could also pick up a generous gift on their way out.

Most countries release some inmates on this day to have them be with their families, a nice gesture that most Muslim countries do around the holidays. TV would show the best movies and the best music videos all day in the hopes you would get home and watch their ads. Families would also visit with each other and bring sweets and sometimes raw meat.

Eid stops to be fun for boys who are in their early teens, as at that point people start to treat you as a grown man and not give you a cash gift. Lucky for the ladies, they will always get those cash gifts--people are very religious about this. Brothers, fathers, and uncles who are too poor to give out cash gifts still visit their female relatives and strive not to come empty-handed.

At one point when I realized I could no longer receive cash gifts, I figured out another way to make money. I started a toy stand where I would make money selling toys for boys and girls around town. I did well that day, even though I did not get to rest, but the money was worth it and I found a way to be busy on this day.

In Dubai we did not have family, but when we relocated to Gaza, the family came into the picture and we would get more cash gifts--also my dad had to give a lot more than he used to in Dubai. My lovely grandparents were the most generous with us and their gift to us meant a lot more. We liked their teasing and jokes about us--of course we would still kiss their hands and place it on our forehead. A few things make Eid different in Gaza: for starters, there seems to be a truce between the Occupation and the Palestinians on this day. It’s something that most appreciate, though the Israelis have used that day to sneakily abduct or assassinate people whom they do not like. Another thing is the funeral homes, where if a family has seen the passing of a family member it has an open house where people can swing by to visit with those in mourning. At the time, there were not too many places one could go in Gaza for Eid. You could either go to the beach or the Gaza business district and buy a liver and onion sandwich for about 25 cents. Yet somehow, family made all the difference and our days of celebrations were fun filled even in this hot spot. Regardless of where one lives, it’s always good to have a good time.

Egyptian Celebrities And Funny Phone Companies Ads

It might be a sign of the times, but more and more entertainers are doing ads for mega companies. I like a funny ad just like everyone else.  Checkout this mega ad from a phone company in Egypt, they hired 5 actors/actresses and one king of a singer.

You see Farouk El Fishawy, his song Ahmed, Susan Bader, Durra, Samir Ghanem, and Mohammed Mounir--the king. It's an ad about the behind the scenes for them filming an ad, so the ad is about those celebrities filming an ad. This will air in the Eid, urging people to call one another one their mobile phones for really cheap.

If anything Arabs are suckers for is talk, and now it's official talk is cheap.

محمد منير في إعلان فودافون 12 قرش

WATCH: One Direction Spoof "What Makes You Beautiful"

One Direction was the hottest band in the VMA wards, they have set the house on fire with ther mega hit What Makes You Beautiful. Their catchy song rocked the house and have earned them few fans as they in studio crowed went bananas for One Direction.

Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne don't just have to worry about The Wanted dissing them -- it has been discovered that a boy band poked fun at One Direction over a decade before the group even existed. So they have landed on a music video that could have been made recently accept it was made so long ago in 2000.

In both music videos, one sees ton of tattoos, a shirtless guy. Dressed like a banana an carrot. What do you think of the 1D video? Directioners of the world unite as One Direction is paving a path for themselves and locking in fans for a generation to come.

Many spoof the band today and tell jokes at their expense in pursue of hits and viewership. But I have found myself to like their songs and I am not even a teenager anymore. They work hard on their music and they put their heart on it. Sure, they get a lot of teenagers, but a good song is a good song.


blink-182 - All The Small Things


One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

Happy Lebanese Army Day And Thanks For The Music Videos

The army in Lebanon is celebrating their 67th anniversary this year, and for that, they are bringing the best of Lebanon's talents. Pop stars from home and asked them to sing for the army in a bid to boas support and morale. I respect the army and I am hardly a pacifist. But pop should not be the only way the army gets it;s positive PR. Actions speak louder than words.

I do not know what the plan is, but this year it seems they army has gotten some money to enter the PR game. They are hoping t be viewed as the only armed power in Lebanon. While this is nice and admirable, everyone knows this is untrue. No one would take an army that does not protest its people form outside powers seriously.

I think the events in Syria have a great deal to do with this year's big celebration and media effort to support the army. Say the regime in Syria falls, then some people in Lebanon think they can take on Hezbollah and disarm them...I say good luck with that. While most politicians are disliked figures in Lebanon, the army has a better name.

You need a sign? the army song has brought together two divas that were not on speaking terms Nancy Ajram and Nawal Al Zoghby--both appear in the song and festival. I like how Assi is trying to be the big brother and trying to play it cool.   

Happy Army day and I wish them well.

نجوم لبنان يتألقون في حفل عيد الجيش وصلح نوال ونانسي

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

Funnyman Adel Imam Won't Go To Jail, Says Court

Back in February 2012, a lower court in Egypt found the seasoned Egyptian comedic actor Adel Imam guilty of disrespecting religion and being offensive. They have given him a three month jail sentence and a fine of roughly 2 thousand US dollars. He appealed with a higher court and was backed by pretty much everyone with a brain in Egypt.

Today he was cleared of those charges, and the decision is final. The court has found the actor innocent as he did not intend to offend any religion, but he wanted to show some negative manners and behaviors in the Egyptian society.  I think this is a fair trial and did away with all the media wars. Court of laws should be Independent and they have shown as much. All these talking heads need to feel ashamed. And Mr. Asran Mansour, the attorney who have brought the case should stop his senseless attacks on entertainers.

Imam is Arab world's most famous living comic actors. The actor has frequently poked fun at authorities and politicians during a 40-year career, has one month to appeal and will remain free until that process was concluded today. Adel Imam cheered the ruling and have spoke well of both the legal system and the entertainment industry in Egypt

Adel Imam Mout dial dahk

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

The London Olympics And Those Funny Egyptians

Egypt has won itself a silver medal so far, and their soccer team is qualifying for the next round. But it's also the holy month of Ramadan, and there are too many shows on TV. Thus very few people are actually watching the events. Which means the Egyptians in the Olympics have few fans at home.

I must admit I heart Egypt's soccer team, they really make me and the rest of the Arab world and Africa happy.

Qabila TV came up with a cool idea to out the attention back at the Olympics, they took on a busy Egyptian Square of Roxy and re-enacted some of the key sports played in the tournament. While the majority of onlookers seemed confused, this was a fun idea that has some funny moments.

While the Egyptians might not be on the lead, when it comes to creativity, and humor they will always lead.

@QabilaTv l اولمبياد لندن في ميدان روكسي

DamDum Has Found The Hottest Girl In Egypt On Facebook

DamDum is a guy who wanted to releases a song about a girl he calls The most beautiful in Egypt. He looks cool and is gutsy enough to give himself the name Damdum.  His gal is on Facebook and that's where they have met. It's humorous rap song that teach a lot about what the kind in Egypt are up to these days.

The girl sleeps in and walks up late. She has given herself the Facebook name of the coolest or hottest gal in Egypt. Now, I do appreciate the music--it's not your average simple demo. I think Damdum has done himself a big favor by making a cool song that will live on the internet for a long time.

This might sound like every other song, but at least the singer told us something to giggle about.

DamDum - Agmad Wa7da f Masr | دمدوم - أجمد واحدة في مصر

The Pious Of Egypt Want To Ban Entertainers "Prostitutes"

Wagdy Ghonim is a moron. He might have some good options and he may as well have some good intentions, but his latest attacks on entertainers is preposterous. The TV preacher is gunning for the entertainers in Egypt. He has issues with people kissing on TV, making out and pretending to be husband and wife.

While, I do agree that some Egyptian movies have nothing to do with entertainment and they are nothing but a sleaze fest. That's no reason for such broad attacks from a guy who things sex is disgusting and intimacy is immoral.  He even does not like tourism. I have a question for him, what other national resources does he have issues with? Such things bring Egypt a lot of money.

The guy watches a lot of movies or it seems--he describes a scene when an actor has a lady's underwear from his pocket. Wagdy hates that and is seems to be mad. I think people like Wagdy and company should attack certain aspects of the entertainment not a broad attacks likes there. I think he can attack people like Al Sabaky who makes dirty movies. But even then, had the people not watched his movies, he would make them no more.

I am seeing a lot of Egyptian entertainers up in arms against such figures and their use of the public ariwaves. While I agree with them, I hate to see the government stepping in to ask Wagdy and others to stop. If the actor has the right to make a movie, the other guy has a right to trash is as well. With one note, no personal attacks on private citizens.

د/ وجدى غنيم,ايها الداعرون ايتها العاهرات هل هذا فن(2)؟؟

If You Go To Bars, You Need To Watch Mixologist - Music Video

At first there was a bartender, but as affluent young people have always looked for the next big thing, some new profession emerged....mixologists. Those are glorified bartenders with attitude. They are often found in posh bars serving overpriced alcohol to richer people or people who tend to be on the pretentious side.

Mixologists of the world do strange dances with one's drinks and shake things up as they are part of some fancy show. I think it's stupid, but it's a reality most have come to embrace. Not one rapper who wanted to channel his frustration with those fancy clowns.
 
The rappers in this video have a great sense of humor, I only hope that guy who mixes drinks--not just serve them has the same virtue. The rap song does feature some stunning moments in the bar, fire and ice drinks and a lot of flavor.

Mixologist - Music Video

Super Leefa, The Most Real Popular Album of 2012

Abu El Leef is an awseom singer who has grew tired of outdated songs that only speaks about emotions and not talk about the great picture. People are all around us full of shit, someone has to put them in their place. Once love has been put in place, what comes next? Marriage? Abu El Leef is a social commentator on all things Egypt and its society.

I love this new album and I tend to skip other albums to give this album another listen. Here's my take on each of the album's tracks and subjects discussed.

01 - A3ozo Bellah, a real dose of how most people get in other people business, and try to jinx their life by envying them for their hard work or luck.
02 - Bent El-Nass, this is the most exciting track in the entire album, its recorded as of Abu El Leef is in the 60s performing live in a very folksy sitting. I might not like the guy pretending to be holier than though and speak ill of some females. "Women wearing perfume are hookers" as the song implies. But musically this is a real delight.
03 - Hatofrag 3alena, a duet with unlikely singer Hisham Abbas, a good beat that mixes sweet and humor, I like the energy. A good collaboration for both artists who seem to have real chemistry.
04 - Ta2 To2et El-Fan, the shortest song, but with the most important message, singing is not against Islam. Abu El Leefa delivers a decent song that asks people to chill and not to fight art and artists. A timely message indeed where Abu El Leef speaks truth to powers.
05 - Ba2ena Be Zambalek, a time piece, a wise song about how times change and how people keep chasing the dream wanting to own things. It might have to do with the Arab Spring, one day you are king of the world, the second you are in the hospital. The song plays well to the demographics Abu El Leefa appeal to.
06 - El-Tawoos, a nother song about life and how rich people think they own the world, when in reality they will end in a grave. A dark and gloomy song that some might find is hard to swallow, but just like truth it can be hard to process.
07 - Taxi 2, a sequel to the Abe El Leef's ealier song Taxi, this time he has more money and can afford to hail a cap to take him to Paris. He is knocking down the air quality in Cairo, and such. I like it only because I like the first one. You might like the funk spirit.
08 - TaTa TaTa, a Sh'abi mawal, folks tales and such. I do not love the song, but I know it will be a welcomed track in certain Cairo pockets where their pockets are empty. A song about those who try to live an honest life, tend to get stepped all over by thr people. The gangsters are feared and greeted with love form people all around.
09 - Nena How, a song about cellphones, not answering your phone when you do not know the number. a good song that teaches younger folks to be respectful and not try to go around with girls and fooling around. A song about good people ladies and men who know their limits.
10 - Gedo, a funny humorous take on grandpa. Grandpa can spoil the grand kids and let them get away with stuff. A good song for the kids, it teaches them respect. It's a cute song that celebrates both the young and old. Abu El Leef does a good job here by tabbing into the kids market.
11 - Khaleek Fe El-Nour, one of my favorite tracks on the album. The message, if you want to get married, you should do it by knocking in the front door, no need to go the alternative ways and instead of doing things right, doing it through paper---paper marriages where the contract remains with the bride. This is a common practice, a tricky way to be able to have a sexual relationship and claim, that you are a couple. Abu El Leef tells people to take it easy and do the proper thing. He also tells such guys he will beat them up....imagine this was your sister.
12 - El-Tawoos (Remix), again, the same great song with a new twist.

البوم ابو الليف "سوبر ليفه " - خليك فى النور يا امور 

Hamada Helal and Boushra In A Duet

Hamada Helal is a man, but he feels like a little girl when he stands next to manly funny girl Boushra....it's just the plot of their movie. In reality they are both cool people who have a great success in both music and films. They have shared the screen this year to bring us a comedy about a girly man and a touch chick with a lot of zingers.

As part of the promotional strategy to push the movie out there, Hamada released two songs, one where he walks around in a Sponge Bob outfit and the one you see below a romantic songs with a lot of humor about married life in laymen terms. I see both actors are trying to sneak out a funnier line or some physical humor--it's all for the kids.

The movie is doing very well--third in the box office sales, but it seems like a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy. One thing I do not like, this peasant class in Egypt gets a bad rep in their movie--and so many other movies--they are really good people who are also smart.

Hamada Helal Ana khayef

بابا فين Where Is Dad? The Hit Song With Arab Kids

Some goofy looking guy wears glasses and calls a number, then a group of kids answer the phone, and give him a trip. Kid stories about their world. The guy feels tired as he keeps trying to get though the the kids father.

It was a cute song and everyone was surprised by this kiddie song that was highly entertaining. The kids do a good job driving this man mad by being cute and kiddish. The song came in the early 2000, and it inspired a number of copy cats since then...Haifa Wahbe made a sequel to it few years ago--it was a good song too.

The song came from an album with a kid group called Free Baby,  it came few songs, none of them was as popular as your';s your father hit!

بابا فين

Rawad Saab Is Looking For A Wife And He Needs Your Help

Rawad likes brand names, he is driving a Mercedes, wearing cool trendy gear, all to declare his intentions. He wants to get married and he is asking you folks to introduce him to her. He wants a sweet girl whom his parents would approve of. He does not have many pictures of his floating around the net--he should look into that.

Good manners, good looks, you gotta go with the Lebanese Rawad sings. Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Morocco all get a shout out in the song. Then the Arab Gulf gets its shout out too. Just marry an Arab girl that's the song if you could not find the Lebanese one It's a clever song to break into the show business. Arabs are suckers for such songs.

Rawad is a young and good looking lad, he would not find it hard to find a lady.

Rawad Saab - Baddi Etjawaz / رواد صعب - بدى إتجوز