Johnny "Metro" Keep On Making Them Hits

The guy sounds like an indie heart who cares about what he sees around him. His latest is a duet with a young lady where they are asking their listeners to befriend their trouble and sadness. This is a song that might be weird outside the Middle East--but in Arabic and in poetry they likes images, they pretend that anything that bothers them or pleases them is a person and then they can talk to that person.

I know this is strange, but it works and if done right it conveys great messages, and yes sometimes it can be cheesy. His label placed a huge investment in him and hope it translates to sales

His upcoming album Metro will feature a number of songs that sounds like they speak to the ones that has not been spoken to before. Johnny is a guy I am ready to like and have already wrote about few times on this blog.

Johnny - Edrab Sohobeya / جوني - إضرب صحوبية

Mado In "Alb7r Bedhk Leh" He Hits All The Right Notes

The nightmare of every girl is to have your wedding day and see no one is happy for you. And see that your wedding has turned into a full blown funeral. Mado, the indie musicians who seem to never have abandoned his ideal during and after the revolution is always improving on his musical style.

His latest song and music video are focused on the lute and its magical music. He goes to the beach and tries to figure out why it's always smiling. This is a new song that uses the title of a classical song to make his point. It's an artsy music video too. Mado doe snot sound angry, he is no longer shouting or talking politics. It would appear he is switching gears for a mellower form of art....this strikes me as a dark romantic song.

I like this mainstream take on Mado, his music video might get him new fans, without damaging the core of his fan base. He has manged to get them a song that will please everyone.

 كليب مادو - البحر بيضحك ليه 2012 | Mado - Alb7r Bedhk Leh

Video: كايروكي احنا الشعب - Cairokee Ehna Elshaab

Cairokee is a hip indie rock band in post Mubarak Egypt. They are the hottest and busiest band among many impressive bands. Ciarokee is much different than most bands in one thing, they are always changing and constantly changing their style.

You can never be board with this band, they always do songs in a different style than their last one. They made rock activist music, then they did an awesome third eye blind style songs and French feeling music videos. Now they are dabbling into poetry when they sing one of those Egyptian classic poem by the folksy poem Abdel Raham Al Abanoody.

They took his poem, composed music for it and sang it in a fitting style for this blues songs. I am detecting they are taken on the Muslim Brotherhoods and other religious groups in Egypt. It's proper for them to sing the blues, they sort of feel cheated--I would say they are upset for not winning. I like the line where they shame the brotherhood for abandoning the Tahrir Square after they have meet a backroom deal with the military. 

I love the music and adore the lyrics, and wish the band well. I truly believe this, Cairokee is a band that would do well in music festivals outside Egypt- They put on a good show all around.

Video: كايروكي احنا الشعب - Cairokee Ehna Elshaab

Why Is The British Council Promoting Indie Music?

I have to admit something, I was not one of those kids who grew up talking about the British Council, most of my friends talked it up so much. Since I was interested in English, I never gravitated toward that institution. I must say, everyone who went there spoke highly of it. I just did not care for the attitude of people who have attended classes there and socialized in the various clubs over there.

Now, I see a concert video, the entire concert video is in the video below. For an indie band from the heart of Egypt, the guys who rock and roll, Masar Egbary The band is sporting a unified scarf theme.

 The video below reveals the artsy side of this popular band, the prelude to their concert starts with a play, a dialogue with loaded meaning that will sure please the college crowds who always want to be one inch closer to sophistication. I like the slides accompanying the performance.

 مسار أجباري وجماعة المسرح البديل - سطور من دفاتر مصر

Fayrouz Karawya, The Live And Lively Experience

Fayrouz Karawya creates her own alternative universe and sings in that place where she feels comfortable. She is a proud lady who appreciates herself and seeks to be appreciated, her music is all about being respected and being heard. She seeks popularity through her music career and not though her personal life. She stands tall and seeks neither approval nor permission from nobody, she is the master of her destiny. Such gets shape her music and her public persona that many of us come to love.

The songstress is one of the rare indie voices in Egypt that have met commercial success  I am happy there are ladies who think like Fayrouz and still make music. She makes the world a better place for so many of us, but more so for young girls. She gives them a role model where you can have it all, success, looks, fame, and intelligence. Such attributes are very clear in his album "Bara Meny", she is so many things, but most of all she is herself.

She is a frequent guest at the Cairo music hot spot Sawy Culture Wheel, she often headlines sold out concerts where her true fans pack the place to enjoy Fayrouz's talent. In that regard, her appreciators are not just fans, they are believers. Her voice offers plenty of warmth and personal touch that she sends straight to your heart. She can also be cool like she has before, she can also be jaded as well.  

Fayrouz is certainly a crossover star, that means she can perform to an audience who does not speak Arabic and leave them impressed. She gives good songs, but the music is very good, it feels real, none of that computer buzz stuff. Hear and see some of the videos from her latest concert. I can only say, keep rocking you are most definitely on the right track.

 فيروز كراوية- جرّبت (حفلة) Fayrouz Karawya- Garrabt (Live).mp4


فيروز كراوية- ف وسط البرد (حفلة) Fayrouz Karawya- Fi West Elbard (Live).mp4


فيروز كراوية- آخر مرة (حفلة) Fayrouz Karawya- Akher Marra (Live).mp4

Ashara Gharby - Gwa El-Fawanes عــشـرة غـــربى - جـوا الــفـوانيس

I like how these guys make their music....Ashara Gharby means, few minutes of Western music. However, these guys have manged to incorporated the lute with other musical elements that are more hip. They even picked up a Ramadan song, talking about those world famous Ramadan lanterns.
I love how smooth the track is, it's exciting and frankly very fresh.

I know it will draw in both Arabic music fans and those who do not care of anything foreign to them. I think this is kind of music that only friends can bring together. The band members are as follows,  Fawzy - Bass Guitar Souka - Oud Yassin - Vocal Joe - Keyboard Kerdani - Drums Gabry - Lead Guitar Zatona - percussions Mostafa Yassin - The band's poet & manger
Ashara Gharby - Gwa El-Fawanes عــشـرة غـــربى - جـوا الــفـوانيس

Dina El Wedidi: This Indie Is Better Than Yours

This 2008 track was composed by Dina El Wedidi and released this indie performer unto Egypt. Dina is possibly one of the brightest female indie vocalists who keeps in the music scene talking in Egypt at the moment. She started with cover of of 1920 songs and went on to perform Sheikh Imam songs and tales that most Egyptians have memorized as they are part of the folklore.

She started her music career at an early age, but Dina fine-tuned her talent, and sharpened her music saw when she participated in many musical workshops and training with the award-winning Grammy Award, Fathy Salama and other independent bands in Egypt and beyond.

Thus Dina now has found her voice and style as she has been introduced to different genres and enriched her musical culture. She, also, learned playing on Arghoul ( a cool and classy traditional Egyptian instrument).

On 2008, Dina composed her first piece for her song El Haram, and since then, she composes music for lyrics that inspire her to be sung by her or others, however, she is not presenting herself as a music composer yet trying to focus on her singing. Yes, it's tough to claim you are a composer in the presence of many great names, but that does not mean she is out.

 دينا الوديدي - الحرام

KashKool (Notebook) Band Sings For Ramadan

A cool B list Band that goes by the name Kashkool just released their Ramadan track reminding us why Egypt is a great place to observe the holy month. They kicked of their track with the Azaan or the call to prayer. A band member actually performs it flawlessly.

And then the song stars in the humility of humans seeking forgiveness, and others seeking to break bread with many on one of those tables all over the streets of Egypt. This is a good song, and the style in which it was made reminds of of the 60s tracks that are made for the same purpose. The lead vocalist on this track really earns his paycheck.

KashKool Band 3yon EL Khal2

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

Ramy Essam Promotes Literacy At Home In Egypt

When your songs have tackled dictators, military rulers, religious extremists, sexual predator you always strive to find other topic to bring attention to. For Ramy Essam, he has found a topic to add to the list of subjects he sings about--Literacy.

Egypt has millions of people who cannot read nor write. Ramy has chosen an international day to combat illiteracy to release a video project. He calls upon volunteers to join an effort to teach at least one person. I salute the singer and his effort to spread awareness through his music and activism. He is right literacy is great for international peace.

What do you guys think of his new look? He kinda looks like Mado now--another indie singer.

Literacy and Peace رسالة رامى عصام فى اليوم العالمى لمحو الامية

Youssra El Hawary Doubles Down In Ya Autobis

She is a spunky vocalist with a great personal story...aside form that, I like her tongue in cheek songs she has become known for....her sense of humor seems natural and like a birthright. She broke out with a song about a wall where she got tons of YouTube love, but ever since she has been making attempts to get back into the viral business.

I like one of her most recent attempts with a bass cover. This is how most music would have sounded in Paris as made by street artists...Youssra is the street. She is grilling the autobis, the everyday struggle for each Egyptian citizen.

Youssra El Hawary - Ya Autobis (Bass cover)

Sham (Syria) Gets Some Love From Indie Music

Eskenderlla is busy this Ramadan season with concerts as they had a night of music on August 4th and they sang for Syria or Sham. I love this style of songs, you get a poem performed by one vocalist and then the music joins in and pick up the speed.

Not sure where this style originates from, but it might have come from Egypt or the Sufi school of music. It's nice that one of the most popular indie bands in post Mubarak Egypt would sing for Syria and the resilience of its people.

أسكندريلا - حيوا أهل الشام

Massar Egbari Brings Indie Music To Live Concerts

They are the geeky guys in your high school, they were not the popular kids, they were just shy and good at playing an instrument. So these guys got together and formed what has become on of the leading bands in Indie music in Egypt.

Unlike other bands, I feel massar egbari concentrates on the power of the lyrics and dreams as oppose to solid base music. Do not get my wrong, they have a roaster of talented musicians on the band's payroll. They have come together in 2007 and have been together ever since....their first international gig was in Malta. They have appeared in the indie music flick of 2011, Microphone.


I have come to like the mixture of funky and retro music, but most all their droves of fans as you see from the video seem to get into the lyrics and music that are put forward in a rish show MASSAR EGBARI means “Compulsory Detour”, per their website, here;'s how the band sees itself

They specifically chose this title as it explains how we are expected, or rather, dictated to behave and dress in certain manners Both, in title and in spirit, the band pokes fun at typical social norms and trends, which is clearly reflected in their music and chosen lyrics. This sarcastic name was created since the band members felt that the society is trying to imply its power over people starting from their childhood till the day they die. This social power wants to stereotype everything including the way people think and feel, leaving no space for creation and innovation. Massar Egbari presents music and songs talking about the social problems. Love is not thier main concern although it represents a part of our songs. Through the members’ different musical backgrounds, the band is presenting a kind of Alternative Egyptian Music, mixing rock, jazz and blues with some Oriental music.

مسار أجباري - الشهيد/حاوي


 مسار أجباري - يا عم

Hamza Namira Song For Mostafa Hosny Ramadan Show

Hamza Namira, is a singer activist and commentator from Egypt. The super talented singer composer whose songs offer plenty of excitement and positive messages about social change. He has also worked to put songs and music for other shows.

Hamza remains one of the smartest and most gifted entertainers in Egypt. His latest song is about having faith, and placing that faith where it counts the most. It's a very catch tone that plays in the popular show with TV preacher Mostafa Hosny. A show translates religion relevant in every day and in common language.

I am a fan of this charming singer whose music videos are about making the world a better place and not just mere entertainment with models and fancy cars. For that Hamza has found global fan base, he is now with the London based Awakening Records. The beautiful lyrics and music are courtesy of wonder boy of Egyptian music Aziz El Shafie

حمزة نمرة بتحب حاجة من برنامج سحر الدنيا

LISTEN: Black Theama - Dakhalna Hemak | بلاك تيما - دخلنا حماك

The colorful folksy Egyptian band Black Theama wants to share the Ramadan celebration with the rest of the  Muslim world, by releasing a track exclusive for this month. They are even asking you to download it free of charge--find the link in the video description box (and always do not do anything illegal)

This is a sweet track from the guys who know how to pour their emotions and keep it in check when needed. This is simple song that celebrates the month and the creator. They also take a tour to those famous Islamic sites this month. They plea with the man upstairs to accept their worship.

I like the beat, it sounds very Black Theama, a watered down musical version of course. This is the standard of those religious songs, that cannot be loud. This track is inspired by the Sufi folklore. Thus the songs comes froma long standing tradition of using sober music as an instrument of worship. 

Black Theama - Dakhalna Hemak | بلاك تيما - دخلنا حماك

This Ramadan Meets Rock Music By 050 Band

Rock music has not ever be used to make a song about the Muslim month of Ramadan. Not until Egyptian band 050 had their new song. Just like most Ramadan songs, the spiritual message is there about faith and find the inner peace

It's certainly a fresh take on this genera, the vocals have a hard time matching the strong beat, but the overall the song by the band has its moment in the sun. Fans of this kind of music would most likely welcome the song, and those who like Ramadan might find something new about this single.

I know I think the vocals could have been sweeter a bit, yelling does not really scream faith to me.

050 Band - Ra7tak fe Emanak || زيروخمسين - راحتك فى إيمانك

The Rapping Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Here's a fresh sounding rap song from the Palestinian Gaza based rapper known as Mc Gaza. Mc Gaza filmed his rap video in Gaza City, consider it a tour of Gaza downtown--everywhere else sucks really. Feel free to spot the rapper filling in for the unknown solider monument. Looking slick and stylish ain't easy in Gaza, but rappers have to have a swag.

I like the graffiti, and the masked man represents something, not sure what it's at the moment--maybe Israeli collaborators. I do not like the smoking bit, it''s really not cool Mc Gaza. The video gets wired toward the middle with the rapper shaking and incredible closeup.

Keep on mind, this is a local production where there is little support for artists, so A for effort.
Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Mado Annoys The Military Establishment in Egypt

He comes across as a singer who has little fear, and he was one of the early voices that has criticized the military and its actions in Egypt. He is no fan of the SCAF and its old school generals with those outdated ideas. So Mado has been making music that many realize only now is timely.

That's the makeup of a visionary. While Mado has little to lose, the army tried to divide and conquer approach. While in general just about every Egyptian has deep rooted respect for their army--most are skeptical of the army's intention and actions.

I am sure the Egyptian army is one awesome army that loves the homeland, but at this point, I am afraid its leadership has been dragging them into the mud and with it most of Egypt. So Mado makes takes one shot after another and he has been increasingly bold.

I think some of the young activists also need to cool it too. However, this thing is not going to be over soon. No one gives away power unless they are forced to.

ya 3askar efham (piano) Mado يا عسكر افهم -بيانو- .. مادو

نفسى.. وائل عامر ومحمد عبد العال (مادو) وسونى (رحاله)