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

Music At ISNA Annual Convention

The Islamic Society of North America--the ones they say weather it's Eid or not had a sold out convention in the heart of the Nation's capital. They brought the speakers who spoke about Islam and its role. they also spoke on challenges facing the community. Business also were there selling and promoting various merchandise of interest to the Muslim community--Dish and Hajj.

But they also included some entertainment by a performance of Native Deen, the local native rap band from DC who have a global name recognition. The band knows how to work a crowd and knows hoe to turn the blues into cheers.

Native Deen promoted their brand and sold their CDs, I think they were in their elements and I like their interviews with fans and convention goers. They did a great job reaching out to young Muslims and getting them excited about something they can relate to.

ISNA

Secrets And Questions Journalists Can’t Ask One Direction

First and for most, they are hot band and they have a reputation to protect. They are popular with the tween people of the world, among their most famous fan is Malia Obama. 

The forbidden list:

1. Who is your celebrity crush?
2. Which of you have girlfriends?
3. Who came up with the name One Direction?
4. Anything "X Factor"-related
5. Worst habits about each other
6. Do you guys fight?
7. Best prank someone pulled on you
8. Describe each other in one word
9. Funniest fan stories
10. If not in the band, what would you be doing?
11. Pre-show rituals
12. No questions about money or religion

We know about this list because one Canadian DJ Scott Rush, a morning-show co-host on Ottawa's the New Hot 88.9 FM, learned moments before he was about get 10 precious minutes on the phone with One Zayn Malik.

Minutes prior to connecting Zayn with Rush, publicist was about to connect Rush she very casually, rattled off a list of "few things you're not allowed to ask." I think the list is lame and the band members are smart enough to be themselves they are no running for president, their fans love them to be who they are.

 Though I get the part where no questions about money or religion.

Magida El Roumi Brings The Good Times To Batroun

Magida El Roumi should be the spokesperson for the country of Lebanon, when others are mad and upset by what they see in the political arena in that country, she sees hope and faith in a better tomorrow. That way she makes people believe her message and her love for that country.

Despite all issues and instability at those though times, Magida headlined the concert which she was asked to cancel due to safety concerns. She gave an interview and spoke about her concert and the risk she took to bring this concert to life. This was a classy concert with music from all over the map and audience from all over the world.

"We are concerns, but those concerns do not stop us" she said. It was a dazzling concert where she performed six of her new songs from her latest album "Ghazal" she even has a never performed song, a salute to the people of Lebanon and their steadfastness.

Magida is one of the voices that Lebanon should be proud to have on their side. Just looking at the concert goers, this is not a concert this is a festival and people have turned out for the diva.

ماجدة الرومي لا شيء يمكن ان يكسر ايماننا بوطننا

Joseph Attieh Sings, Plays Keyboard and Drum In Beirut

Lebanon is witnessing the creation of a new pop star, the torch of Lebanese pop might be ready to be passed to the latest sensation Joseph Attieh. He has the sweet style of Ramy Ayach and his mannerism on stage combined it with the dance beat and party voice of Faris Karam and only then you begin to understand Joseph Attieh.

Upon leaving the Star Academy reality show few seasons ago, no other star has worked on his talent as much as Joseph has. He performs songs with a great deal of emotions, but he also feel the music, as you can see from his latest concert in Beirut were he brought down the house.

It's impressive to see how real people's love for this star is, they all look in the camera and say he is like a young brother who has been raised well and comes from a good home. Other musicians say this guy is an artist--he also paints. As far as the concert went, Joseph used it to lunch off his new album, a happy and dance inducing one indeed. He performed some of the songs and got to play the keyboard. In his interview below he told of three songs that he composed himself.

Then he offered to do the same for his peers. So he can now add to his resume, keyboard player, singer, composer, and music video director.

جوزف عطية يختتم مهرجانات أعياد بيروت

Super Nancy Album Takes Kids To The Zoo

Nancy Ajram is mushing three songs into one music video, a total of six minutes and a half where Nancy plays cute with kids at he zoo. The clip was filmed in Beirut and Southern Lebanon with tons of kids doing kiddie stuff.

Nancy is just one of the kids. She is releasing her second all kids album--grownups like them too in Mid August in time for Eid El Fiter celebration. This is not the first time collaboration between Nancy Ajram and director Laila Kanaan.

Nancy wears clownish colorful pant. Using 45 kids as props, and using graphics and animations in both China and Canada. About 300 hundred thousand dollars are the reported budget. This is the energizer bunny music video. There are more than one look for Nancy....I like her song for little girls, Nancy has of her own.

Watch the behind the scenes and interviews

NancyAjram 20120803

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

TV Host Nishan Should Shut His Face!

When you host a prime time TV show, you must know that there are kids out there watching your show. When your show films in Ramadan, you must at least show some respect at you ask questions form your guests. But clearly popular TV personality Nishan did not get the memo.

As he interviewed one of the most provocative pop songstresses  Myriam Faris, the TV host got comfortable and thought he was sitting in a bar and in a private session, not on TV. So the might Nishan fires up a question to Myriam....here's the question?

"Are you comfortable with people looking at your ass (buttocks)? as they are always impressed by it" "They always try to sneak a peace at your moneymaker, how do you feel?" To proof that he is an idiot the host wishes his viewers a happy Ramadan as he talks about butts. This is the kind of shitty mentality that men come up to and sadly few women play along out of fear or not being cool.

Not sure what was on his mind, to ask such a question. But again when you invite guests like that, you will not be talking about Mozart or global warming. The guest did not seem bothered by the question and seems to enjoy acting like she is tired, she seems overjoyed to talk about that part of hers. What talents does he really have? Great hair, check! A Smile, Check! A brain? We will get back to you on that one

Watch the exchange below as Nishan almost gets to blow some steam as he talks up the rare bit. Nishan should explain his question and apologize to his viewers--I am not one of them and never will.

نيشان يسال ميريام فارس عن سر جمال خلفيتها - انا والعسل

The Cute Shatha Hassoun And Elissa Feud

Elissa might have the heart of a child, Shatha Hassoun has that Iraqi bold boiling through her veins. When they cross paths, the world collide. We have heard the story about the two starlets staying in the same hotel--one had many fans out waiting for her, the other did not. The media caught win of the story, they made it a big deal.

In a Beirut concert, the media caught up with the Iraqi singer Shatha and spoke to her about her projects and upcoming events. Shatha is a talented singer with one of the most committed fans out there. Unlike many singers, she can claim two big Arab countries as her home...both Iraq and Morocco.

She is no fans of Elissa's and thinks that she has seen the history of that singer since she seems to pick fights with others. Shatha refused to say anything about the Elissa's new album--even though she has criticized the album cover before. I like both singers, they seem to do similar songs--Shatha does a bigger variety of songs than Elissa, but Elissa has a well established brand

Elissa remains silent on this matter, but Shatha is also smart, she said she likes some of Elissa's songs, not all of them. Keep in mind, both songstress work under the same Rotana label. Shatha and Elissa might not be the best friends out there, but whatever competition they have might help make their music better and their songs more real.

شذى حسون: أليسا أثارت دمِّي العراقي

Saad Ramadan Sings Like A Star, Talks Like A Drug Junkie

I like his music but I love to hate the way he talks. It might be the Lebanese thing, why do people like Saad Ramadan talk like they have been given some kind of drug? The guy is hot, the guy is smart, and he makes good music. He had half a dozen of concerts this summer and his biggest were in Algeria--a country he did not know he was known in.

So he sat down with Elaph and talk about his success and his hard work. I do not like the bit when he talks about his plans and activities, he should stick to music and romance. His talking pattern might alienate some people. His new album should be dropping by soon.

سعد رمضان نجاح ممتد من الجزائر الى الجنوب اللبناني

When Fayrouz Karawya Sings, The World Smiles

There's a free spirit in Egypt's music scene, that free spirit happens to be able to sing and sing well. Call her Fayrouz Karawya, a singer with one album under her belt and more than a dozen of concerts in Egypt. At first she sang for the revolution which got her noticed, as she sounded so real and so in the middle of everything.

Then she released her album where she spoke about love, family, wrong kind of love, confrontations and other life matters. The album was a hit with the masses. Barra Menny delivers everything you would want from an indie album. There are the beautifully crafted lyrics, the raw emotions and anger. Then songs that only a women can understand and appreciate.

The album offered an entire package of happy and sad songs, love and hate songs, dance beat and sober cafe lounge ones.  So to talk about her projects and the album, Fayrouz sat with Fil Fan and gave them an interview about her music...and of course she did two songs for them.

لقاء فيروز كراوية فى دبي
Fayrouz karawya Sings For FilFan.com فيروز كراوية تغني لـ في الفن


Interview Fayrouz Karawya With FilFan.com (1)

Medhat Saleh For Religious Songs This Ramadan

Medhat Saleh is making the rounds promoting his new work on songs for Ramadan where he sounds like a pious preacher. Medhat is a singer who has a soft spot in his heart for all things religion. As an Egyptian, they feel obligated to do something nice for the faith. Most singers opt out to do religious themed songs.

Medhat brought back an old song (and littler known too) by Abdel Halim Hafiz who sang the original song for romance, then he switched it to sounds like his romance song, but this time it's about his yearning to go visit Al Medina and pray where the early days of Islam and prophet.

I found this song a delight and it does very similar--the same music of Ololo El Haqeeqah. Abdel Halim has recorded dozens of religious themed songs and prayers that are still popular with the masses. Salehhas re-recorded some of them too.

روحوا له المدينة - مدحت صالح

In Soula, Assala Nasri Gets Cozy With Other Singers

Soula is the name of the show where Syrian (she is also Bahraini, Egyptian, Palestinian and American too) singer Assala Nasri invites guests to her home. Other singers and clebrites are also welcome, but the fromat is in a studio inside Assalah's home.

A cozy atmosphere where singers can relax and jam with Assalah, They talk, they ask questions and sometimes answer them. But Assala is the star of this format, she has a strong personality and always have something to say. She is also in an age where she can relate to most of the singers she hosts. A singer kicks off a song and the rest plays chorus

I think the guests might get a small payment, and those who are too big, might just do it as a favor. I think this is cool idea--it;s not entirely new, but it does bring a number of voices from all over the map and have them sing together. I like the video below, where you get three male singers and one super super sweet gal that goes by the name Suma.

Soula With Adam - Soma - loai - Ahmed Saad (3-5)

The Good Son: Ahmed El Haggar To Release A Debut Album

Like father like son is creeping into the music business now. Ahmed El Haggar is the son of celebrated and iconic Egyptian singer Ali El Haggar just singed a contract to work with a new music label. They will release his debut album. I have known about Ahmed singing more than 2 years ago when I saw him in a performance alongside his old man

Ahmed performed with his father on a number of occasions and he seemed to make waves where he goes. He can sing really well and has a different set of vocals that can hold a note. Ahmed who has his fathers look, has also taken the singing talent form his father who has helped shape Egyptian culture.

The company sate with him for an interview, and they just have posted few of his songs performed live by the young singer and a lute player. I can say that the guy knows how to impress, his choice of songs is the kind that salons used to play, the deep East bound music that requires a serious listener. This is a good start, but ultimately, pop lords will have the singer knocking.

Ahmed El Haggar - Eh Enkatably


أحمد الحجار - أنا والليل Ahmed El Haggar - Ana Wo El Leil


أحمد الحجار - ايه انكتبلى Ahmed El Haggar - Eh Enkatably

A Plastic Nation Called Lebanon عمليات التجميل في لبنان

I have never been to Lebanon, but everyone who comes back from there tells many jokes about how this nation is observed with all things plastic surgeries. Just like Texas and California everyone makes a big deal about their bigger, younger and youthful looks.

There's no shame in that, the same kicks in when it becomes a phobia! That's when even good looking people think they are not good enough. This is not just a thing for women now, guys also wants to keep up to they go under the knife too. Show biz is a bitch and people want to stay in it for as long as it takes. As younger people break into the business, other older stars freak out and run to the nearest plastic surgeon. But it turns out even politicians seek help tucking their bellies.

I love this video where they talk about Haifa Wahbe's nose and Elissa's lips are popular. WE all know dozens of celebrities who went for plastic surgeries. I think it's something if you need it, then go for it, but it you have a choice, you better think again. It makes sense why many world known surgeons call Lebanon home--phobia pays.

عمليات التجميل في لبنان: عندما يصبح الجمال فوبيا

This Is What Passes For Oriental Nights In Lebanon

This is the 6th time this music festival takes place in Lebanon! They bring only Lebanese singers to party with the massive crowds who are hungry for music and good times. I find most of the music acts have to say something or sing about Lebanon--a good place.

Nawal Al Zoghby put on a good dance show--she filmed it too for promotional purposes and a music video. Assi Hallani turned the heat up with his all Lebanese style, just see the folks dancing up as he sang away. Ramy Ayach owned the night even though he performed last--his fans would wait for this handsome devil and his new single "The Apple".

It seems that each of the festival appearances had a new summer single to treat their fans to at this large music festival knows as the oriental music festival. The festival had a a young up and coming singer Sabine who was featured on the festival to lure in the younger fans. Sabine relied on her outfit and dance movies to stand out.

P.S. MTV, the Lebanese TV network is the force behind this music festival--I tend not to approve of the MTV's political agenda, but their musical one is a different story.

عاصي الحلاني كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012


نوال الزغبي - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


سارا الهاني - كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقيه السادس 2012


رامي عيـاش كواليس مهرجان الاغنية الشرقية السادس 2012

Do We Really Need Saber El Robaey?

Saber was cool for a second in 2000 and then cool again in 2003, but then he not done anything fresh in almost a decade. He is a Tunisian star who has done little for his home country, he lives and works in Lebanon. And now since he has stayed mum on the Arab Spring, he is back speaking up about politics, but in the overtime.

I do not really know what he brings to the pop game anymore? I just cannot connect with his new stuff and feel his voice seems tired. What might be helpful for Saber is not volumes, but quality. I do not think he has found anything that would make him a star again.

watch his presser and interview talking about his concert in Lebanon. I do think he is overrated, but not because he is not talented, but rather because he has yet to challenge himself once again.
صابر الرباعي: ما يحصل في تونس ليس من أهداف الثورة

Said El Marouk And Maya Diab To Make Sexy Clips

There's a new pop diva in Lebanon, and her name is Maya Diab. Think of her as the dark horse of Arabic pop who dances, sings and show more skin than most would. She has at least two different TV shows, and now she is hot for concerts where she open for other acts.

The news story reads, she is to released three singles and collaborate with one of the boldest--some can say kinkiest music video directors in Lebanon. Maya has been know for her sexy legs and babe personality. Few years ago she was just a cool chick on TV, now it seems she is building an empire. Well whatever it takes to keep those dollars rolling in.

Just see how she dances and the dudes seem to dig it. I think she should stick to pop and sexy stuff and leave the classics untouched by her.

مايا دياب تتعاون مع الماروق وتطلق ثلاث أغانٍ جديدةٍ