Nancy Ajram And Ahmed Fahmy Join Arab Idol

I did not think it was a good business decision for Nancy Ajram to join the panel of judges for the popular show Arab Idol. But regardless of what I think, it seems that Nancy Ajram wanted the gig, so she has singed the contract to be part of the show. We will see how this will play for Nancy Ajram--the smartest and most popular Arab songstress for the past decade. Ajram singed the contract on October 5th in her Beirut home.

Other changes to the Arab Idol show is the new host or presenter. Egyptian singer turned actor Ahmed Fahmy has singed a contract to host the show. I love to see Ahmed take this role, he has an extensive resume, the good looks and the nice demeanor to make him a hit. Ahmed would be replacing the Kuwaiti actor Abdallah Tulehi. Model Anabella Hilal will return for the second season 

Ragheb Alama, Ahlam and Hassan Al Shafei will remain judges and so will Arab Idol and broadcast worldwide on MBC 1, a Pan Arab television station. The first season aired in December 2011. 

Grace Ashkar Will Not Sing Professionally, OK?

Joe Ashkar has a lovely wife and a mother of his children. She sang live, she released a song or two, yet she continues to make the case that she will not be a professional singer. Even though she can carry a note in both Arabic and English, Grace has zero interest in singing.

Grace Ashkar just performed live with Michael Fadel in a concert in Beirut, she also released a song late last year, but she maintains the song has a social message. She will continue doing such songs to promote various causes. She has also argued that doing two songs live with a musician friend was just a fun thing to do. So she will not be releasing any tracks anytime soon. It seems Joe and his wife are on agreement on this matter. So do not get excited.

One comment, who really cares?

Grace Ayanian in Michel Fadel Concert 3al Lebneneh in Beirut Holidays 2012
  

Pictures: Sandy Puts The Sun Back In Sun City

The Sun City Summer Shopping and Music Bonanza came to an end, but the night did not end with an average star. For the grand finale  they booked Sandy. If anyone gets the boys worked up for a concert, it's Sandy. Thought I think she packed the house with thousands of screaming fans.

She did the best and safest thing for herself....she dressed modestly! Egypt cannot talk the heat right now and the boys are pigs. So, her concert had the most attendance by boys and girls. She started the evening with her latest song and a special danced. The songstress performed a collection of her songs.

It was tough to find an exist for the starlet, but she manged to get out and avoid riots and mobs of fans. I think Sandy is doing all the right things by slowly and carefully planning her career. This appearance in Sun City Mall helps push her to the front line ahead of many of her peers.

As this music and shopping festival ended, I should hope the organizers  manged to do what they wanted to do by spending so much money on on many stars to lure shoppers.    

Video: When Justin Bieber Pukes On Stage

It's really hard to see this video and want to share it. Justin is a good guy and like all of us has the occasional upset stomach. Trouble is, he is always on someone's camera. You may not like his music, but at the end of the day he has his fans out there and they care for him. I did not appreciate the many comments on I found reacting this video.

The video below is from a performance in Arizona — while his backing track continued to play. According to Digital Spy, the brief clip captures the pop star turning his back to the audience in the middle of the song “Out Of Town Girl” as he vomited, then for few seconds he exited the stage before returning shortly after to resume the show. Way to be a stand up guy, he is a grownup man already. Most would have canceled on the fans, but not Justin.

Once again the Bieb is a class act, he apologize about the audience  “It’s hard for me, you know, not feeling great and throwing up in front of a bunch of people,” he told the audience. He is a solid entertainer and this is not a big deal--it happens to the best of us.

Justin Bieber throws up on stage

Mai Selim & Amr Mostafa Random Duet

Amr Moustafa is insane when he speaks about politics, but he is one creative guy if he picks a guitar. He does wonders and he seems to be back on the saddle writing music--his latest work was for Assala. An older video has surfaced of the composer turned singer turned political hack doing a duet with Mai Selim. Amr Moustafa will have a new song on the Mohamed Hamaki 2012 album.

It's a cute song that seems to have broke with no prior coordination. Mai has not made new music recently--she is busy with her little gal. This is a cute duet that could be part of a bigger project. About those who get shy and do not speak their mind when in love

Mai Selim & Amr Mostafa - Entaa Ba`a "New Song"

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

The Voice Is A Stink Bomb! Where Are Those Viewers

The Arab edition of The Voice has the star power, and has the backing of the big network. What they do not have is the audience. I am a follower of Arab media on entertainment and have neither found stories about the show--they aired about three episodes and no one is talking. The social networks are not abuzz about this supposedly hot show. 

Here's why, there seems to be saturation of such shows. We have already Star Academy, Arabs Got Talent, And Arab Idol and now comes the Voice the latest additions in such singing competition. Plus one of the lead mentors is a guy who does not talk much about himself and does not speak to the media. the two others come with expiration date, and one lady has a lot of personal drama.

I like them as singers, but I am not sensing there is enough drama to get people to tune in. I think people might tune in later, but not now. something big has to happen for vierwrs to watch, the more viewers, the more the cash for the advertisers.

ريم عز الدين "الورد جميل" - #فريق_شيرين #احلى_صوت #MBCTheVoice


كريس جر "At Last" - #فريق_كاظم #احلى_صوت #MBCTheVoice

أمجد رحال "عز الحبايب" - #فريق_عاصي #احلى_صوت #MBCTheVoice

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

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

LIVE: Salallah Oman Reunites Carmin and Donya

They competed against one another for the title of Arab Idol, but TV makes it seem much worse than it really is. They seem to be the best of friends. In Salallah's Music Festival the two young ladies took on the stage and performed an AMAZING live performance, a cover of one of the most popular oldies in that part of the world.
 
People out there, like pop, but they do not go to concerts to dance, they go there to be amused with real music, old school Arabic music where poetry, original music and live entertainers all come together to give a nice sit down concert.

Both of Carmin Soliman (Egypt) and Donya Batma (Morocco) appeared next to one another for this concert. I wish the audio was better for their song together. They are both young--under 20 years of age. They have become stars in a really tough time, their next move is important.

On a side note, Oman went out for this dazzling stage, I did not think they cared much for details, but it seems they have given themselves a great music festival that can rival ones in places that has had concerts for decades now.

 يا منيتي - دنيا بطمة و كارمن سليمان - حفلات صلالة 2012


كارمن سليمان مهرجان صلاله 2012 الف ليله و ليله


دنيا بطمة - قالوا حبيبك مسافر - مهرجان صلالة 2012م

Ehab Tawfik US Tour Lands In Arlington

Ehab Tawfik is coming to America everyone get ready for this throwback to the 90s. He is the guy who helped shape Arabic pop--not so much the early 00s. He has released religious songs, but his best song that out early this year when he did a a lovely duet for Egypt.

His tour will come to America, and he recorded a special message asking you folks to come to his concert. I think Ehab means many things to many people, he is a likable guy with dozens of hit songs that we all have memorized. A lot of older unmarried ladies turned out for the intimate event, where the danced in the eyesight of the singer.

He is coming to Arlington, Virginia on the day of the Eid--August 19th. They will have a belly dancer there too. You only have to have 69 bucks. I think he may go to different cities too, but they have to see some demand. I would go just to see Ehab do Sa'hrany Leel We Nihar and Elly Medawbny!

Sary Stars is bringing him on this tour. Lilian is the nice lady who is a good friend of Ehab's is the one behind the concert and his concert from town years ago at the same location

Ehab Tawfik Message USA 2012 by Sary Stars

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

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

Iraq's National Anthem And Their Soccer Team

Iraq is having a rough road ahead as politicians are not murdering their people and turning in one another. They are also failing to deliver security to their people and have not manged to find a workable solution for their personal differences. Each group seems to seek help from a foreign government. There are those who get a boost from Iran, others get in from the United States, and some look toward Turkey and Saudi Arabia. In the meantime people are dying for no reason, bombs go off and people go to waste.

But there's still some hope at least for those who like soccer and good music. The national anthem--written by a Palestinian who loves all his follow Arabs. See Shatha Hassoun joins the Iraqi soccer team in performing the Iraqi National Anthem in a giant stadium. I adore the little Iraqi girl who makes me hopeful for a better future.  

موطني - النشيد الوطني العراقي مع المنتخب

WATCH: Zayn Malik and Niall From One Direction Fires Up The Night At The MTV Video Music Awards

One Direction took North America by storm as have quickly changed the focus of the MTV Video Music Awards, winning two early awards and stealing the attention from Rihanna and her other performer during the evening celebrating music.

But One Direction, lead by Zayn Malik the heartthrob British boy band, quickly took over, bringing thunderous cheers from the crowd upon winning best pop video. MTV tried something new this year, unveiling a double-decker red carpet that featured two stories of stars and celebrities. Thousands of fans lined up outside the show's new home, the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The house was packed in screaming One Direction fans who are into sugar pop.

You will be happy to know One Direction drew the loudest cheers of the day — something even rivals The Wanted acknowledged — even though fans had to labor under a scorching sun with the temperature at 90 degrees. But it was all worth the Katy Perry blowing kisses to each member of One Direction

It was the night's first televised award and one of five top-nominee Rihanna was up for. They also won the most share-worthy moonman during the pre-awards show. Katy Perry announced the first televised award of the night -- best pop video, which went to U.K. boy band One Direction for "What Makes You Beautiful."

One direction is the the first British act to debut atop the Billboard 200 album chart, seemed stunned as fans screamed upon announcement of their win. "We've grown up watching this show and to even be here is an honor," Niall Horan said before the band made its way through the crowd.
The New British Invasion Arrives, Conquers

Toni Qattan, The Guy Who Keeps Jordan Interesting

Few years ago, Jordan almost lost one of its youngest and brightest pop stars, Tony Qattan who was struggling with some serious health issues at the time. Two years later, he is back with force being the live of the party at Amman and Palestine biggest summer music festivals. We have shared his videos in Palestine this summer, and now comes his videos form his Amman concerts.

I like Tony he seems like a natural at this and he has always shown that he can keep the fans pleased with his varying style in between romance and folklore songs. He seems to be one of those happy people who you can tell if he is smiling--he seems to pull that one off very well.

Enjoy his own song and hgis cover of Jordan's most popular song Ya Saad. Not to mention Toni's good looks and high sense of style
 طوني قطان - دبك دبك حفلة 2012


طوني قطان يا سعد حفلة

WATCH: Elissa Concert أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي Par Ouailitto

So Elissa goes to Egypt, and headlines a massive concert where she brought her best hits to the country of 90 millions.  She appeared in that country's hockey stadium (an attachment to the Cairo staduim), people were dazzled, and the Lebanese diva is marking a great comeback concert that follows her smashing successful concert in her home--Lebanon

Elissa wore a modest yet gorgeous dress, orange dress! The stage seems to have been made just right for this mega concert where the fans finished the songs of Elissa before she started them. The concert was well organized and seems to have been a lot of fun where the songstress gave the concert goers a great time.

This is Elissa's first concert in post Mubarak Egypt, the venue fits 30 thousand people, three police units were in charge of protecting Elissa in addition of her personal guards who had to fight off many fans and admirers. Fun facts, Elissa lost one of her diamond earning as she was performing--she did not realize it till later. Some fan messed around with a laser pointer something that Elissa asked him to stop doing--she cut off the song to do that. Elissa was also caught off guard reading the lyrics to one of her songs on stage.

elissa أجواء حفل إليسا بنادي استاد الهوكي par ouailitto

Elissa And Her Lovely Boys Live On Stage

You have heard that Elissa is very close to her buddy Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury. They have performed together, appeared together in a number of events and media appearances. Some have even them linked romantically, so there you have it. Elissa has a concert recently in Beruit where Wael Kafoury was in attendance. She tried to get him to sing along her side by doing one of his songs--which they have performed together before. The crowd wanted him too, but Wael did not seem to be in the mode.

Wael polity apologized, Elissa played it cool, and told him as he wishes. She did not finish the song, but she tried to still tease the singer. Later that night, she performed with another young and charming singer who has composed one of her latest songs Ziad Bourji who with love performed a duet with Elissa and both seemed to enjoy their time.

It was a very entertaining concert where Elissa was much more fun and less awkward than people have gotten to be used to. It was her moment in the spotlight after not a great start for the year. Note, the change of outfits by the singer.

Elissa sings for Wael Kfoury / اليسا تغني ل وائل كفوري


Elissa and Ziad Bourji - Krehtak Ana / اليسا و زياد برجي - كرهتك انا

Best Of Mohamed Mounir "Voice Of Egypt" Live Concert

If you ever wanted a rock star personality, then you will find it with colorful Egyptian. He is the guy who take local music and makes it international with simple formula, make the music faster, but maintain the local flavor. For more than 20 years and this rock star has been in the business and has claimed a center stage. No one can make concerts as big as he can, that's why the biggest companies chase him down to sponsor his events. Yet he still has the fan's love and appreciation.

He loves the motherland--it's easy when you have been called the Voice of Egypt. He knows Egypt inside out like no other musicians ever could. His Ultras has uploaded a number of his songs which he has performed in his Marina concert--he took a nationalist tone as he declared "My Full Time Job is Egyptian", I can never move to another country, he concluded.

For some reason Mohammed Mounir seems the only star in Egypt who has no problem getting permits for his mega concerts--Amr Diab seems to have trouble doing that. Mounir keeps his cool like when his fans ran a game to see who can guess what color pants the singer will wear--they thought orange or red....he rocked the white pairs.

 محمد منير : أنا بشتغل مصرى


محمد منير - الليله يا سمره - حفلة مارينا 2012
 

محمد منير - يا حمام - مارينا



 محمد منير - رمـان - حفلة مارينا

Beirut Got Religion With Sami Yusuf Concert سامي يوسف في بيروت

This might sound silly a bit when it starts as the British Muslim rocker tries to make music out of his audience in his latest Beirut Appearance. I have no idea that the city of Beirut cared for Sami or his music--sure there are people who are non Muslim who enjoy the cool music Sami Yusuf makes, but his concert in Lebanon was a nice surprise.

Sami is a great musician with a heart of gold, he has made his fame all over the world with his music. His success has lead to the creation of many copy cats, but he remains the guy who did it first and made it possible for all the others to follow.

His concert was packed and the fans do memorize his songs, he has a great sense of humor when he teased the men of Lebanon. He dazzled the concert goers with his music and his persona. Props to Beirut for bringing out Sami to ring in the Muslim Eid.

Sami Yusuf in Beirut Holidays 2012 / سامي يوسف في بيروت