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

Video: Baladeyat Band "The Mean Zionist" Odd Song

For me as a Palestinian, Zionists are no different than terrorists. They may have a good name now in some parts of the world, but they were never anything good for Palestine. They murdered people, imprisoned thousands, shot and injured hundreds of thousands, and terrorized otherwise peaceful people.

I once asked the Michael Oren the Israeli Ambassador in the United States (an event at Georgetown University  this question: "You are an American citizen from New Jersey, you gave that up to go and become an Israeli, even though you have a choice to live somewhere else, I do not have a choice to move from Palestine, how do you explain that?"

His response was this, "I am a Jewish person, for us Jews we need to be responsible. Going to Israeli is part of being a responsible Jew" So this is what one Zionist believes. Zionists live in a different universe than the rest of us and they love re-writing history. I am hardly an activist, but you do not need to be one to see that one it comes to Israeli mentality, injustice is all around.

So when I read about a new song that went viral, I am always up for it, but then I learn the song is titled "Mean Zionist", I was intrigued to give this song a listen. The band behind the song is known as "Baladeyat Band" It's an Egyptian band that goes by the the name which means Homies.

As for the song is about being sarcastic, the voice of an Israeli telling his side of the story, as it looks to many around the world. The song also speaks about Mubarak sweet gas deal, and that time when people looked like Tamer Hosny. This is like watching Saturday Night Live, it offers many zingers, loaded humor and random elements like Santa Clause.

This is an original, the music was adapted from the Ukrainian folklore.  song, Baladeyat Band works on a lot of Originals for us, we write, compose and arrange 95% of our songs. I am hoping this video won't be taken down anytime soon. As for musical style, the music video below reminds of one of my favorite odd American Bands "Bowling For Soup"  

بلديات Baladeyat band - "أنا صهيونى واطي" "Mean Zionist"



وتقول كلمات الأغنية:

أنا اسرائيلي سادي, باكل حدادي، واخطف أرواح ملايين
أصلي صهيوني واطي, ومش اعتباطي أحتل أنا فلسطين
هعمل مظلوم مجروح, واستر وشي المفضوح, بالإعلام والألبندات
زيّك زي المسيح, بإيدي دمه يسيح, وهحارب كل الديانات
فين أيام جمال وأبوه, كات(كانت)أيام تمام ياهو
خدنا الغاز بدون فاتورة والعرب شبه تمّورة
فين أيام, فين أيام المخلوع ياهو
مضيت معاهدات مع حبيبي سادات علشان أكسركم لسنين
لو هتسيبوني أعيش واّ كل عليكم عيش, دوركم جاي يا مصريين
فجأة أتهزت الدنيا هزة, فركة كعب يادوب من غزة
الأحرار شباب الثورة قاموا قبل سادس دورة
كانوا فايقين, شكلي تاني هشيل تلاته وسبعين
أنا اسرائيلي سادي, باكل حدادي, واخطف أرواح ملايين
أصلي صهيوني واطي, ومش اعتباطي احتل أنا فلسطين

Elissa Cancels Disorganized Turkey Concert

Lebanese songstress called of a plan to hold a concert in Turkey. She made that call once she has learned the planning for the concert and the promotes are so disorganized.

Some people are trying to make a big deal out of this, but via Twitter Elissa is telling people, she has no regrets and she made that decision to honor her fans who deserve great concerts. Some other ladies of pop are making a big deal out of this and spreading rumors that the concert did not sell.

I do not know much, but I respect Elissa for making that call, a concert has to be top notch, a disorganized appearance leaves a bad taste. She has apologized to her fans in Turkey and promised to be reunited with them soon.

elissa sa3at 2012 with lyrics

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. 

News On Sick Arab Stars and Hospital Bills

There are few Arab stars who lay in hospital beds at the moment

1. Sha'aban Abdel Rahim was sick and smoking is to blame. And I am sure his weight and diet have something to do it it. The folksy "Sha'abi" style singer is no stranger to health scares and he is making a full recover. 
2. George Wassouf have left his hospital in Sweden after staying day for few weeks in rehabilitation post his health scare. His fans are worried for this iconic Syrian singer, but in fairness we have almost lost him a year ago.
3. Diana Karazon had trouble breathing, seeing and fatigue. The doctors concluded it's some issue you with her nose, she had a surgery and recovering just now. Once fully recovering, she will be touring the States for concerts. 
4. The mighty legend of Lebanese song Wadie El Safy was submitted to a hospital for few days in his home Lebanon. A leaked picture of Wadei surfaced and he looks really good and I love him for it. I know Wadie loves those Syrian doctors, they are on the reasons he has a spacial place in his heart of Syria.   
5. The legendary Egyptian composer Ammar El Sharie awaits government approval to get treatment on the government dime. Ammar has age issues and have suffered a health scare. Ammar helped shaped Egyptian music for the past 40 years, he is a talented composer.
6. Al Mogy Jr., an Egyptian composer and the song of a legendary one with the same name has been caught in a exchange with the Artists guild who has not approved funding his treatment. He too needed medical attention.

Aside note: Arab press knows no limits to privacy really. If an entertainer is in the hospital  they all need tom know why and certainly they want a picture--something not cool to do here.

I love how Arab stars or some of them, make lots of money and try not to pay taxes. Then when they get sick, they ask the governments to pay their bill because they are somehow national treasures. 

Nancy Ajram Should Keep Away From Arab Idol

To be on TV on weekly audience is not a job for the weak in heart, nor is it for those who are busy with a lovely family and a super impressive music career. Nancy is a successful lady, a lovable person and a sweet spirit. She will most certainly be a great addition to the show and she will get the flocks of viewers too.  

Ragheb Alama

• ✔

@raghebalama

سلام للحبايب.قالت لي العصفورة انه في إحتمال ان تنضم نانسي عجرم إلينا في لجنة تحكيم آراب أيدول 2. هذا خبر جميل بالنسبة لي ولكم أكيد😄 انشالله

30 Sep 12

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It will started with a tweet from super star and classy singer Ragheb Alama who has tweeted in Arabic the following "A little birdie told me, there's a possibly Nancy Ajram might be one of the judges on Arab Idol Season 2, this is good news for me and certainly for you too" Nancy did not comment but she re-tweeted the Ragheb tweet.

Let's look at this, Nancy is already over stretched with her music career bringing her media appearances in Lebanon, Egypt and the Gulf. She has two little girls who love their mommy and a committed husband. Together they make and they are sweet family, the Arab Idol will require too much time, and it will over expose the songstress on TV. She will be in every house for the duration of the season.

She will get the media coverage, and she will always be on the news as long as she is on this show, so there might be an overload for Nancy Ajram from the listener point of view. I would check with the other singers and see how has this affected their careers and their lives as well.

It might rub some people the wrong way and it might allow people to stare at her soul in the face as every comment and gesture she makes will be recorded and analyzed at home. I do not know if Nancy Ajram is up to that. She is one of those talented singers who have done literary everything right. She has the career many around the world can only dream of; the family that one prays for and the love of the masses--young and old.

I would like to see her on TV, but as a business decision it might be a risky one. Either way the audience wins.  
Nancy Ajram - Enta Eih / نانسى عجرم - إنت إيه

Where Is Outlandish When You Need Them To Pop?

I was introduced to band Outlandish by an American roommate of mine at college. He comes from the great state of Washington and he was a fan. He thought I would like the band because they have Islamic feel to them and the lead vocalist has Moroccan origins (Isam Bachiri).

The band has Pakistani and Danish upbringings, two band mebers are Muslims and one Catholic from Cuban origins. he band does a fresh take on hip-hop/R&B/soul music. The bulk of their songs is in English, but they usually feature lyrics in Spanish, Urdu/Punjabi, Danish, and Arabic which gives their tracks an exotic flavor few global stars can claim.

Their hit song Aicha took the world by storm and was well received in places like Asia namely South Korea. Their other tracks often top the charts in European capitals. The band has participated in the Evening of Inspiration concerts since 2006.  They continue to be involved in a number of causes and their music inspires hope.

I have not heard any new songs from their band in at least three years now. Below is a track that I was touched by.

Outlandish Callin U

The Latest Arabic Entertinament News Roundup

1. Moroccan songstress Laila Ghofran invested in an Egyptian restaurant in Morocco. She flew from Egypt to launch the restaurant in a first non music activity. The idea came to her as she was looking into starting up a business. She does not find Egyptian food in Morocco  so she hired two Egyptian chefs to bring the authentic flavors to the Maghreb. In other news, Laila has a new album that should be released in time for Eid- Al Adha.   
2. Rumors that Nancy Ajram will be the next judge on Arab Idol Season 2. Ragheb Alama tweeted the rumor which Nancy Ajram re-tweeted to her followers. Not sure if Nancy will be replacing on of the four judges and if so who would it be?
3. X-Factor is looking for a judge and it seems Iraqi songstress Shatha Hassoun has thrown her hat in the race for the post. X-Factor is the only Western show that has not been adapted in Arabia. Shatha has not confirmed or denied the news, but she is getting a new manger whose former clients included Rashid Al Majid. 
4. Fayrouz Karawya will be headline a concert in the Egyptian House of Opera on October 19, 2012. The concert will be held in the open air pavilion. The songstress will perform her new songs from "Baram Menny", the delightful album that took six years to make.  
5. The Arab legend and master of Lebanese song Wadih Al Safy is recovering in a Beirut hospital. He is out of the ICU and has been receiving droves of visitors in his hospital suite. Wadih is a survivor who meants a lot to different people. We wish him well. 

Cyrine Abdelnour Gets Into The Lingerie Business

I give credit to the Gulf based Arab lingerie company for doing something people wanted. Start a bosh lingerie and sleepwear company, built its brand and always be on the media by hiring new stars to promote your brand. Among the Arab ladies who have singed up and endorsed the products are Diana Haddad, Yara, Razan Al Moghraby, and now Cyrine Abdelnour.

This is how you build a brand, you make a good product, you put on a show and pick beloved entertainers to make your product seem high end. The Dubai based company is doing something right, I think picking Cyrine Abdelnour is a clever move, she is on top of her game her TV drama "Ruby" was a massive hit. Her music career is about to see a surge. She is likable.

Nayomi is thriving in a conservative society that has a guilty pleasure of all things intimate. The CEO is doing his job by increasing the brand awareness without getting in fights with conservative voices. They only showcases the sleepwear not that other stuff. The brand has expanded into selling perfumes and lotions.

Nayomi Summer 2012 Collections Fashion Show with Yara

DAM And Their Damn Good Rap

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

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

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

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

BREAKING: Egyptian Soccer Ultras Attacks Al-Ahly Club

Ultras or the fan squad of Al Ahly soccer club are angry, they broke into the club, and reached few players whom they beat up really bad. The Ultras is trying to stop the games until they bring justice to the murdered fans of last year.

The club was training its players in Nasir, away from the city and the field closer to the action. But the fans have reached them and more than 500 fans surrounded the training camp. Sever;la people manged to break into the stadium. The security was reported to have fled the scene as they were under staffed. Ayman Sideed ann Ayman Mi'awad were severely beaten. Spouses of those players are others are facing nervous break downs.

The minister of sports and the club administrators urged the police to intervene and protect the club. Those clashed have been dubbed as the "Sun Shine Battle". Some maintain that no violence has took place and only a verbal exchange took place between some players and the fans.

Al Ahly football has been a champion for a long time, but their ultras and fans do not seem them championing the cause of the tens of the murdered fans during the game against Port Said. Only one player has backed the Ultras up and went against the wishes of his mangers. The legendary Mohamed Abu Trika is being punishing for speaking out and refusing to play a game before they avenge the murdered fans.

Abu Trika has won the love, appreciation of the fans and the anger of his club. They slapped him with a big fee and he will have to pay. He was kind and tried not to make a big deal out of it.  This is only bad for Egypt soccer team. The best players will abandon their club and head somewhere else safer. 

Hookah Lounges: Girls, Arabic Music, And Shisha

Hookah lounges are becoming popular in North America, they took off in the early to mid 2000 and were all over the place. Thanks to the Iraq war, more Americans would come home searching for that flavor of hookah and aroma. Kids from Saudi Arabia are regulars, the owners of the establishment tend to treat them like they are some royals.

Luckily, more and more Arab Americans started opening up such places around American cities. It became hip to be smooking hookahs at those lounges. And thus Arab students and expats in America would bring their freinds along for a visit. Mint tea, music videos, and hookah. Food is also an option. But music played a big part in those businesses.

In 2005 more music videos has been made than any year before. That means who ladies with less clothes and more pop songs to play in your store. American would look at those clips and shatter their ideas of conservative Arabs. Ruby and her bike, Marwa and her horse were punchlines. All of sudden, you could not miss Arabic music videoes. Then came in YouTube and it has become easy for everyone to access music videos from home. Lounges used to bring CDs/DVD from home with those videos. The more recent your music videos the more Arab Americans turn out to your lounge.

At 20 bucks a pop for Hookah, business was amazing. A hookah costs less than 2 bucks to serve, fetches 20 bucks, that's pure cash gold. Tea is three bucks, and yes they may have a minimum charge. Hookah lounges are not known for their dance floors, but if you want to dance, you can. Sometimes, they would bring in a professional belly dancer to make the boys and the ladies happy.

I love the Moroccan style seating where you sit on the floor, not a chair. This way you get cozy, spend more time, and hopefully more dollars. I never liked hookah, but I would go for a hot drink and some music videos. I never was your stereotypical Arab I never liked coffee and do not like the hookah and I only watch the World Cup. But music videos are my thing.

Paymon's Hookah Lounge

Why Do I Don't Like Super Nancy Music Video But Love The Songs

Nancy Ajram is making one gigantic music video more than 8 minutes long where she mushes a number of songs that she included in her kiddie album "Super Nancy" I love the songs, they are cute, fun and help cheer both grownups and kids alike. A colorful music video with a lot of computer generated affects, graphics and cool animation too. Leila Kanaan did a super awesome job creating this rich music video.

The music video and the animation create a place that resembles the Swiss landscape. Kids are shown drinking chocolate milk and baking sweets. Keep on mind this is not Nancy Ajram's first product endorsement. She had voiced songs for Nesquik and A water park in Egypt. She is a business lady and that's nothing to be ashamed of.

I have one problem though, why is she using a fun and good music video to promote brand? Is it really worth it to sell milk /juice to kids? I feel cheated as Nancy is starting an issue for many parents who will not be able to purchase/find such drinks. The lalbe clearly says Nada I disapprove for many reasons. Nancy does not need the money so bad to turn her music video into a long commercial targeting kids. The company she is promoting is based in Saudi Arabia and has presence through out the Middle East.

It's one thing to get a sponsor, it's another to target kids at such a young age. Here's the message, Nancy is making a product cool--not a bad thing if you are the company making that product. But kids are being taking for a ride. Nancy Ajram is a world class songstress and like all of us she makes mistakes, turning a fun music video into a commercial targeting kids is not cool--even in the States they have rules against that.

   كليب نانسى عجرم - سوبر نانسى 2012 | كليب يابنات 2012

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

Weird! Every time Disaster Strikes, Someone Makes A Song

When people are sad, they want to be given an opportunity to recover from it. Kind words, best wishes and such are helpful. I am not sure making songs is the best way to help people recover--what good does it really do? I give you this, songs often fit commemoration sad occasions and parented to honor the victims. When in reality  it's all self serving and it's all about personal glory.

If I am wrong why each time, a song like this plays, a commercial to buy a coke, or a washing detergent plays? Because, they need to pay the bills, and sobbing alone does not bring anything.

Take the massacre that took place in the Sinai desert--the fallen hero were gunned down by thugs, and clowns who use religion to achieve their own narrow agendas. Yet, the singers of Egypt could not leave it alone and instead put together an old song and brought it back.

When the song Seena was released few years ago, nobody cared much. Now it comes back to life. While I love the song, I have no clue how it helps. They made songs about peace yet people have none. Maybe I am being cynical, but someone has to look at things in a different light.

Various - Seena / المجموعة - سيناء

Jwail Hatim "Joelle Hatem" Nude Lebanese Model

Jwail Hatim, some know her as a model the internet knows her as the girl who wears bikinis. She is Lebanese model with a foreign name. The dudes on the show where she appeared are encouraging her to pose for playboy. She has their full support or as they said, "this is the demonstration that we will join"  Jwail is pron in America to a Lebanese father and a Brazilian mother--she is a South Carolina native.

I have been doing some reading about her and she claims to have worked in Europe and in America, so she has nothing to hide. Among her statements, I do not mind posing for Playboy if it's an artistic shot. Jwail think the folks in Lebanon are not cultured enough to tell the difference between porn and artistic nudity. "I don't feel ashamed, I love my body" she has said in an interview here

She has been known for being bold and doing jobs other models won't do, she has been popular with magazine covers. She likes sports and avoids carbs and fat. I do not know what to think of her, she seems to have a good career out of what she is doing. If people did not like her, she would stop doing what she is doing.

Mtv- Joelle - lebanese international TOP MODEL


جويل حاتم تبدي استعدادها للظهور بمجلة بلاي بوي

Haifa Wehbe Is Not Getting A Divorce, Okey?

Lebanese pop diva Haifa Wehbe did something usual on her Twitter account, she got personal. Haifa Wehbe shut a number of media outlets who have claimed she is getting a divorce from her young Egyptian business man Ahmed Abu Hashima. Those tweets are still hot. Haifa and the young businessman got married in April 2009 and they have manged to keep the marriage work.

Below are the tweets from Haifa where she is stating the facts. She will sue those who spread rumors and lies about her personal life. She also asks reporters to be professionals. I respect that, but Haifa this is part of being a star. You must take the good and the bad. It's not easy to make a marriage work when your every move in public is under a microscope.

I'm going to address something so everyone better open your eyes and ears cause I'm only saying this ONCE before my lawyers take action.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

I'm not divorced nor Am i going through a divorce. Ahmed and i are living our happiest days and no one can touch what we have nor break us.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

All these websites and their rumors. Leave us in peace and stay away from my family. Be professional and report facts, not LIES.
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) September 17, 2012

haifa wehbe - ragab

WATCH: A Fistfight In Lebanon At A Movie Premier

A Kingdom of Ants is a historic Lebanese produced about the drama Palestinian struggle. They booked a a theater in Beirut and invited journalists and the media to attend. That was the greatest mistake they have made, as journalists picked a fight and stole the spotlight from the movie and the stars.

A cameraman, a reporter and few other bystanders got caught in a fight. This was a shameful chain of events.  Arabica and MBC crews are the ones they started the fight, and since there were many men and testostrone, there were exchanging insults and fists. Supposedly, they fought over disagreement who gets to interview the lead actress first.

This is so unprofessional, and why are they tossing tripods? If you only want to see the fistfight, forward toward the middle of the clip. Aside from the fistfight, I really want to see this film it seems to have been well funded and I see stuff blowing up. It does have subtitle too.

شجار وعراك في افتتاح "مملكة النمل"

Here's How The Anti-Islam Filmmaker Nakoula Basseley Looks Like

Leave it to the Brits to do some real journalism. The Britich newspaper, "The Daily Mill" published the first newspaper for the man behind the movie maker who sat the Middle East on fire. He posed for a picture with Anna Gurji, the actress that played the role of Aicha. Who has told the paper, the movie was supposed to be a bout a comet that hit the earth, and the people have thought of it a holy thing.  Nakoula Basseley  Nakoula – also known as Sam Bacile

He has paid the actors 75 bucks for their acting a day and gave them free lunch. He had duped all of them, and by doing so he has put all their lives in dancer recklessly. He has forget that all religions preach against lying.

As for his look, he looks like a sleazy shit head that he is--a drug dealer as we know now. His mustach cannot be anything good.

The Curious Case Of Domnique Horany

Domnique Horany is a pop songstress from Lebanon. She is a B list celebrity that has a good run four years ago. She does not have a great voice, but that never stopped her peers from making a career out of a nice image and a sexy version of reality.

Yesterday,  I am reading tweets from Domnique Horany where she is accusing Egyptian diva Ghada Ragab of staling one of her 2011 songs. She has gone out of her way to make very bold accusations. Not only does she accuse the Egyptian singer of stealing her song, she goes after writer Baha Dina Mohamed and the aranger Hani abd Karim.

Dominique Hourani@DominiqueHorani

Ghada rajab stole my song ya habibi khalli balak of my album dominique 2011

12 Sep 12

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Dominique Hourani@DominiqueHorani

Writer Baha2 dine mohamed ,arranger hani abd karim and singer ghada rajab stole my song

12 Sep 12

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Domonique might be right, because no one really has heard her song. I had to search for it and nothing good comes up. It does sound a lot like one of Ghada's songs, but I do not think that beat is exclusive to Dominique it sounds like a demo. 

 Plus maybe Domonique should focus on her recent divorce. She has gotten married, had a baby and said she was married. As far as I know, no one has ever interviewed that husband who is supposed to be a wealthy Persian business man living in Europe. Now she is divorced--five years of marriage. 

Sexy Dominique in "Khalli Balak" clip / "دومينيك سكسي في كليب "خللي بالك