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

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

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

Does Maher Zain Really Believe In This Stuff?

Maher Zain makes good soulful Muslim rock music, he is a true global star with fans that goes places where even Islam might not be the official religion. He packs stadiums and concert halls where his tickets are sold ahead of time. At the end of the day, it's a job that pays well that has made him into a public figure.

But he strikes me as a guy who cares enough about his music, I cannot speak about his faith. I am sure he is a fine family guy. But faith is between him and God. So his fans are right to point out, how awesome this guy really is. But at least I know there has to be a separation between the message and the messenger.

The message is clearly good and universal--even not Muslims can find Maher's lyrics meaningful, but he should not expected to lead a saint like life. I know he has a good name around the world and that's great, BUT, if Maher does not listener to his fans and mind the business side, we would not know about him and by the same token, he would not be around for long. That's why he pushes his social media bookmarking. It helps spread the message and also help bring in the cash.

In sum, balance is the key....Maher has it right, good music and good personality. While we wait, enjoy the track below where Maher seeks guidance.

Maher Zain - Guide Me All The Way | Official Lyrics Video

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)

Review: "The Inevitable Change" Album By Qusai

Qusia might have just figured out how to make an album with a true positive message that speaks to the youth and speaks of their aspirations and frustrations. The word rapper and intellectual should not belong to the sae sentence, but Qusai might have merged the two world with the release of his much celebrated album "The Inevitable Change" an album not made on the cheap, an album in which traditions and heartfelt lyrics are crucial ingredients.

This is an album that will seal the mouths of those who have criticized rap and rappers, because with his lyrics flow and uplifting verses Qusai puts it all together in one album. The album has 12 tracks and offer a verity of songs in both English and Arabic. Qusai seems like a nice guy whose fans are truly in love with him. Those who might not love him cannot help but respect the Saudi rapper who knows that for rap to go mainstream in Arabia, it has to promote old values and things that people like to hear--pan-Arab unity and good virtues.

The album is a huge collaboration between the West and East--do not miss the hard rock bit and other fusions. I can now safely say, that with Qusai making music, the excuse to "I do not listen to Arabic songs" is no longer relevant. Why? Because Qusai can do both languages/styles and you would not tell the difference. For those politically savvy, will cheer the track on what see around us as a result of the Arab Spring--the album does not forget about Palestine--which he rightfully dubs, the Number one issue

Qusia kicks of his album with the verse Peace Be Upon You and then jumps into it. Qusia who has spend his time well in the States perfected (and perhaps improve) on this rebellious art form. But don't panic, the album has its fun parts with fresh beats and dance moments. The album is like an autobiography for Qusai who takes his listeners into a eye-popping journey that started in Saudi Arabia with a layover in America. You will feel that you move form the local mosque, to the souk, into the coffee shop, then into the club without ever getting disoriented or bored.

While thee has been many popular Arab rappers in the past 15 years or so, no one has worked as hard as Qusai has shown. Qusai has a lot of offer which he makes look easy because most of his hard work is behind the scenes. This is one produ rapper who has manged to be different by being proud of what makes him so great--home.
  
Arab World Unite (Official Music Video) | اتحاد العرب


قصي - يلا | Qusai - Yalla

Cairokee

This Band was brought to life when Amir (vocal) and Hawary (guitarist) when they started singing in Arabic out of humour, really. They thought to themselves why not take it seriously and go Arabic all the way, since it’s their mother tongue while blending it with the Rock influences they have grown to love and admire: this created a really exotic and if nothing else.Is mainly playing rock but in an Egyptian lyrics and flavour, the name is aspired from both the words "Cairo" and "Karaoke" which means singing along with Cairo. The band first, started by the name “The Black Star” which means the Unseen Star, where they used to play English covers. But the band was seriously formed in the year 2003, ever since the band has performed live in various places. The idea of playing music and performing live was a childhood dream for all the members of the band.

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