Jad Choueiri Directs Diana Haddad's Next Video

The hip and bold music video director Jad Choueiri is taking up a new challenge. His assignment is to make traditional conservative Lebanese singer and mother of two cute girls Diana Haddad look hot. Together they filmed the music video in Beirut and in London.

Diana Haddad has those natural looks, she is non threatening and most people tend to like her. She has never gotten herself in a side fight or a controversy. This is why it's so surprising to hear the news about her next music video for a new single will be directed by none by bad boy Jad Choueiri. Jad seems to really have wanted the gig and Diana needed a fresh take as her last music videos have failed to bring her in a good light.

To her credit, Diana said, she went to the guy for his recent work, not the bold music videos he directed in 2004 to 2008. The guy seems to want to get creative without all that over the top sexy themes. The good news, the lyrcis for the new song "My heart is Loyal" has been written by the lyricists who seems never to make a bad a song, Faris Iskander.  

Diana Haddad Ya 3aibo

Laila Gofran 2012 Music Video Promo Surfaces

Laila Gofran is not 20 years old anymore, I know of her when she was in her late 20s. I studied for High School listening to her covers of the great songs of Abdel Halim Hafiz. She did it right then, and since then she has not had the great success she is owed. A smart and a warm voice ought to have a place in the music scene with her two year old song

This Moroccan lady who made a second home for herself and her family in Cairo--her own daughter was murdered in that town. She has been working on her latest album, and as you can see from the promo Laila looked younger than ever. Seriously, she looks like she has not aged and she is pushing on 50 now. Laila had a good single in 2009 about losing someone close to the heart. It became an instant hit because it felt coming form her deep soul.

Gofran who just invested in an Egyptian restaurant in her home town in Morocco will be making a music comeback shortly. I hate for this talented songstress to become famous for being famous.  I think she should move to the Gulf for a year or two and try to reboot her career from there. The Gulf has always been welcoming to the ladies of Morocco who can sing.

Clever boy Kareem Mohsen composed the music for the song, and the clip was filmed more than two years ago but due to production issues it has been delayed.

 tal 3'eabak | lila 3ofran | طال غيابك | ليلي غفران

سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Hamada Helal is back with a new album, and we are all enjoying the samples for this upcoming album. I am loving each of the tracks Hamada will release. Sweet, happy, funny and heartbroken are the colors of the upcoming album. Hamada manages to do what other stars fail so bad in doing which is recreating his old songs with new material and song songs. He works withing a formula.

It works for Hamada because he keeps the album energizing as you can dance and part to this album. Not using fancy words helps, by finding middle ground language. Most people who are asking a fun album, they are not looking for a mental workout. Not exactly street language and not that one you need to go to school to process. Keeping humor is also a signature Helel move, it helps him be one of us--he is not too rigid.

Hamada is on top of pop culture reference and when he brings them in his songs it seems he is speaking to his doorman not to his university professor. In one track Helal wears a sponge bob costume and wins the kids over. But he also keeps college kids with a couple sad songs where he lets his emotion out of the bag. This is how you keep a balance and this is how you move records.

I can assure you this, Hamada's album is a golden chance for the cassette market to redeem itself. Everyone in the streets of Egypt and beyond want to be buddies with Helal. They can take a peice of him with them home when they purchase his album.

Enjoy the sample  

 سيمبلات البوم حماده هلال ماتقولهاش Samples Hamada Helal 2012

Watch This Funny Promo For Samo Zain's Song

Samo Zaen is almost back with a new music video, to promote it, he has gotten himself a DJ sidekick, a beach-side drink and Beats headphones. Not sure who is this DJ dude with him, but they seem to be best of buddies. He does not speak English so we have to hear Samo Zain speaking English.

The English is funny, but so is Samo he is a prankster and a guy who likes jokes. I know I liked this song for which this promo was made, but I think it's too European for me. Samo is back in the concert market in Egypt where he spends most of his time.

The song is out, but not the music video...the song is recorded in the Egyptian dialect and sounds like a nice club mix yet the lyrics are gooey and sweet

 برمبو كليب ساموزين بتحلوى 2012


ساموزين - بتحلوى || النسخة الاصلية

Iraq Could Use A Happy Song, Thanks Walid El Shami

Walid El Shami is preparing a gift for his people in Iraq, a techno song where he is filming a music video for it in Dubai where he is based. A mix of Iraqi and Gulf music, a fusion he calls it in a nightclub. There will be a dance troupe. I am ready to claim that Iraqis drink Arabic music with their mother's milk, they appreciate good music. And better they know how to make it.

I like Walid, he makes good music, and he helps a lot of other Iraqi singers with music. I know he is a big deal with his fans who love his fresh music. Watch the interview below talking about the music video and the crew.

The song is set to release next week, I am certain it will be a happy song with a lot of energy, you can see the behind the scenes. Keep on mind, things have not been going so well in Iraq lately and I know your prayers will be asking for peace.


وليد الشامي خذني وياك 2012

Hamada Helal 2012 Album البوم حمادة هلال - متقولهاش

Egyptian pop star Hamada Hilal is one hot entertainer. when he is not busy making blockbuster movies, he is recording albums in the studio. The two careers often overlap, but one thing this is a gifted singer with a great sense of humor. He is due for a new album--he has not made one in years now.

The sample for his new yet to be released album is making the rounds on the internet. I have gave it a listen and I am serious, this is a good light pop album with fresh and fun lyrics. The music is catchy. Hamada makes it look easy to bring out the hits. He is a smart singer, he makes good choices that fit his style and advance his brand.

This is one family guy who knows pop and knows how to fire up a party. He is often doing them all over Egypt. In few short years Hilal has become a household name in Arabia, he is a lovable guy who lives in the real world. But he is more than pop too, he does romance and goes the blues. A lot of people like whatever songs he makes. I would say 80 percent of he makes is pure gold, the rest has its fans.

His 2012 album will have 10 tracks and you can hear the samples to hear for yourself the melodies and the lyrics. I love the third track because it comes in the Saaidy peasant dialect. We do not hear many of those songs going mainstream. Track four makes reference of Egypt number one goalkeeper Al Hadary, and Angelina Jolie.

01 - Aker We Aataref
02 - Asly We Fasly
03 - El Zeana El Aala
04 - Goan
05 - Haga Keda
06 - Malek Ya Donia
07 - Matoolhash
08 - Shof Men Emta
09 - Yarab Nefdal Keda
10 - Sponge Bob

اغنية سبونج بوب حمادة هلال

Ghida Nouri's Upcoming Video Blog Jokes and Looks

Ghida Nouri is an Egyptian blonde that gives her an advantage over other entertainers. She is also funny that can make her career. She was a frequent guest at the popular news satire show by Dr. Bassem Yousef where she told joked and sometimes, thy joked about her exotic look and her being from a ghetto part of Egypt. I am familiar with some male mentality in Egypt who tend to give females a hard time.

There's a promo for her upcoming show she gets her own show and she is trying to tell people she has what it takes. It seems that she has many fans out there and other celebrities also endorse her. The promo's weirdness and lacks focus does not tell you much. I think it's refreshing to see a female in that role--there has been one before her that has a really cool show (Mona Toof anyone?)

So watch the video and let us know what you think. I do not see the video doing Ghida Nouri a favor, I am certain she is more than a pretty face. But I think a lot of people like her just for the looks. I do not connect with her jokes yet, but good looking girls are usually funnier. I hope her video blog or vlog offer a lot of jokes but purpose. I know I admire Ghaida's effort to highlight the struggle of some Egyptian  women during the latest revolution.

Ghida Nouri welcome to prime time!


غيدا نوري: الحلقة زيرو :Ghida Nouri #Zero
   

Majid Al Mohandes 2012 Romance Album Teaser

Iraqi singer Majid Al Mohandes is the lord of pop music in the Gulf region, he has made a lot of Iraqi songs too, but they are not why he is so well know. He makes good music for the Gulf, and often collects a lot of money from his concerts appearances and [private functions.

But he is not just about the money, he likes to be a big deal in places like Lebanon and Egypt. So once in a blue moon, he releases something that goes mainstream. He is very good this way. His album sell big in the Gulf, but his romantic singles top the charts in Beirut, Morocco and Syria. I do not like his albums, I find myself loving his singles.

He is a very sweet guy where words coming from his mouth are sweeter than anything you have ever heard. He comes a cross as a sensitive soul that can be broken by the simplest things. He is very sincere. The dudes of the internet love his voice and appreciate his songs. unmarried guys think, they are the perfect lovers, it's not until they get married when they find out, they really are not so. Until then Majid will help them heal and fall in love with that imaginary soul

Majid Al Mohandes NEW Album Teaser "Ana Wayyak" - "ماجد المهندس "أنا وياك

Waad El Bahary, The Great Syrian Singer Revival

Waad El Bahary lost close to 40 pounds for her upcoming video. The producer and picture direction, they wanted an image reboot to launch the music video for one of the songs in her latest album. Image is too important to let for chances. Waad is a lady with a voice worth its weight in gold.

But a good look is key to any music video. A makeover is essential and allows people to see an entertainer in a new light. I am loving this new look! It looks like we are now cooking with gas. A good song deserves a great music video and Waad is given her best.

No need to show above the shoulder....Waad is really ready for a closeup. This Syrian songstress is making Arabic music sound fresh again. Speaking of which, do you ever notice that Syrian ladies who can rock the house tend to be a little be larger? This is no strange....as most of those seasoned opera singers tend to be the same thing.

Tagreba soon - Waad El Bahary تجربه قريبا - وعد البحرى

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

Here Are The Albums To Be Released In The Eid

1. Hossam Habib is releasing his pop album, this would be hi first since 2008. Hossam has produced the album on his own and has not decided on whom he wants to distribute it. This is an album, I look forward to. It can only go bad if it was produced on the cheap. Not Yes
2. Tamer Ashour is also working on his album, as we come to expect from him, he is working with a team of top talents to bring this album to light. I like how Tamer Ashour takes his work seriously and even though he can work on the album by himself--he prefers to hire people (Tarek Madkour, and Tamer Ali are an example) who might add something to the work. Not Yes
3. Pop star Haitham Shaker who has not put out an album in more than five years is working on is album too and I like the titles of the songs. I like Haitham's voice who really can do happy and dramatic songs very well. Not Yet
4. Lebanese super romantic singer Wael Kfoury will land his album on August 13th and this would be his first in almost five years. The album has ben ready for years now, but Wael did no reach an agreement with his record label on the contract. I am certain the album will have at least 4 songs that we have already listened to as singles--they were either good or average. Done and done
5. Amal Maher will released a music video that is being directed of Dr. Sherif Sabry, the man who remade her image and gave her the best year of her career last year. Not Yet
6. Nicole Saba is also releasing a single and a cool looking music video--the promote is out too. This might be the grown up Nicole Saba song--unlike many of her commercially viable tracks, this one seems her natural style. Not Yet
7. Jannat will have a new album, her first since 2008. The girl got some game and her concerts are often hots tickets in Egypt. She knows how to pick winners and knows how to fire up her fan base.   

Eteaay Rabena Feya - photo - Amal Maher اتقى ربنا فيا - صور - امال ماهر

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

WATCH: Nancy "Ajram Ya Banat" نانسى عجرم - يا بنات

There's justice in this world. Nancy Ajram has done justice to the female gender. She is releasing a hit song with the title "Girls" about the joy of having girls for children. She has two girls of her own and she wants the world to know she is all about those fun and sweat creatures.

The song is part of the Super Nancy album, an album with with kids in mind, but with a lot of heart. It's a cute songs with girls all over it, it reminds people that having girls is a great thing. the song radiates happy and  assures that Nancy Ajram is here to stay.

The song's promo was released on a TV show few weeks ago and the album is getting quite the buzz on the internet. This is the second song with girls in the title for Nancy in less than two months. The previous song was about how girls think--a fun song but for grownups. Nancy has a large number of women in her life. Her mom is there, her girls and most of her music videos have been directed by other females.

نانسي عجرم يا بنات يا بنات كمله


سيمبل اغنية نانسى عجرم - يا بنات | من الالبوم القادم

LISTEN: Amr 60 2012 Album Dance And Romance

Pop artists tend to use an interesting strategy over and over again. Bring out a new star,  build his brand up with a young fan base, he will cater to them....these fans grow up, make money and remember their star who was there for them when they were young poor and stupid.

Amr 60 released a pop single two weeks ago, and now comes the promo for his album, he has combined his music promo with his photo shoot--some crisp shots indeed. He does romance songs and light pop songs that will appeal to the easy fan with not too many options or musical experiences. I call them the virgin ears.  I like the promo and I like the beach even more.

It seems that Amr 60 is doing something right, he has already made a buzz online. Why not and he enjoys a great deal of those famous Egyptian look and that jaw. He has a sweet voice, but I think he can do even better, he is listening to his sound engineer too much. Set Amr 60 free....and you will be surprised.

I think the album will sell even though it is not being released on a holiday.

Amr 60 -"Mesafer" Album promo / برومو البوم عمرو ستين

Why I Think #MBCTheVoice Will Suck So Bad

Sure, they hired some of the finest voices in Arabia (Egyptian, Iraqi, Tunisian, and Lebanese), they are a huge network with many viewers and advertisers to pick them up.

Kathem is a good judge of character, but he is a nice guy, he would not deliver the bad news. He has not made a stunning record since 2009, but he knows the business.

Assi shouts a lot and talks even more, he looks strange after what seems to be going under the knife.

Sherine, is a hot head, she gets upset very quick and has highs and lows. Sherine has some personal issues and trying to figure out the business side. The actor turned TV host lacks charisma and charm.

Saber lacks flavor, do not hear much of him in interviews and such. Saber is a sweet guy who does romantic songs, and has not challenged himself enough, not lately.

Those 4 judges are older than 35, nobody in that age group knows anything about twitter, Facebook, so none of the new fans will tune in online. I think they needed a young 25 artists who has a track record. The show pitches that they will make stars, but in reality we live in a time where even stars do not make a living anymore--thanks to the internet and the Arab revolts.

Why would people tune in? Half to these people shin the spotlight and tend not to make waves, they are diplomats. Ratings do matter, and if people have a reason to watch, they will. Watching the excitement about this show, I cannot see if real. It's all about the MBC team trying to shock people into caring about their big show.  

But in between, Star Academy, Arabs Got Talent and Arab Idol, there is so much noise and so little star making. Too many empty suits and too few real artists.

I am sure people will watch the show, but it might be very difficult to sustain this success post season one.

#MBC1 - #MBCTheVoice قريبا

LIKE This: Karim Mohsen - Bahlam Bik / كريم محسن - بحلم بيك قريباً

Karim Mohsen can be a miracle worker to Egyptian pop, he is one of the most creative young forces in the pop scene at the moment. While his career seems to have taking off as a singer too, he performs in a number of colleges and universities around Egypt. His latest work included a hit song with Syrian diva Asala.

But in the meantime, he is giving his fans a teaser for a song he will be releasing soon, a love song where he is confessing about dreaming about his loved one. A cute way to get a girl's attention. I am in for the music portion of the song.

I have always liked the hint of sadness Karim's voice has, it gives a nice balance to his sweet and funky side. I am certain comes this Eid--Karim will be performing in a number of events. Too bad his old buddy Tamer Hosny cannot say the same.

Karim Mohsen - Bahlam Bik Soon / كريم محسن - بحلم بيك قريباً

Tamer Ashour Gives His Fans A Taste of His 2013 Album

Tamer Ashour composes stellar songs, he also sings awesome ones too. In my book, he is one of the smartest composers out there. Why? he hires different people to compose his songs, even though he can express them musically. He does that to ensure diversity in his album, to offer a different vision that might be fresh. Many of those composers who can sing fall into this trap, they think they are the best there is, so they write music for their entire album--more often than not this makes one lame album

You will fully understand this, once you hear the new Tamer Ashour sample for one of the songs he will feature in his 2013 album--I think he may release it in time for the end of year. Tamer knows that working with others one stays relevant, this way he can focus on writing music for other singers.

So far he has let out only one minute of the song, which will be shared with us later this year to get the conversation rolling about this album--again, I love the music here and this sounds like a happy song with a lot of optimism and a reason to live.

 سيمبل اغنية تامر عاشور مش سهلة من الالبوم القادم 2013

Simple Lahzet Da3f - Moustafa Amar / جزء من اغنية لحظة ضعف - مصطفى قمر

Moustafa Amar is back with a new movie, the movie will not screen in the Eid season, this is his first movie since 2010--his last movie did not do so well. Moustafa Amar was a box office sensation in the mid 2000, but then things changed and he has not manged (or found) a movie that will make top dollars. Due to conflicting sechduels and maybe tough competition the movie has been delayed until further notice.

"Lahzet Da'ef" is the film's title. I am hoping this latest movie of his will do the trick. The plot seems a bit dated, Amar runs an advertising company and then he finds himself caught in a murder, so he runs for his life and tries to proof his innocence. The movie did start to film in October 2011, but due to a number of production issues, the movie was not finished this May 2012.

We got a teaser of the movies' main song, it carries the title of the movie as well and seems to put Moustafa back in the zone.

Simple Lahzet Da3f - Moustafa Amar / جزء من اغنية لحظة ضعف - مصطفى قمر

البوم محمد حماقى - من قلبى بغنى 2012 Listen: Hamaki's New album

I call him, the cool kid who dresses well and does good pop songs. He is the guy you play his music in the club and the kids get crazy for his music. While his voice is comforting, his choices of songs tend to be either happy and lovey-dovey, or sad and heartbreaking. He does not do middle ground.

He flew all the way to London to take awesome cover art pictures for the album, he made the music in Egypt and worked with his buddies and close musicians. A lot has changed since Hamaki released his last album, almost three years ago. Egypt has a new president with a new direction, Hamaki is a married man now, and  the music market has tanked for the past 4 years.

The promo makes the album sound like am mixture of pop house and funk music--something he is too familiar with. The album is due to land any minute now. Give those 16 seconds promo a listen and please hold off the criticism or praises until we see the final product. This can be a dud, but it can also be something we wanted to celebrate.

برومو البوم محمد حماقى - من قلبى بغنى 2012 Hamaki's New album Promo

Child Star Hala Al Turk Is Bored, Not Us Though

The most popular kid on Arab TV is Hala Turk, the little girl form Bahrain that almost won the title for Arabs Got Talent. Despite her not winning, she has scored the largest contracts in the business. She has already released an album, filmed dozens of commercials and appeared on numerous TV shows.

But she is just getting warmed up, as she is gearing up for a song--a teaser is below, where she is feeling bored at home, I do like the bright colors and the kiddish Hala. Girls grow so fast, she is way taller than I remember her when we met hear more than a year ago.

She is still so cute and so fun to look at, I hate how people in the comment sections telling her parents to have her memorize the Koran instead--like you cannot do both. I do not like mean people who are turning the comments into a negative Nancy blog. She is a young girl, she makes songs for the kids--not you overgrown idiots out there.

 حلا الترك - زهقانة - قريباً | Hala Al Turk - Zahgana - Soon