سامى يوسف - تبعوه لما عرفوا Video: Sami Yusuf "It's A Game"

Muslims Rocker Sami Yusef is back with force and I am so happy to see him walk into the spotlight again with a song worthy of this talented musician. This time he is back with a song about the prophet and the film they made about him. Sami is a very sober voice among many Muslims.

His comeback song is animated this time, and offers plenty of martial for the young an old. Sami is looking cool even in cartoonish look. It seems he has found his zen to challenge his vocals one more time and produce such a lovely song in at least three languages. In under two hours, the song has already packed so many views online.

His advise, let them say what they wish....it's a game. The artist finally crafted a song that will reboot his career and bring him back to his earlier successes. This time he is teaching Muslims to be cool under pressure without sounding patronizing. Anger is not a strategy....

سامى يوسف - تبعوه لما عرفوا Sami Yusuf - It's a Game

Jad Rahme Is An Old School Man From The Old Country

Behind the publicity and the live shows, Jad Rahme is Lebanon’s next big voice.  He is already being compared to some of the worlds biggest international Arabic stars and now is ready to show the world what Lebanon knows already~ His talent is undeniable. This Montreal based Lebanese singer is the go to star if you want to fire up your party attendees. Jad's music packs so much of the old world flavors, it's uncanny who he managed to preserve the Lebanese style so well.

Jad has toured and performed in countless clubs, restaurants, private, special events, festivals and celebrations within every major city in North America.  He is now looking forward to be touring at an international level. When asked why his new single is called Ana Rijal(which, in Arabic means “I'm a man”), he had this to say, “I want every man out there to listen to my song, sing along and feel proud to be a real man, not because of what he owns, but because of who he is.”

Now, this is something I can stand behind, men need to man up and stop trying to be so girly in pursuit of popularity. Jad found a good subject to sing about and bring a little bit of joy in the lives of those who get to listen to his songs. And yes you will most likely want to dance, women like a man who is confident and who brings something to the relationship that they do not already have. No female will even want a guy who cries more than she does.

After receiving enthusiastic reviews online, the recording is gaining international attention. Ana Rijal is available on iTunes, Amazon mp3, Emusic, Rhapsody and  Soundcloud. “I'm pumped to be releasing new music”, says Jad.  As an independent artist, Jad is currently considering offers with record labels. Ana Rijal has been his break through hit.  The song itself is “not only is it catchy, it's melody addictive. It's entwined with an old-school beat, making it a modern mix of that traditional “dabke” we all love so much!”

“The whole process has been amazing and I hope that this new track will please my fans.”  Jad was happy to receive such great feedback from fans and friends through his Facebook page before releasing the hard copy. The page has been flooded with encouraging comments and congratulations from many established musicians and artists such as George Dfouni and Koko Balkorkian.

Jad recorded the vocals for Ana Rijal in Toronto, Ontario with world famous composer/producer/singer Salah Kurdi, who is the artist responsible for the lyrics and music of the single.  Instrumentals were recorded in Studio Joe Baroutjian in Beirut and then the recording was returned to Toronto where Ali Ramadan mixed mastered it.

For a really love time, good Arabic singers have almost always came form the old country to the States for concerts  With Jad, I am feeling he might be the first North American grown singer to be able to go back to the motherland and stand his own ground musically.

Ana Rijal - Jad Rahme (Arabic, Lebanon) أنا رجال جاد رحمه - عربي لبنان

Elissa Gets The Indian Treatment

Musicians steal--borrow from one another and hope not to be noticed. When they get caught, they say they are paying homage to another artist. Fine. Elissa had a song six years ago that sounded fresh. A romantic song Bastanak, which she filmed into a music video. I have found the song has been remixed or remade into an Indian song. It's not uncommon for Indians to rip off some Arabic music and vice verse--though Turkish music seems to be more popular with the Arabic musicians 

It seems that Hamid El Shari has put this video together.

اغنية اليسا - بستناك - بالهندي -توزيع حميد الشاعري


Elissa - Bastanak / إليسا - بستناك

Best Middle East Act, Who Should Take Home The MTV Award?

Accorsing To MTV EMA 2012 award nominations, there are five different entertainers from the Middle East who are up for the Best Middle East Act. As a music blogger, I only know three of them and the rest I have no idea who they are. And I think this should be a warning sign for the organizers. 

1. Ahmed Soultan, He Stands Behind A New Music Style He Calls Afrobian, For Afro-Arabian. He Comes From The Land Of Morocco Where He Has Taken Part Of Many Music Festivals And So Far He Has Released Two Albums To Date. If creativity is to win, Ahmed may be the winner of the night.
2. K2rhym, A Tunisian Rapper (Karim Algharbi) Signed By EMI France To Make Music In 2006 When He Made The Switch From Professional Football.  He Is Based In Lebanon Where He Keeps A Busy Schedule. He Wins The Most Creative Name There Is. If interesting life and indie persona to win, K2rhm is it is.
3. Karl Wolf, the Biggest Name On This List And More International Fame Than Middle Easter Fame. Canadian Lebanese R&B Singer. He makes good music and most recently he has done a duet with Sandy, who is on the same nomination. If international name recognition counts, he is the awardee.
4. Qusai, Smooth Saudi Rapper with Great Songs In Both Arabic And English. Had A Big Hit Album Earlier This Year, And Does Fresh Music That Appeals To Arabs And Non-Arabs alike. He does make fresh raps and seems like a good role model. If CD sales where to vote, he might as well win.
5. Sandy, The Biggest Celebrity On This List, A Pop Princess Known In Egypt And The Rest Of The Arab World, She Is Very Resourceful And Very Exciting To Man People In The Area. She Has At Least Three Albums To Her Name, And Has Generated Fame And Success In Concerts Mainly In Egypt. If YouTube video views can vote, Sandy will go home with the award. 

ahmed soultan-ya salam

Watch 80,000 Koreans Lose It To "Gangnam Style" Live

South Korea is hardly known for its pop stars and cultural icons. But this Fall, it all changed when a littl known Korean pop singer PSY released his catchy "Ganagam Style", a song that went viral and traveled the world and back. The singer expressed his amazement of his new fame and his global hit.

The song is about living it rich people style, but for reasons unknown the song caught fire and have transformed the career of PSY for a little known singer into a cultural icon across the globe. For all we know Aliens might be watching him too doing it Gangnam Style.

To thank his fans, he half a concert where 80 million people turned out and the massive crowd seemed to go bunkers for their homeboy singer as he moved on the stage, backed by his dancers. What other star can turnd out 80 thousand concert goers?  

PSY Gangnam Style, 싸이 강남 스타일 Seoul Concert for Fans. Seoul City Hall Korea

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.

Greek Mandolin Music Inspires Arab Composers

For a really long time, many Arab singers have looked to Greek music for inspiration. Many Arabic began to feel a bit like the ones in Greek in the late to 90s. We can thank Amr Diab for that--he went to that country and made a hit song with one of its songstresses. Then came a new wave of Lebanese composers (Iwan) who took Greek melodies and made them into Arabic ones.

I now can tell if a track has been influenced by a Greek instrument or melody--it's easy. In fairness, Greece has always been closer to Arabia than to any Western civilization. Since the days of Alexander the Great and the shores of Egypt have been home to far too many natives of that land. This is one of the reasons the Egyptian city of Alexandria has an exotic beauty.

Here's a musical piece from Greece by NiKos, it sounds like a soundtrack for a movie. He draws music inspired by nature, the sea, birds and the hills.

   موسيقى رائعة للموسيقار اليوناني نيكوس-beginning belalim

Spanish Guitar With John H. Clarke

Something about Arab/Muslim rule over Spain for almost 800 years tells me about our limitless love and admiration to that Spanish guitar--an instruments some argue was invented or at least improved by Muslims musician with the name Zoriab, history aside, they make good music over in that country, it reminds us of the relaxing times--maybe by the seaside.

American guitar music is much different that the one in Spain but thanks to an increased wave of Latin American musicians, the Spanish guitar is finding its way all the way to North America. Many people adore this instrument and many pretend to play it too. But nothing beats the acoustics guitar, it's the dreamy instrument that for long has seduced men and women into falling in love.

Thanks to John H. Clarke who made this lovely piece below. Keep in mind, most Arab composers launch their career the moment someone gives them a guitar.

عزف جيتار اسباني رائعة رمانسيه

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

Shakira Lost Me When She Went To Israel

The Colombian songstress and global music force Shakira made a lot of enemies when she visited Israel, and met with the president of that country--the same man who slaughtered hundred of Lebanese children in Qana Shakira gave the country of the birth of her father the middle finger when she visited Israel.

She is releasing a new scent and for the promo she seems to have gone to some Arab desert to shoot the promo. Elixir, the new fragrance by Shakira, a powerful blend of all her dreams, inspired by her most sensual and exotic moves. While, I do admit the music of Shakira is catchy and inspiring, I have lost faith in her intellect and her politics.

Shakira chose to go to Israel, chose to hold a press conference and choose to talk up that country.

 Making Of / Así se hizo - Elixir by Shakira

Piano Unfiltered By Some Persian Guy

I know some piano players can be crazy, some make crazy part of their show. One guy does piano a little faster that most can muster. I do not know how does the ultra-conservatives feel about the piano, but this guy needs no permission to dance his way to your heart .

Samir playing the famous Persian song and also sang by Afghan legend Ahmad Zahir "Sultan e Qalbha." This clip stood out to me and I thought to share it with my blog readers. This is a really soothing piece with some amazing key strokes.

Sultan e Qalbha (سلطان قلبها)

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

Musician Gabriel Abdel Nour Wears So Many Hats

If Lebanon to have an opera concert, then they must feature the man about town Gabriel Abdel Nour, the musician composer, singer. Lebanon loves this guy, they adore his music and they have come to respect his style of music. He sings local song like an international star would. He is very proud of his roots, and that's why he is the musician to kicks off one of Lebanon's most notable music festivals--Al Shaiah

Gabriel makes good music, he sings in they lovable Lebanese dialect. He is the kind of composer that diplomats love to pal with. He is a smart one too. His music is about humanity, celebrating love, the fatherland, fraternity, peace, and the respect of the human rights.

Aside from his stunning music career, he is a professor Gabriel Abdel Nour is currently the Vocal Teacher for Eminent Lebanese and Arabic Singers. He is also certified in psychology. Enjoy his music

غبريال عبد النور - ما بعرف اكذب


شو ناطرين - غبريال عبد النور - أغنية لبنانية Lebanese Song

Bashar Assad One Malek Jandali Zero

I have no special love or appreciation for Assad--he is not my president and has little influence on my life. But the man seems to be a survivor and he might as well have beat a handful of countries that bet on his fall. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the West in one side with their Syrians sidekicks.

They all have failed to bring down the leader of Syria. They are not crying and telling folks that Assad's days are numbed. They have been saying for more than a year now. Yet he is still there largely enact while the people who want to topple him are seeing dying support and dwindling funds. I think the people who wanted to bring an ed to the regime, chose the wrong way and thus took the wrong actions. You cannot ask other armies to come in and free you from another one, this is a perfect prescription for civil war.

There's a right way to bring down the Assad regime, and a wrong one... lining yourself with Iranian opposition like composer Malek Jandali just did in his speech protesting the UN summit. Do not complicate things for yourself. Syrians should have freedom, they will ultimately have it, but I think such actions make it harder. Malek is a singer who should not be calling to wage wars and spill more blood that what has already been spilled at least this is what I think.

The UN ain't going to do anything, the Americans do not want another war, the Europeans do not have the money or the political will and the Arabs are wary. Sure, the Russians and Chinese are helping Assad. But this was never a fair fight.

Malek Jandali Speech at the UN - New York City

One Direction Nails It With "Live While We're Young"

When you are young, you do not realize this, you only want to be a grown up and have your own things. But not One Direction who are back with a new single. "Live While We're Young" is the tittle of their latest single and it's scheduled to be released in the U.K. on Sept. 30.


This is not a single, it's a motto for this sugar pop band that has rocked the music industry as well as the world of many teenagers around the world. "Live While We're Young" will be the first track off their second album, and the guys are very pleased with the song and the message.

The five-member British have captured limelight since its debut album, "Up All Night," became a No. 1 worldwide smash earlier this year. Concerts, tours and media appearances do not stop the guys form enjoying life while under the influence of Youthfulness. They work hard but they seem not to take anything too seriously--except the fans I hope.

The song has been crafted by “What Makes You Beautiful” top-notch team Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk, the single follows exact the same sunny pop-rock style as the group’s first album. The only real difference is that now the boys are singing about indulging.

Louis Tomlinson says: "If we go out on a night out and we're a little bit drunk, it's not obviously going to be a great picture, but it's not too bad. The fact is we're young; everyone who is our age is going out anyway." This is yet another happy music video about enjoying life and no one has more to look forward to than One direction and the band-mates.

One Direction - Live While We're Young

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

Beirut International Film Festival Missing The Red Carpets and The Stars

There's no reason why a global city like Beirut should not have a world class film festival. They have the sophisticated people to pull off, they have the businesses to back it up and put up the money to bring A list celebrities. Cities like Dubai got nothing on Beirut.

Why are the stars missing from the film festivals? Where is the red carpet? In fairness, this is not the sole blame for the organizers, it might be frightening for many celebrities to come to the Middle East at the money due to the Anti-Islam film demonstrations and the Arab Spring in Syria.

The organizers had to battle on many fronts to hold the film festival, their selection reflected a complex reality.  They said so in their press conference. I am hoping the next year the film festival will be held in better conditions.

   مهرجان بيروت السينمائي الدولي بلا نجوم ولا سجادة حمراء

Native Deen Imported To The World From The District

The DC native band Native Deen travels the world performing their popular music songs that celebrates Islam and great upbeat music. I follow their activities on YouTube and I come to love their sense of humor--I first learned about this band in I think year 2004.

I was moved by some of their spot on lyrics and their flow and beat. Native Deen music is a clear fusion of Hip-hop and R&B flavors. The trio made up of Joshua Salaam, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Naeem Muhammad came together in 2000 to walk together in order to highlight issues confronting Muslims living in America.

It's strange that I have yet to see the band perform live I mean. we both live in the same small city, we both worship at the same place of worship, we both like music and yet somehow I have never manged to cross paths with the band Native Deen. These guys made is really big and have manged to form a great fan base, they have done so without that help of big bucks and a mega company promoting their event move.

They are the little guy who is scraping to make their message and their talent known to the masses. I am being told that they will perform in Washington DC during the ISNA conference this labror day weekend. 

SubhanAllah - Native Deen ft. Junaid Jamshed

The Arab and Muslim Girl Who Roots For One Direction

She is a young Libyan and Egyptian daughter of a seasoned music mogul and radio owner Hami El Shari. She has impressed me before and she is back doing it again. Nabila El Shari is joining the global force for fans for the British boy band One Direction. She went a step further and did a cover for one of their most beautiful songs "What Makes You Beautiful "

The girl rocks, she knows the song very well not just the lyrics but the emotions and excitement! If the band can go with a girl, I would put Nabila on the ticket, but that will only get their female fans upset. I am sure other females have done covers for One Direction pop sugar sweet songs.

Zayn Malik is one of the five members of One Direction. Zayn was one of the finalists on the XFactor 2010 and was put in a group by singer Nicole Scherzinger and judge Simon Cowell with four other boys; Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson which give birth to the group One Direction.
 
Nabila El Shari ft One Direction-What Makes You Beautiful