Saudi Singer Ismail Mubarak @ismaeel_mubarak Charms The City of Cairo

Saudi singer Ismail Mubarak went to Cairo for a concert and it seems he was a huge hit over there too. Not too many Khaleeji artists feel they are famous in Egypt--frankly they do not have to be anymore goes to Cairo. Two decades ago, they would have been asked to go to Egypt and launch their career. But thanks to Satellite TV and the internet, they do not have to be anywhere in particular.

Though many singers form the Khaleej like to go to Cairo for concerts. Since droves of their fans live there--most would be natives to the Khaleej area. So a concert in Cairo is something cool to do. In this case Ismail Mubarak used the footage from his concert for his music video. I like this young artists and his warmth. He seems like a poet whose voice gives a needed hug.

I like the verse in the song "My love to you has no limits, there's no one but you, and I love you forever!" This must be nice to be on the receiving end of these beautiful crafted lyrics.

I like this song "Habibi" It's a sweet song that shows the depth of his fame and talent. Tons of his fans lined up to takes selfies with this charming singer. While many Arab artists dream of singing in Saudi, Ismail is doing the opposite he sins in Saudi but he also can have a sold out concert in Egypt. Ismaeel seems like a nice man who is fun to be in the same room with. There's an Iraqi singer who is a popular name in the Khaleej, I think Ismaeel has bested him with this song and this style.
 

Ismail Mubarak ... Habibi - Video Clip | اسماعيل مبارك ... حبيبي - فيديو كليب

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Carmen Soliman‎‏ Not Happy With Old Plantinum Records

She is the only Egyptian singer with the Dubai based music label Platinum Records, and she came to them straight from Arab Idol where she won the first season. The young woman feels out of place in the company though she has many of Arab Idol past winners and runners up. Carmen has a busy season since she left the program with the title.

Hear her speak about the company that's supposed to be looking out for her. To her credit Carmen did not set home waiting for them to promote her, she worked on her own and she formed a strong partnership with Saudi singer Mohammad Abdo who took her under his wings.

I can see why she would not be impressed with them, I do not think they treat her right, they sure love Assaf a lot. I think she deserves better, she has a rare talent. She is looking for the new administration at the Platinum Records. She is hoping to start a new chapter.

كارمن سليمان | لم تعجبني إدارة بلاتينوم ريكورز | Carmen Soliman‎‏

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The New Song By Old Ehab Tawfik Is Pop Gold!

Pop stars from the 90's refuse to die, and Ehab Tawfik is no different. He has been trying super hard to reclaim the number one spot for years, it alludes him. But he is promising a comeback with the help of the mighty Egyptian production house of Alam Alphan (with Mohsen Gaber on the helm) and Mazzika TV network.

I like Ehab, I know he is trying to make a living in the music business. So here's his latest single where it feels like a house song--something that was cool six years ago. But wait, the song takes a different direction 45 seconds in. I like it. The song has a faith rich title--nothing is too impossible for God. It's a song about an artists who is waiting for a miracle in love or career.

Ehab returns to his original style and tabs into his emotional reservoir. He does a decent job bringing out the sweetness and the hurt he has been feeling. It's a song that announces that he is nothing without his loved one. He is longing for that loved one, while his vocal performances is stunning, the music arrangement is confusing?

This song will be on Ehab's upcoming album. I like it and I think we may just have a celebrated comeback.
 

Mafesh Ba'eed Ala Rabena - Ehab Tawfik مفيش بعيد على ربنا - ايهاب توفيق

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Arab Singers "Holier Than Thou" Bullshit

In my mind, most of these artists pose as decent family people--some of them are really good and average run of the mill human being. For the rest they are nothing but a group of jerks with little moral character. The man and the women of the entertainment industry are a bunch of whores. Now, in public they put on a face, and pretend to be decent but in private all best are off. Now I say this because one artists is holding a launch party for a controversial song. See how they attack one another and get into one's business.

In her song, Chams tries to shame folks into holding into a false religion. The song is an attack into religion and people who believe. Fella was playing some new character, I do not see any real voices on the scene....she does not see any talent. She only had good words for Najwa Karam. Then she talks her self up. Then she talks about how she does not pay for her songs, because she gives a diamond voice. So the song is about attacking people who say one thing and do another, but Fella had no qualm attending an event with her peers, but a the same time, she does not seem them talented. And yes, Fella had her plastic surgeon at the party.

Fella has a great voice, but she is full of herself, way too much. She even rings her own voice....I do not know what to say.

Fella Interview In Chams Event فلة الجزائرية في حفل اطلاق أغنية الفنانة شمس دين أبوكم اسمه ايه

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An Egyptian Pop Singer Worth Listening To....Soma

Soma makes great pop songs, thanks to her producer, Nasr Mahrous. But also thanks to him, the world knows little about her. Not sure what it's, but Nasr and his music label "Free Music" keep their artists on a short-leash.

That means they mange them well, and make really amazing records for them--the Mahrous household is one of the biggest names in Egyptian pop music. So that means they make an artist, and get to tell them where to go as in events and private functions that they split with the artists. The dozen artist with the label stay because Nasr is a one stop shop for all for their music needs. Naser writes, composes, arranged, produces directs their music videos and promotes them.

Soma is one of his top female performers. And they are releasing her in a music video where she seems to take on a new sleek look with funky vibe. I consider her one of the nicest vocalists in Egyptian pop, she just entertains....and now she is ready to enter more homes. I wish Nasr would aim for a broader audience. He could do well outside of that place. I say this because none of his artists appear in mega concerts outside of the republic of Egypt.

Nasr makes cool songs that are turned into catchphrases and cultural nuggets....Soma will do that here.
   

SOMA - AM Al Rawish soon I سوما - عم الروش برومو قريبا

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Here Are This Week's Top Ten Arabic Songs

Rotana now makes commercials disguised as music videos. The Saudi company has a popular top ten program for their best and finest music videos. they do make fun and more serious songs that feature A list stars from the Arab world and younger talents from Khaleej.

 

To be sure, there are other hits out there, these are the ones made by Rotana

 

1. Egyptian Rana Samaha and her heartache.
2. Still no idea who is this kid on the second place--he is skinny, goofy and tall.
3. Egyptian Amr Diab being Amr Diab from thirty years ago
4. Lebanese Elissa blues
5. Lebanese Najwa Karam sweet upbeat pop
6. Lebanese Wael Khoury mobbing
7. Moroccan Dounia Batma with her flirty persona
8. Khaleeji Hanan Redha with a girlie romantic song
9. Lebanese Fares Karam and his playful dance pop
10. Saudi Ismail Mubarak in his romance

 

نتائج التصويت وترتيب | Top10 هذا الاسبوع

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Lebanon's Hottest Restaurant @RestaurantLoris Releases Its Most Adorable Song @JeanMarieRiachi

Loris sounds like a cool name, While enjoying a late night conversation with a good friend (Hassan from UTN1) He wanted me to see a new song from an up and coming Lebanese vocalist and guitar player that goes by the name Taym. Hassan did play the song and I fell in love with it. Many folks know that I am a fan of the music and production of  Jean-Marie Riachi, so he promised I would like it and I did.

The song is adorable, it's a simple love story (boy meets girl tale) told in incredible animation. There is suspense in the story as one wants to know what happens next. Loris is the name of the lady and also the name of the eatery where the story takes place. I like how fresh the concept is but the story is made better by the voice of Taym. The song sounds like an indie alternative Arabic pop song. I like it and I know that it has a high production value.

It turns out that Loris the restaurant /Cafe is an actual place that you can eat--it's located on a posh corner (Gemayze) in the Lebanese capital. I will make sure to visit there next time I visit Beirut not to meet Loris (I have already met my Loris) but to enjoy the restaurant's take on classical Lebanese, Syrian and Turkish dishes. The celebrated  Jean Marie Riachi is involved with the restaurant on some capacity.  

Loris

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The Original Nawal El Zoghby Goes Big In ‪#‎MeshMesamha 2015 Album

The golden Lebanese pop diva Nawal El Zoghby is releasing her latest album in few days. This shall be her first album since her amazing 2011 album. Yes that was more than four years ago, but this time Nawal is back with a big production company--Mazzika through Alam El Phan. This seems like a decent album from a lady whose voice is something many of us have grew up with.

Rest assured that the album will have songs in at least three dialects with focus on both Lebanese and Egyptian dialects. This is a variety album by a versatile diva who knows what makes a hit. Yes, all ingredients of this album have been baked to perfection by all the hot names that have worked on it. I think this is a good album that will usher in a new season for Nawal.

The album starts off strong, even the title has a fighting words "I have not forgiven" "Unforgiving" it works for Nawal because she had a bitter divorce five years ago form the father of her children and producer--he is a jerk. The teaser for the album's songs promises a lot of pop and a hint of Tarab. Nawal just does it better. The Lebanese songstress has transitioned well into the new era and refused to be upstaged by much younger pop stars. In fairness, she still has a lot of rock and roll in her.   

Mesh Mesamha album Soon - Nawal El Zoghby مش مسامحة البوم قريبا - نوال الزغبى

Ya Gadaa - Nawal El Zoghby ياجدع - نوال الزغبى

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Waleed Al Shami Takes A Fresh Approach In - Ana Asli

Iraqi hit-maker Waleed Al Shami is considered one of the busiest musicians in the Khaleej. The composer/singer is always in the studio working on something big. To his credit, he is a very popular guy who keeps people guessing as of what he will do next. He makes tons of music videos, singles and albums. But he also gives new material to other singers he likes to work with.

Waleed is a personal song where he talks a lot about himself in such a simple and down to earth. He says I make mistakes and have guilt but somehow find my way back. "I am for real", "I am authentic" is the title he went with for this song. He also features tons of social media and bookmarking. He shares tons of pictures about him and about other individuals and events.

I like the closeup to his face, he does look good. I hope he is for real, I like what I hear and I want it to be true. More artists ought to do this songs where they are digging deep and giving themselves an assessment of their life. He speaks about being generous, this is great. Another creative thing, the team behind the song were shared toward the end of the song, with their various social media accounts, viewers then were encouraged to follow them.

Waleed Al Shami - Ana Asli - Video Clip | وليد الشامي - أنا أصلي - فيديو كليب

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The One And Only Youssef Hareb Speaks!

Youssef Hareb is the pimp for Arab stars in North America, he is the guy you go to if you want to invest a bunch of money and throw a concert or even a tour, you call Mr. Hareb. He is the big name in tour promotion and production. He is the guy who makes it happen.

To be honest, I had no idea how he looked. I thought he was an old guy, but I just got to see him speak for an interview about his cruise with the stars. This is a fmaous thing Youssef Hared has been doing, book half a dozen Arab celebrties and get them to be on board for few days. They artists would sing and the folks would buy tickets on these cruises to rub elbows with their favorite idols and party.

For a decade now and this name has been the go to guy who puts together the biggest concerts and tours. See him speak, he is a soft-spoken and so humble. He seems to be keen on friendship more than business, and he values his 28 years of service to Arab pop stars. I like him and it's refreshing to see some big celebrity who speaks like the common people do. No wonder why so many artists like to work with him.

 Wasn't there a rumor he was married to Najwa Karam for a blink of an eye.

يوسف حرب | رحلة جديدة مع اهم نجوم الوطن العربي | Youssef Hareb

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Ismail Mubarak, The Good Sweet Boy Of Khaleeji Music @ismaeel_mubarak

Ismail Mubarak is a raising Saudi singer who performs under the Rotana music label. He happens of be one of my all-time favorite young artists from Khaleej. He is a romantic singer who sings his heart out and best yet his Arabic is accessible and music is friendly to the ear. Too many artists in that corner of Arabia make just noise and loosely assembled lyrics or rich lyrics and music that puts one's ears to sleep.

Ismail Mubarak is not the first singer to find the balance. At least in the song below "Keda Al Donya ", I am sold on him and appreciate his talent. One telling incident that made me appreciate him, is in Kuwait when he had a big concert planned accompanied by a live orchestra in 2014. When the promoter asked him to do away with the live orchestra and lip sync instead--as not to sing live. Ismail who respects his fans refused and canceled. He would not want to do a lame show, he likes to give people a show, not act as if he is singing.  
 

Ismail Mubarak ... Keda Al Donya - Video Clip | اسماعيل مبارك ... كده الدنيا - فيديو كليب

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This Week's Top Ten Music Videos (Video)

Rotana just revealed their top ten lists for most popular music videos released by them this week. It's an assorted list for all the best selling pop stars for this week.

1. Lebanese Fares Karam is resting in the tenth spot
2. Tunisian Shayma Hilali claimed the 9th spot.
3. Iraqi Shatha Hassoun is at the 8th position
4. Lebanese Wael Kfoury is comfortable in the 7th place.
5. Lebanese Elissa has dibs on the 6th list. She has been on the list foe very long.  
6. Lebanese Nawaj Karam claimed the fifth spot on the list and she dazzles.
7. Moroccan Donia Batma is on the fourth place. 
8. Egyptian Amr Diab is rightfully comes in third place. 
9. No clue who is in the second place....no idea whatsoever. Aballah?
10. Egyptian Randa Samaha is crying about something that got her in the first spot. I guess, she beat all the top po stars.

نتائج تصويت وترتيب | TOP10 - هذا الاسبوع

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How Rotana Turns Their Singers Into A Walking Billboard advertising

Sadly, it took him few years to realize this, but luckily, he sold his soul to Rotana now, a home where lazy and big name artists feel safe and secure. Rotana affords them since they use their singers to be billboards, anything they do in any interactions, they are selling, phones, cars, beverages, and what have you.

Nine out of tend Rotana produced albums are an extended advertisement for a luxury new phone. Even the bib names like Amr Diab cannot not have it. It reached a level that each Elissa new music video would have to have a phone. Somehow, they phone finds its way into the storyboard.

I guess since most people outside the Gulf anyway, get their music for free, someone has to pick up the tab and luckily, tech companies have the cash to spare. Things are different though for stars from the Khaleej--they do sell records and make money from concerts, so they may have to do less ads, but when you have Amr Diab holding your phone, you know these people in the Middle east are so obsessed with visible goods.    
 

Amr Diab ... Gamalo - Video Clip | عمرو دياب ... جماله - فيديو كليب

Tamer Hosny ... 180° - Video Clip | تامر حسني ... 180° - فيديو كليب
 

Ya Merayti ... Elissa - Video Clip | يا مرايتي ... إليسا - فيديو كليب

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The Muslim Justin Bieber Makes His Debut #salam @HarrisJOfficial #HarrisJSalam

Harris J is the latest addition to Muslim rock stars, the song of England knows his youth is his strength and he is out to spread the positive message of Islam from his diner. I must say, I am impressed by his debut. It's been more than two years since he won that Awakening Record music contest. Glad to see him come out of the shade and do what normal young people like to do.

Harris J is an exciting young artist who will give other Muslim youths around the globe some hope. As they are sick of their stomachs from watching the news, along comes a young and fresh artist who shows a lot of promise. Cool is what Harris J is. Teens will embrace Harris and his music, their parents would approve of his career and his messages.

The challenge remains is whether Harris J will stick around and press on with his music career. I think the interest is there and so is the market. It's the ability to stay cool, release new music and tour the globe to be with the fans what helps.

"Salam" is the title of his album, the album is out, make sure to secure your copy and share. I think keeping the Islamic greeting as a title allows for greater understanding.
    

Harris J - Salam Alaikum | Official Music Video

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Meet The Wealthiest Saudi Singer (And He Is Good Too!)

Rashed Al Majed has a good thing going for him. Well to do poets chase him down, and offer to pay him top dollars for him to sing their work. Many of the Khaleej poets are rich--fitly rich. In face the richer you are the more you wish you were a poet, it's one of these things people in Khaleej place a big value on. So a rich person in the West, brags about some sports, in the Gulf, they brag about their ability to write poetry.

Back to Rashed, this Saudi singer has his own recording studio, his own mega production company and a lot of cash from his private and public gigs. So it's no surprise that we almost get a new song by this elder and talents artist. He turns poems into gold and to be frank some of these songs are worth millions as they are good. Others not so much!

Let's visit three singles by this lovable and wealthy singe. The singles were released in the span of a month and if you like Rashed you will set through this songs. There is real emotion and real stories one expects to hear from him. Not so much the dance beats songs from the 90s--he is too good for that now.
راشد الماجد - لربما (حصرياً) | 2015

راشد الماجد - سمو العشق (حصرياً) | 2015

راشد الماجد - سجه مع الهاجوس (حصرياً) | 2015

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Fares Karam (Rotana) vs. Mohammed Assaf (Platinum Records)

Two mega music companies are prepping for new releases for some of the hottest music videos. The first is a young Palestinian Arab Idol doing an Egyptian song. The other is for a Lebanese hit-maker who has consistently releases a summer dance hit every summer for the past 15 years.

Not sure what these two songs have in common with another, but they will be sort of important in the pop music scene. We sort of miss Mohammed Assaf, he has now to do great things to get our attention, mediocre songs do not work. Sure we are proud of him and what he has accomplished but if he wants to be a big number in pop music, he has to play by the rules and own it.

Fares Karam needs no introduction, The Lebanese bro and pro hit-maker released a mini album almost a week before Ramadan and now he is back marketing his two album songs with a music videos. Fares knows how to make a summer hit--somehow the music and energy stays the same the lyrics and topic vary. He is playing stalker for his music video--not cool anywhere but in the Middle East.   

 

محمد عساف - أيوه هغني - قريباً | Mohammed Assaf - Aywa Haghany - Coming Soon

Fares Karam ... Aal Tayeb - Clip Promo | فارس كرم ... عالطيب - برومو الكليب

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Have You Met Rasha Yet? Rotana Gives A New Diva A Chance

Let's all meet Rasha, the latest addition to Arab pop stars. Rasha's new song has been released and filmed with Rotana. A music video by Rotana has to be a big deal. The surprise, Rasha is a new comer. While Rotana works with all the big names, they do not seem to do well with newer faces--those go to other music labels like Music is my Life and Platinum Records. Egyptian talents do not necessarily feel Rotana to be a natural habitat, and the same goes from young artists.

This is almost an expensive music video to make, Rasha pulls a stunning appearance and new dance moves in style. I know very little about this pop diva who seems to work as hard as those show girls in the West. As for the voice, I think the base and foundation are good, it just a little bit more character and flavoring.

But this can work, image is a big deal now and Rasha got that, it's almost that voice is an added values in today's music industry. Great images and some amazing cinematography here from a lady who wants fame and is about to get it.

Rasha ... Gaya El Ayam - Video clip | رشا ... جايا الأيام - فيديو كليب

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The Egyptian Will Smith Releases A New Action Movie (Trailer)

All Arab guys seem to like this actor for his tough guy roles he often plays. Egyptian actor and bad boy Mohamed Ramadan returns for the Eid movie season with a new blockbuster where he is playing a cop and blowing stuff up. If you have a minute check his Facebook pictures to know all about his muscles and his big heart.

When Ramadan started acting, he did amazing roles and reminded so many of the the late actor Ahmed Zaki. but somewhere along the way Ramadan started worrying about doing movies that make profit and somehow, he has always ended playing the thug, criminal, security guard or now police officer. Though he did play a number of comedic roles, but mostly he likes to blow stuff up.

Ramadan made so much money for his producer Al Sobki family that essentially do whatever he wants. The new film "Shad Agza2" seems to be his biggest budget to date, and you can see he has gotten in the best shape of his life for the role. I think this film will do well.

الاعلان الرسمى " فيلم شد اجزاء " محمد رمضان " فيلم عيد الفطر 2015 [Shad Agza2 Trailer ]

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Jordanian Muslim Singer Mohammad Alkouni Replaces Rotana's Sexy Ladies

Islamic songs better know performer (Munshid) Mohammad Alkouni is a native of Jordan and is a celebrity in the Muslim/ Arab world. It seems Saudi company Rotana picked him up and together they released a supplication album during the Muslim holy month.

Sure, music sales tank during the month, but business is good as people still have cash to spend. Enters the stage the gifted lovely voice of Mohammad Alkouni. I know music channels are always looking for Ramadan appropriate entertainment to keep their advertising revenue up. And as people become more spiritual this month, there's room for Mohammad Alkouni

Mohammad Alkouni … Hal Hakan - Islamic | محمد الكوني … هل حقا - إسلامي

. . Mohammad Alkouni … Erham Hali - Ismalic | محمد الكوني … ارحم حالي - إسلامي

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The Song About Doing Good Deeds Is Surprisingly Good @Mobinil

One of three mobile phone companies operating in Egypt wanted to do a big ad campaign for Ramadan. So they did one and made it not about them. Mobinil opted to do a big ad campaign during the holy month urging people to do small deeds. The commercial came disguised as a long song, but to be frank, this is something nice they are doing.

There are many examples of people doing good deeds to help others...like that community fridge where people stalk it with food, or that community closet or toy shelf for the little ones to enjoy. So many creative ideas to help fellow humans. It could also be a book shelf for people to grab a book and read. You need to do good, we care less about why you do it and more about you actually helping others.

Mobinil featured a song performed by three little known artists who preach a well-known message. The young artists gather people around them to sing and call on people to do good because it's good karma. I usually do not like to give companies free press, but I did not mind this once. This year's message comes in time, always together.

أغنية موبينيل الكاملة #فاعل_خير رمضان 2015 – Mobinil Ramadan Song

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