The Poor Millioner Pop Song Gets An Indie Makeover

Cairokee front man is giving a new lease on life for one once popular cult classic song. The song was originally by Medhat Saleh in the late 80s, it's about being happy despite being poor.  It was a cool song then and still relevant today. Medhat Saleh is still making great pop songs in addition to his live tarab performances.

The Egyptian has a new odd friend front man for Cairokee, Amer Eid who took it upon himself to do a cover for this classic and pay homage to this first-rate pioneer in pop songs. It's a fun and funny song that depicts the sense of humor many young people have where they are able to find joy despite not having the means.  

كايروكي اغنيه المليونيرات من برنامج صاحبه السعاده

أغنية المليونيرات - مدحت صالح YouTube

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Sharmoofers: The Stoners Of Egypt Get A Reggae Band @sharmoofers

In the wake of the revolution of January 25th 2011, many cool bands emerged and many of them have managed to survive and meet commercial success. However most of these bands had some kind of political leaning. While the music was alternative and fresh, the themes and the messages were all about change. One band had a different take. The world will know them as Sharmoofers. They seem a lot more like Bowling for Soap feel.

This is an indie band that and never wanted to talk about anything serious, they have no issues to care about and they do not pretend to have an impact on Egyptian youth or leaders. They wanted to make dope music, sick beats and have fun. Sharmoofers has no social message, their motto "music to make people happy"

They sing about random things (and sometimes silly) matters, but they keep it fresh and their music is something else. Most of the time, people do not make sense of what these guys are saying, but they know they like it. They band has their critics too, but they forget that the goal here is to entertain and not to ask people do things differently.

I like how they use a bit of rap, Reggae, and pop to excite people around whatever topic they feel like tackling.  
 

Sharmoofers - Khamsa Santy Official Video Clip

شارموفرز- أغنية قط وفار - Sharmoofers - Ot w Far

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A New Palestinian Vocalists Is Born! Lina Sleibi Stands Tall @lina_sleibi

Lina Sleibi is a talented diva with a voice worthy of the biggest names in the indie vocalist scene. the young women form Palestine is out with a new song that feels like gold and sounds like diamonds. It's a beautiful song that feels warm and human by a young soul.

This is a fancy song for the soul, the kind you enjoy in the morning with a cup of coffee. I must say the amazing team behind the song worth celebrating. Fine art is no longer exclusive for the Israeli occupation. The people of Palestine will stand toe to toe and let their art speak for them. Lina Sleibi  is just one example and I expect great things from this bright star.

Lina came into my radar few months ago with her famous cover for the old country. Now, she steps a bit more with an original song that plays to her strength. Recorded and created in between Jordan and Palestine, the song travels the world thanks to the expansive fan base that Lina enjoys.   

Lina Sleibi - Atwaqa' لينا صليبي - أتوقع

Music and lyrics
Mohammed Alhasan
Mix and mastering:
Arif Amer
Musicians:
Saxophone/Clarinet
Abdullah Haji
Solo Violin
Ali Aloliwi
Guitar
Saad Alaabar
Nay
Ayman Bergas
Qanoon
Mohammed Aseeri
Piano
Mohammed Alhasan
Recording Studio:
Take Time Studio - Bahrain
Kawar Studios - Jordan
Sound Engineer:
Ali Sameer
Haytham Kawar
Special thanks to:
Vivid Photography
Omamah makeup
Ahmed AlShams
Mohamed AlThawadi

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Now Hiba Tawaji's Sees The Children Of Refugees @hibatawaji @OussamaRahbani

Hiba Tawaji has a big heart. She now tackles the issue of refugees and homeless ones. This is a human song that is fitting to a number of Arab countries. Syrians can relate to this song, and so do Iraqis and Palestinians. Lebanese may feel it as well. This song is about the little children of refugees who can be seen driving around the streets of Lebanon.

Street beggars, washing cars, selling stuff on the side of the road...etc. Some of them even have jobs and have give up on their dreams. As a song produced and put together by the house of Rahabni, it shows some responsibility on their side. Ghady wrote and Oussama composed. It's a serious problem in Lebanon and sadly, the elite in Lebanon have no solution. The common man in the streets does not see this as a good sign.

This is a moving song that humanizes the little ones, Lebanon hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees, but it's a small and a not very rich country. To be honest Lebanon has done more for the refugees that these rotten Khaleeji states who have the means. I only wish more of those celebrities would do things for the little ones. These kids do not have to drown had we not felt so stubborn about political matters. There's no right or wrong, but when kids start to get hurt, we collectively fail.

I salute the artists for releasing this song now, I like how they made them no more faceless by naming one Rami, he became the subject of the song and his work in the bakery shop. Not sure what to make of the French subtitle, but I will take it. This is the magic of the house of Rahbani, they make their music with a timeless appeal. So ten years form now, this song would still be celebrated, twenty more? Sure. This way they does not make reactionary songs, just broader themes songs that speak to different people.
  

Hiba Tawaji - Awlad El Chawareh / هبه طوجي - اولاد الشوارع


Lyrics: Ghady Rahbani
Music: Oussama Rahbani
Produced By Oussama Rahbani 2015©

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A Hilarious Video! Indie Music Meets 90's Pop Kid

Egyptian singer Medhat Saleh has just shown that he is a cool guy. In a new promo video he appears along two of Egypt's hottest indie artists Zap Tharwat (rap artist) and Amir Eid (indie rock from Cairokee band) and together they made this hilarious video.

You see Medhat Saleh is considered the first pop artist and the first singer to release a music video--he did that in the late 80s. This video is promoting a new network called "IN" carried by a cellular network provider.

Then came 2011 and Amir and Zap shot to fame. Now the two get to be seen together making fun of each other and looking like good friends. Medhat plays the unwanted guest who wants to party with the cool kids. Then he does a bit of his beloved classic song.

 

معلش يا استاذ مدحت بس IN للشباب بس

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Indie Palestinian Artist (Living In Paris) Sings For Aylan Kurdi--The Syrian Boys

Many of us are struggling to process the death of the little 3 years old Syrian boy, his mom, his brother and so many more. Sure the body washing ashore is very dark and it should bother so many of us and get us to change our ways-All of us.

For us Palestinians we feel affinity with our Syrian brethren, we get it and this is why the streets of Palest are now filled with images of this innocent boy. It was only naturally for one indie musicians from Jerusalem to release his song in honor and memory of Aylan.

Yes, Ahmed wanted to do something about this tragedy and he did the only thing he could do, sing for the little boy. It's shocking to many of us, a wake up call for all of us to keep our hearts alive and not to deny others a chance to live with dignity.

The grieving father wanted the best for his kids, but he got the worse. I hope you finds comfort with his family and friends around the world.
Yamemati. ياميمتي. إلى أرواح أطفال اللاجئين الذين قضوا في البحر. غناء هاجر وأحمد داري

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Rap! Gaza's Angriest Song Is Out By @McGaza Holds Nothing Back

Sure, if I lived in Gaza, I would lose my mind too and I would cuss like a sailor. Still, the nice people of Gaza might not be ready for this volume of cussing and cursing coming out of the mouth of one of their local boys. Mc Gaza. I have followed his career for three years now, and I liked what he has done so far. Mc Gaza told me on Twitter that the song is a bomb that speaks about his career with rap and the struggle that comes with it.

Now he seems to have stepped up his rap game and took on a new character. He is still spitting lyrics and breath fire. But many in Gaza do not get what Mc Gaza is trying to do with this art form. He does get tons of hate and attacks yet he is still out making new records and channeling his rage. Even the title does not allow any room for guessing.....

I do not know how to feel, I like the sounds for sure, the music and the sampling is sweet. But those fighting words are coming from a place of hurt. Mc Gaza is connecting with many youths in Gaza and in Palestine, so the Norwegian government is collaborating with him to get him out there and allow him to inspire more.    

MC GAZA - صار واجب الدعس Time to Fu*k ( Disrespecting Video Clip )

MC GAZA
Lyrics : MC GAZA
Beat : Black East
Mixing and Mastering : Medo Salem
Camera Man : Abdullah Alalawi - Ramadan Alagha
Edited and GFX : Mohammed T Yaghi
Directed : MC GAZA
Special Thanks to : Sameh barghouth - Omar Elemawi

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Egypt's Most Serious Rapper @ZAPtharwatAXEER Inspires Youth

The internet in Egypt and many parts of Arabia loves a rapper that goes by the name  Zap Tharwat. He is an indie recording-artist who sells huge concert venues--he still have to get permit from the authorities. But when he is given a venue he packs it all the way.

He is such a great talent who does have his way with lyrics and beats. He is like a street poet for the young people. He is also freaking fit, so it makes sense for him to record music videos for each of his songs. This once he features a local vocalist Salama Gasser who opens up the song about dreaming bit and loving oneself. I like all the cool things recorded for the music video that shows the things youth like to do.

Zap Tharwat has done well for himself and he still live in Egypt, thought he is one of the million frustrated youths. He still manages to hold on to hope and inspire others. The thing you will appreciate about Zap is that he makes broad themes that can be about anything in life. If sports is your thing, then his songs speak to you. If politics is your thing, he will connect with you....and such.     

@AxeerStudio | Zap Tharwat Ft. Salma Gasser - Woshosh | زاب ثروت وسلمى جاسر - وشوش

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Black Theama Grows Up And So Does Their Fan Base @Black_Theama

Black Theama is one amazing act to watch life. the trio vocalists who make up the band are popular among the youth who are seeking alternative music, and the old who want something authentic. The band released a new album few months ago, but unlike their previous albums, I felt the marketing has not kept up and there was little coverage about this new work.

But glad to see the video below by these artists and their band doing a live song is pretty neat as the band spends a great deal of time on the road, so they have perfected their live show. Their song Kebert is about life and about all of us. It's pretty different than your pop songs, it's also different than what Black Theama has done in the past.

The three band members are Amir Salah El-Deen Ahmed Bahr  and Mohamed Abdo proud to be the bridge between the lighter skinned Egyptians and the darker ones with such a distinct music legacy.
 

Black Theama - Kebert (Live) | بلاك تيما - كبرت - من حفل إصدار الألبوم

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Watch How @JohnnyHomsy Takes A Different Approach To Arabic Music

Lebanese excel on many fields at home and abroad. They as people are unafraid to try new things in the hopes of being better than the next guy. Everyone in Lebanon tries to dominate whatever industry they find themselves in.

Here's a guy who is not a singer, yet he did a song that has a global reach. Johnny Homsy owns a production company in Beirut and he seems himself as a singer, composer, director and a creative talent. In just one song he has shown that he is really all these things. His new single "Ma Fi Haki is something really different than pop music in Arabia. Even his music video tells a surreal love story"

The song itself is beautiful and the lyrics capture the spirit of what Johnny is trying to do. The music in the song is closer to what you hear on American radios than in the Middle East, though the lyrics are in Arabic the song's theme feels universal.  

This is a music video that one has to watch few times as it's filled with many elements that may goes unnoticed in the first viewing. Well, it's official we have a breath of fresh air in Lebanese pop who is not short on words.

Johnny Homsy - Ma Fi Haki | جونى حمصى - ما فى حكى

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The Satan Of Egyptian Makes A Cameo In Black Theama New Song

Not many bands in Egypt are as cool or as talented as Black Theama is. Also when it comes to Soul, these three guys have plenty of it. This band which is made up of three dudes who come from three unlikely places from Southern Egypt. A land rich with music diversity and appreciation for all things that has soul.

Here's the latest release from the band, a song that asks of us all to do soul-searching. The band puts the question, "Why have we arrived at this?" This has a lot to do with Egypt in post the army coup on the democratic president--who they have now sentenced to death. No one feels safe in Egypt as citizens feel as guests in their own land as if the army is letting them live in it, but it they break the rules, they will pay.

This can also be a social song about how society has progressed or regressed, the media has changed the country and the social media have caused a lot of changes. Posing the question, why do we only smile when we are divided? Is it our own fault? I must say this is a bold song without making waves, it poses serious questions without hating on anyone. Egypt has a lot of questions to answer....I love the line why parted away with Satan because we become him. The song is not about politics or government, but rather about people who run it.
 

Black Theama - Leh Weselna Le Keda | بلاك تيما - لية وصلنا لكدة

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"#Syria, I Love You" In Indie and Pop Music Sham is the Name

It was not easy for me to pick a Syrian flag, there are two right now. Each of these symbols makes a political statement. My love for Syria and it's very innovative people is bigger than politics, because politics teaches you to resent others--I cannot find anyone in Syria to hate. Obviously criminals are criminals, but Syria is a big story and a big deal for many Arabs.

Here are two different songs, one life from an indie artists and intellect Samih Choukeir was the first singer to take stands against the Syrian military in places like Daraa. The other is from mainstream pop star Rouida Attieh whose political stands are vague to me. Both love Syria (Sham) no doubt. Both long to the day when they can see Syrian strong again.

I like both artists and what they have to offer--both claim to be singing for all Syrians and I hope they keep true to that.

إشتقنا للشام، سميح شقير، Samih Choukeir, Ishtaqna Li Sham


تحية لسوريا يا شام

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Tania Saleh Is Something Else “A Few Images” @TaniaSaleh

Tania Saleh is a true indie soul in that crowded music seine at home in Lebanon. She just released the most serious album in the region as her album is not meant for mass consumption. This singer/songwriter/visual artist is a real gem and a real bright light in a see of repetition. She emerged in the 90's and has been perfecting and expanding her craft ever since.

Granted a voice that 's most suitable for mixing between the traditional Arabic music and more Westner styles she grew up around. She is certainly one of many artists who feel comfortable in this middle ground, but she is unique in the sense that she herself has become a melting pot for the genre.

Among the names she collaborated with are the likes of Ziad Rahbany, Toufic Farroukh, Charbel Rouhana, Iman Homsy and Mounir Khawli in various albums. 

Another cool collaboration for Tania is her writing the lyrics for Nadine Labaki’s second feature film "Where Do We Go Now?”

Which brings us to her latest album of 2014: She released her fourth album, “A Few Images”. Get a taste of her music and step into her very own world.

Beirut Windows 2014 شبابيك بيروت - تانيا صالح [Official Video]

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Here's The Best Song From Beyond The Grave By Al MazZikaty Band

God has blessed Khaled Mostafa with a delightful voice. He performed a song about the fallen in Egypt. The song about those who have been killed in vain. I think the song is about the victims of the city of Port Said soccer massacre. Martyr are a dime a dozen in today's Egypt which is unfortunate.

Many songs have been written about them, but none of them feel as real and heartfelt as the one by Khaled Mostafa, the indie artist from Al Mazikaty Band. This young artist seems to have a good presence, and all the ladies in the audience seem to be in love with him. As for Khaled, this song should make him famous, he showed sincere emotions.

The song is very dark, talking about graves and the size of the place where we are laid to rest. The song is titled, they only get the RIP affix to their names. It's a love song from beyond the grave....a guy who has given up his life and has no way of coming back...got nothing in exchange. He has become a tale, and now has been celebrated for a minute and now he rests in the dark in a coffin.
  
كليب لقب مرحوم خالد مصطفي Al MazZikaty Band

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Adding A Bit Of Class To Bruised Islam (Video) @AxeerStudio @MayAbdElAziz @TheAshrafMajed

Worship does not have to be boring, just ask any Southern church in the United States. The Muslims can also worship through chanting, reciting or dare I call it singing? Sure Muslim-themes music has evolved. Poetry and drums do not cut it anymore so there are more musical elements to incorporate. For all the damage done by the type of deranged, misguided, and violent Muslims, I wish there is a dozen like the duo you will see below.

Enters the stage Ashraf Majed doing his piano magic and accompanied by the great vocalist May Abd El Aziz, who sounds like Whitney Houston. May sees herself as a musician and a teacher who believes in peace, love, respect, and tolerance. A timely message in these dark days. May is unafraid to hit the high note to make her point. This is a nice Dua'a that resonates well and defies cultural, religious and language barriers.


Ashraf brings a diverse background as he is an Engineer by training from "Ainshams" but since he is keen on following his passion, he landed on faith inspired music. The goal is to tell the world how Islam is, and how beautiful it can be when practiced right. On the side he does music production where he collaborates with Awakening Records in the Digital Video Marketing

The duo add a lot of class to this song that seeks forgiveness from the skies above. Ashraf Majed is a celebrated musicians in Islamic music. Perhaps it would be very wise for Awakening Records music label to land his services. He is also a graduate of the American University in Cairo (marketing). I like when music is being used to do something good and classy like what Ashraf Majed did here. I would be remiss not to celebrate May's subtle charm.

I love this song, we need more of those songs that teach forgiveness (which is almost becoming a foreign word in the region) I love those lyrics but I love the wrapping that comes with it, the simplistic and minimalist approach to draw attention. This song less about doing something cool and more about reviving an old Islamic tradition like that of the Sufi and their types.

What a perfect production that manged to captivate while living up to the humble roots of the religion. 

@AxeerStudio | Ghofranak - غفرانك | Ashraf Majed Ft. May Abd El Aziz

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The Sinai Desert Folklore Goes Mainstream By @FayrouzKarawya

Many natives of the Sinai desert feel overlooked by the central government in Egypt. At times they do not feel part of the country at large....and this is one of the reasons it has been a hotbed for violent and extremists groups. I think Egyptians need to make a habit of visiting that land, also the natives do not need to feel like strangers...

Indie vocalist Fayrouz Karawya is among the first entertainers in the mainland to sing a Sinai style song that come from the local tradition. This is great, there are a lot of many things I like about the Sinai, but the music was not one of them. Thanks to Fayrouz Karawya, now I know how does that sound. It's actually an upbeat song, it has its own style, but it remains Egyptian.  

A Clever song, released the right time, but a songstress that has many talanets and a big heart.

فيروز كراوية - طرف اصابيعه/ Fayrouz Karawya - Tarf Asabi'o

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Shaden Salim, The Edward Said Music Conservatory Vocalist

Indie and alternative artists are emerging in Palestine, and thanks to the social media, they are getting the help they need. One of them is composer and singer Ahmed Dari, who has been making his own songs, but also giving other similarity-minded artists some of his compositions. Shaden is pretty confident that she has plenty to offer.

Shaden Salim released a new song, and the music is the work of Ahmed Dari, thanks to her voice, this song has classical written all over it. Shaden comes from the Edward Said Music Conservatory. It's a song about the passing winter and cold, about life, memories and distance. Shaden is keen on Palestinian folklore, but this time, she goes for something classical. I like the fact that she had performed at the Hebrew University

Shaden Salim, بتمُر تلج وبرد، غناء شادن سليم، كلمات وألحان أحمد داري


شادن سليم - يا نسيم الريح - الجامعة العبرية

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Cairokee New Music Video Features Japanese Anime @CairoKee

The indie band to conquer all indie bands in today's Egypt Cairokee released a new music video, which would have been a fun event nevertheless. But they wanted to take on a challenge--they opted to incorporate Japanese anime style cartoon for their latest project.

The artists wanted to introduce their song and explain that this is a new idea that has not been done locally before. They get a chance to look and sound cool and funny. They like their Manga artwork that delivers their song.

This is a party song that shows the band in a new artwork and pushes the song into a new realm. The song takes on sexual harassment, drugs, and drinking. I think the song describes today's Egypt state. People who do not have a clear identity. To gather for a party is the only thing that does not land one in Jail.

This is a perfect storytelling tool that allows the artists to do something original visually. Sure the lyrics offer a big buzz, but this visual feat may give one nightmares. Toward the end of the clip, the band dissed their own music video and called it trash. All in the name of humor.  

I must say, this is cool project from one band that refuses to grow old or so the same thing more than once. A bit gory at times, but fresh nonetheless.
   

Cairokee Marboot Be Astek كايروكي مربوط بأستك

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This Album Is Different Black Theama Returns From The Dead

Black Theama bank is not a band that likes to play it safe. Often times, they go the uncharted route and it does pay. The authentic band from the deep Egyptian south returns with a sweet album that allows each of the three vocalists to expresses themselves musically. From the get go, the album starts off dark with the cover art that speaks of reconstruction or nightmares maybe.

Two track in and he album finds its groove and the funk is out of the bag. I love the variety here in all aspects of the album. There's rap too, but none of the  14 tracks repeats itself. They tackle different themes and stories. Each songs has an impressive cover art that animates the song and helps create that feel. Sure, there's love, distance, country, God and everything in between. I like the humor that appears every now and then like in "Enta Fakerny Hendy".

The trio that makes Black Theama deliver a solid album that will cheer them fans up and get them racing to record stores and concert venues. This is how you make an Egyptian music album, wide range of styles from Nubian rhythms, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, to music with other African influences.

Amir Salaheldeen, Mohamed Samy, Medhat Ali have a lot to be proud of for making this record.

01. Enta Fakerny Hendy
02. Kebert
03. Weenik
04. Kol Mara
05. Ousso Ousso
06. Set El Hosn
07. Lays Laha Mady
08. Akhbar Ahram Gomhoreya
09. Omaret El Nas
10. Ya Beban Ya Aliah
11. Ala Shut El Neel
12. Ya Prince El Layaly
13. Koun Saied
14. Ghawy Bany Adameen

Black Theama - Set El Hosn | بلاك تيما - ست الحسن

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Here's A Singing Lady Doing Something Fresh Ralda - Yalla Yalla

I like music and I like new artists who make waves. Let's watch together a new song and a music video by Ralda and her dog. I like her voice, her style and confidence. She is a rock star who is comfortable in her own kin hence explains her many nerdy looks.

for sure, in the West, this would have been a hit sense it's catchy, repetitive and easy to get stuck in one's head. I like what I hear and what I see her. Not sure how much the name means, but it's actually a cool melody by this new comer from Syria. 

Keep on mind that Ralda has a legendary voice which was made famous by her famous covers for old songs by Om Kalthoum.

Ralda - Yalla Yalla | رالدا - يالا يالا

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