The Much Anticipated Angham Album Arrives @Angham "Innocent Dreams"

Rotana is banking on Angham, she would be the biggest female pop star on their label--at least from Egypt. Angham is an artist who predates the music video craze and the whole pop thing. Sure she was a little girl then singing alongside her father, she is still be big force.

Here's her latest album which is her first in six years--she did release a mini album about four years ago. This is her big album and it must be the comeback her older fans are waiting for. To be blunt, her fans are now older and the younger folks have no idea why they like her. Now, the idea is to see if this album gives them a reason to fall in love with her. The album is meant to introduce young music listeners to Angham. It allows them to explore this classically trained artist who happens to do stellar pop songs.

Rotana is included 12 tracks here, and most of the song have been written by one guy--Ameer Taeema. He is good, but I have to hold judgment until I hear the entire album.

01 - Ahy Gat
02 - Atgah Wahed
03 - Ben Elbenen
04 - Tol Manta Baeed
05 - Aktablk Tahod
06 - Hata Naasa
07 - Ahlam Barya
08 - Fengan Elnesian
09 - Bakrah Elmosika
10 - Bahab Aghany
11 - Ganbak Makany
12 - Baaet Waheda

Angham … Ahlam Barya | انغام … احلام بريئة

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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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TOP 10 Songs And Music Videos For This Week

Rotana released its top ten music videos for this week. This is a cool music video on the number ten spot, a party song from the unlikely place of Saudi Arabia, where Elvis makes an appearance. Mashael owned that song and shows so much energy and funk.

Balqees in her wedding song for the mother of the bride, then that hip Iraqi hit about being real is in the 8th place--thank you Waleed Al Shami. Then comes that Iraqi elder Hatem El Iraqi with his old-fashioned music video. He comes in the 7th place. Elissa is still looking in her mirrors and keeping the 6th spot. For the fifth spot you find that Lebanese romantic Wael Kfoury with all his dark charm. In the 4th place, one finds, Amr Diab being as cute and sweet as he has ever been.

The third spot is a comfortable place for Ahmed Gamal's flirty song about laughing with his loved one. Let's make space for the second spot with Tamer Hosny's drama about 180 degrees. He has a beard here and there is so much romance and tragedy. The top honor on this list goes for a lady that I do not know, seriously I do not know her. I should, she is in the top spot. Could it be that Yosra Mahnouch lady from the Voice? This is an Iraqi song that took the number one spot--second Iraqi track on the list.
 

نتائج التصويت وترتيب TOP10 هذا الأسبوع

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Rotana Picks Iraqi Musician Anwar Dragh--He is Good!

Rotana is releasing a new music video for Anwar Dragh, a song about pomegranates. It's a nice colorful music video where nature takes center stage. This feels like a vintage song made best for Debka Dance--it sounds like something you would hear in Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. It's a nice dance song with vintage lyrics.

The singer is Anwar Daragh who is a composer that started to sing. And gladly he did a good job, his voice is pretty authentic and glad that Rotana picked him and released his album. He is a really good guy as I was told by a fellow Iraqi musician.

This song reminds of the pop songs that we used to get decades ago, they are not trying too hard and it sounds like an intimate song with little noise. Even the music video is relaxing.
 

Anwar Dragh … Fart Elroman Khedodah - Video Clip | انور دراغ … فرط الرمان خدوده - فيديو كليب

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Hatem Al Iraqi (And ISIS) Rips Game Of Thrones?

There is so much sex and violence in that popular hit show "Game of Thrones". Iraqi singer Hatem is a commoner who fell in love with the daughter of the king and it's all downhill from there. How original! Hatem is one of the iconic Iraqi singers--he is the soul father for many Iraqi singers. He does not need this trash. Leave it to ISIS to channel this show, maybe you can spend more time in the recording studio.

Even the plot does not work with his song, and pretty much all actors and models appear to be foreign. Sure, this is an Iraqi hit that will please the pay masters in the Khaleej. Can we talk about how much money was spend to make this music video? What about that tired princess story and the male running the show?

That money could probably feed a thousand orphaned Iraqi children. They do not spend money on poor people, but they would in a heartbeat spend it to make a music video about a love story set in a time that has been long gone. Even the narration is needless and distracts from this song. Hatem is this is your legacy?  He should be a trend-sitter not copy what it is out there.

Hatem Al Iraqi ... Houwa Hayati - Video Clip | حاتم العراقي ... هو حياتي - فيديو كليب

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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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The Hottest Saudi Singer Releases A Golden Album "Message" @AudioRotana

Ismail plays a very convincing romantic guy and he wins me over every time and his fans are literary in every corner of the globe. For the millennial generation, he is a hit-maker and the voice that made the music from Saudi Arabia and Khaleej accessible to both the local young generation and the masses in the Arab world. Like so many gifted Saudi singer before him, they worked with beautiful poetry and a voice that aims for the heart.

Since this song two years ago (Shoog) and Ismail has been on the forefront of making very high-quality pop music. Very rich  and sweet lyrics that punctures one' heart and soul. This makes him a star that both your parents and their parents approve of him. He is about that pure and innocent love that we all can relate to.

So if you want to relax and enjoy poetry and good music accompanied by the tang voice of Ismail, this is the album for you and for your loved one. His songs are hits because he looks and sounds like a guy who believes and practices what he preaches.  

01 - Habibi
02 - Ashert Nas
03 - Tabe Eini
04 - Leyat Hobak
05 - Message
06 - Aktar Baad Shenshof
07 - Keza El Denia
08 - Qelt El Afou
09 - El Gamal Ma Taah
10 - Enta Qarar
11 - Yenadi
12 - Nefsi Teqol
13 - Lamahtak
14 - Mabyash

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

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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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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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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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Rasha: Rotana Finds A Hip Egyptian Girl!

01 - Gaya Al Ayam
02 - Dalaa Al Dalaa
03 - Al Hob We Al Salam
04 - Albi Hedyah
05 - Min Khofy Aleak
06 - Fe Lelah Men El Layaly
07 - Enta Meano
08 - Mabaetsh Mesadaah
Here's a fresh pop album from a young artists who is breaking out with Rotana. She is Rasha and she seems cool and hip for that Saudi company yet they are working together. Rasha is a new comer and she sings like an old Egyptian soul making girlie songs loved by the masses.

Her debut album features eight tracks with various tempo, moods and topics. It's pretty awesome that Rotana still believed in young and new talents that are not from the Khaleej region. We do not get many songs like those of Rasha in today's industry....they all make electronic crap over and over. So this is a sane album at a very insane time.

Rotana is a big company, but they are not doing a great job attracting menials, they do well with older listens, but the menials who are outside the Gulf, feel the company does not cater ti them. Maybe Rasha is a first wave of trying to change that.

Listen to the album here

Rasha … Dalaa Al Dalaa | رشا … دلع الدلع

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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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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 Young And Impressive Natasha Strikes Gold Again

Natasha left her home in Lebanon to settle in Saudi Arabia, her dad and her family went along and I am glad they did. In Lebanon there are a million pop stars and Natasha was just one of them. Though she was very young when she started singing--maybe 15 years of age. She did have one best-selling album even before she was 20.

So Natasha took her loving family on a journey to make music in Saudi--the home of Rotana who has singed Natasha. The young lady sounds like a seasoned pop star, she even has a voice and grace to deliver Tarab songs for more mature taste. She could also do playful songs like she did in both Lebanese, Egyptian and Saudi fashions.

Here's a sweet song that feels like an original Arabic song it feels like something you would have heard in the 80's in one of the many famed Egyptian concert halls. I am impressed by her performance here and think with a  bit more luck and some clever marketing, there's no reason why Natasha should not be a number one selling-artist.

ناتاشا - إنساني خلاص Natasha - Ensani Khalas - HD

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Top Ten Arabic Pop Songs This Week (Video)

This is a good list, it features artists from Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco Yemen, UAE and they all have something in common--they made it to the top spot in Arabic pop songs this week. I know I have heard this songs before, but happy to see more people are tuning in.

These are popular songs around the internet, there is at least two Tarab song sin there that show a bit of class, there is romance, and the top one spot went for the funk by Rana Samah. Let's see this inclusive lists of songs that have mad this week's top songs lists.

نتائج وترتيب | TOP10 هذا الأسبوع | 14 \ 6 \ 2015

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Pascale Machalani Cruising Towards The Past! # YaAlhanoun

Pascale Machalani used to be a big deal a decade ago. I want her to make a sweet comeback, I really do. She is a lady who won't quit, she did take a break to have a family and she manged to do that so well. But her album from last year, I felt did not offer anything new, no lead song that stood out or a song that felt organic.

She did have that Jordanian song that was rad, but other than that one it felt tired. Here's an song of hers with old footage from a classic Arabic film. he one couple that each Arab male and female fancy being with. Good luck with that, Pascale Machalani could not turn back the clock, and neither can you.

Since Rotana controls the rights for her album and the rights for that song--an album they produced, comes the random pairing.

بسكال مشعلاني - ياالحنون | Pascale Machalani - YaAlhanoun

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The One Guy Who Makes Arabic Music Happen @salhendi

Salem Al Hindi is the top boss at Rotana music. He is the CEO or the equivalent of top manger who overseas just about every contract/deal with Arab artists. He is a celebrity himself as he can be seen alongside all the big and hot names in Arabic music. He can also be mean sometimes, and he does not look kindly on attacks from pop stars at his company.

In a recent interview, Salem seemed candid about Arabic pop and the business, he gave the interview to that popular magazine "Saydaty". He has few nuggets to say

1. Rotana has the biggest names in Egyptian pop Amr Diab and Tamer Hosny
2. I have special relationship with Amr diab who can be very difficult to deal with.
3. Amr Diab is so demanding and he likes to oversee every aspect out of fear for his brand and his legacy.
4. Same goes for Tamer Hosny, we do all we can to satisfy him artistically. 
5. Some Lebanese singers are so demanding as they overdo it, but cannot point to an artistic problem. 
6. Same artists forget that they are no longer as important or as big of a name as they once were, yet they think they have the upper hand with Rotana. 
7. Most of their demands are to show off and to talk about their prestigious.
8. He does not mean Elissa, whom he likes and calls easy to deal with and he respects for that.
9. Amr Diab is still under contract with Rotana, so there is no negotiation.   
10. Angham, just joined the company now where they will mange her businesses and produce her music.
11. Mohammad Assaf is an important voice, but  as long as he is happy with his production company, good luck to him.
12. He think the world of Najwa Karam and Assi Hallani, he is so diplomatic when he speaks about them and about their rightful place in Rotana 

Little is known about Salem's personal life, but I feel he is the figure most Arab pop stars like to be locked in a room with. Why do I get the feeling he is not a big fan of Assaf?
."

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A Saudi Rock Star For This Age Arrives @mohdmesh

Here's a Saudi guy who likes music, which is not an easy sell inside the Kingdom. Mohammad Al Meshaal studied music under the late Saudi composer Saleh Al Shahry and later under Nasir Al Saleh for few years. Then he came to Rotana's attention who signed him up in 2009.

In 2015 he releases his latest album and Rotana is beefing up the marketing and this allowed for a music video to be released in concert with the album's release. This is not V's first release with the Saudi company, he did have at least one mini album (with four songs)

Checkout his new song and music video that shows a lot of promise and hope for Saudi pop songs.

Mohammad Al Meshaal ... Aajeel - Video Clip | محمد المشعل ... عجل - فيديو كليب

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