This Hot Singer Goes To Mayrouba Festival

Nassif Zeytoun is the last iconic young singer who graduated from Star Academy and won the title. Now the charming Syrian vocalist is touring the world for his music tour. But before he hit the road, he stopped by a major music event in Lebanon where tourists and locals gather to enjoy wonderful music.

Nassif Zeytoun set the stage on fire and sang his heart out--too bad it was not life performance. The capable singer took his charm and fired up the attendees. He was not short on energy and the fans ate that up. This is a raw talent that has shown so much excitement.

See some highlights from the event and few of his signature songs. I think we are winner here to see a bright young artist who is doing all the right things and delivering solid songs frequently.
  

Nassif Zeytoun - Mayrouba Festival [Highlights] / ناصيف زيتون - مهرجان ميروبا

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The Charismatic Shahinaz Diaa Churns A New Single " Ana Ba3sha2o"

Star Academy Shahinaz Diaa is still riding on the publicity wave, she already did a number of songs for popular films. She has released half a dozen singles that went on to become hits. She pulls the girl in love so very well, and every song means a new picture to go with it. This latest song of hers has music form the talented Islam Zaki--who now sings as well.

This is a wedding song from a good girl who prays to God to keep her loved ones close by her side. I think her voice is good, she does what she can and despite the odds she is still working--not an easy thing to do in today's Egypt.

Also it's not easy for a woman from the East to proclaim her love to the public. Ms. Diaa does it her and does it so loudly.    

Shahinaz Diaa - Ana Ba3sha2o / شاهيناز ضياء - انا بعشقه

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The Syrian Jasmine, Sarah Farah Returns With A New Song @SarahFarahORG

Few years ago, a Syrian vocalist was born on Star Academy, and she almost won the title for that 8th season. She did not end up winning the title but Sarah Farah will go one to be one of the most exciting and resourceful young vocalists.

She did release  half a dozen singles and they have all met success in varying proportions. Now comes her debut music video and an impressive new look and a new character that we meet for the first time. She is doing that rich Syriam Tarab, and it's rich. The song and its music video work well.

I consider myself a fan of this vocalist and I have just liked her even more. Sarah works with a new team and it shows in her energy and the material she is working with. It's becoming harder for young talents to get new work, Sarah made her own path and she seems to have found an outlet.

In Syria they seem not to let bad artists have a chance, if you come out of Syria, you must be worthy and decent. Sarah Farah is good and now she is just getting better with this new track...."YaShaqiq Elroo7" My Soul Twin

جديد فيديو كليب ياسمينة الشام سارة فرح ياشقيق الروح New Video Clip Sarah Farah YaShaqiq Elroo7

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The Freind Zone! A Stunning New Song By Nesma Mahgoub @Nesmahgoub

Sure she has a tried and trued opera grade vocal chords. This is Egyptian Nesma Mahgoub prime time, moment under the sun. After a nice and complete image makeover, Nesma Mahgoub is back with a new song that feels so bittersweet. A song about her falling in love with a guy who loves her like he would his sister. In Arabic that translates to the friend zone.

Seriously, the guy who dances like this must not like women. Nesma Mahgoub is content with the current state as long as they are close to one another. Then another girl enters the stage and things get tricky. She pictures herself in her place, not that other girl. So she choses to suffer in silence. Does she keep her distance and let the couple enjoy their life. Jealousy does ruin homes. Nesma Mahgoub shines here and delivers one of her finest songs to date and to be honest I like this new and bold Nesma Mahgoub.

They don't make such emotional deep and complex songs like this anymore. This is a classy song that reminds me of an innocent era. Well-done Nesma, you play a nice piano, you dance like a butterfly and your voice make the Arabic version of Frozen much warmer.

 

Nesma Mahgoub Hob Ekhwat | نسمة محجوب - حب اخوات

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Arab Pop Stars Who Joined The Million Views Club!

Arab pop stars are pleased if they break the million views on YouTube, if they beat that, it's all gravy. But then there are few who reach ten million and we will never hear the end of it. But in the Arab music industry, there have been only three pop stars to break the 100 million views on the video viewing and sharing. Let's see who they are...  

1. Saad Lamjarred, the Moroccan pop star whose songs are different than what most Arab pop stars make. He does local songs from Morocco with an international mindset. And his music vidoes are so creative yet simple. He is the latest to join the club with his hit song "LM3ALLEM" It's actually a fresh breeze of pop that even impresses those who are not typically listening to Arabic music. Saad came a lone way from his days on Star Academy where he made his splash.  
2. Hala Turk, the little girl from Arabs Got Talent--she is from Bahrain and she likes to do cute songs in both Arabic and English. Since he does teen and children songs, you know she gets the views from the same household a dozen times. So if you are an Arab child, you will appreciate what Hala has been doing. I do not like that she is so concerned with singing English. If you do think you are a brat, you won't be the only one. Happy Happy
3. Huseein Al Jassmi, this is  weird one, you get the biggest pop star from the UAE whose fans are all across the Middle East doing a song form Egypt. So a guy who grew up without democracy--but plenty of cash, singing for a cash strapped army dictator. No one denies that's a catchy tune that went viral and made last summer one big dance party. Though the composer, idiot Amr Moustafa took credit for it and many Egyptian pop got envious. "Bushrat Kheer"  

How does it feel not to have one Egyptian pop star or Lebanese singer on this list? Maybe this is a humble pie. If you care about money, a 100 million views are worth $870,000! That's a lot of cash in Arabia.

Hala Al Turk - Happy Happy #حلا_الترك - هابي هابي

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@medomounib Presents Star Academy @Noormofficial New Single

Star Academy does not stop being the gift that keeps on giving. So many young artists have appeared on this program, so many stars were made and so many were forgotten. A few though have made it and have already established thriving careers in the entertainment biz.

Here's Nour Mohamed, also appeared on the program, what has yet to be answered, will she mange to hold tight and hang in there? Nour is young, cute, cheeky, and hip, so she has what helps with marketing. The vocal performance is good, not meant for awards and Tarab songs (it may) So she is ready to be a star from the looks for her new music video. I like her style and her simplicity, social media does make an appearance in her music video. So let the games begin and let the conversation begins.  

Ewe production & Medo Mounib's Pause production stand behind this track for the young artist. The single is included on the Hits 9 album alongside many singles by young and bright singers. I must confess Nour is doing all the right things in Egyptian pop. I like how running out of battery can cause one to lose many things. 

Nour -Talba Ma3aya l نور - طالبه معايا

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New Comer @Rana__Samaha Is Everywhere And It's Great!

The tall and slander recording artist Rana Samah released at least three music videos in the span of 30 days. Each of these songs tackles a different topic, and communicate a varying range of emotions. Rana is adored by her fans who are very vocal about this Egyptian artist.

Here's the latest music video from this inescapable pop star who goes on a picnic for her song as she awaits the days to pass by so that she can be reunited with her loved one. To be clear on this, no other star from Rana's peers and age groups have done as much work as she has done. She seems to spend a great deal of time inside the recording studio. She comes back with a new song and new energy and a pleasant character.   

One time, you compare her to diva Angham, the other to Nancy Ajram, then to Amal Maher but you know she is none of those gifted divas. She is her own star, paving her own path and in the process conquering millions of hearts along the way. One of her boldest songs came last week whens he sang to empower women and urging them to fight for their rightful places--anywhere they desire. 

I am impressed by Rana, she is prolific, and she has shown that she is active. I know many of her male peers are aggressive and this is why they get ahead, but Rana is really giving them a run for their money. We need more female artists like Rana.
 

Rana Samaha - 3aysha 3alyoum l رنا سماحة - عايشة ع اليوم

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The Gayest Non-Gay Song Is Out Of The Closet (Video)

Two young and accomplished dancers Anthony Touma and Mohamed Attia became friends on the set of Dancing with the Stars. They took their friendship to the next level and recorded a summer duet that they co-wrote. In one hand Anthony Touma and Mohamed Attia wrote the lyrics and then Touma wrote the music. And all of sudden you get a summer hit that is actually exciting.

Attia has done many things in his life since he won the 2004 Star Academy--he won that show's first season. Attia did a number of singles and album but nothing really that he could call a legacy. Then he starred in tow movies, and right after that he hosted a show with gamers celebrities--it was good. In between he did a lot of political activism, lots of opinions and he is no fan of the military dictator running Egypt.

Let's focus on the song, it's a perfect summer song--lots of bikinis, watermelons lemons, music, drinks. I liked the single when it was released two months ago, now we get to see the pool and the water guns. Things are changing fast in the Middle East, we got the extremists on both sides. Where have the sun gone?

I must say the games played poolside are refreshing, make no mistake this is a party song that makes no secrets about flirting. Enjoy the very short shorts and the studs lurking around the pool. On the plus side, this is one of the few times, where the guy is actually a good dancer that can stand his ground. The end of the music vides leaves one laughing.
  

Anthony Touma Ft. Mohamed Attia - Kol Lela | أنطوني توما ومحمد عطية - كل ليلة

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Laith Abu Joda Breaks The Internet For Habibi Yalla @LaithAbuJoda

Laith Abu Joda keeps messing with people's internet. Why? He is so popular that any song of his keeps people busy and generates so many social media actions necessitating new servers. The young pop star (all the way from Star Academy) returns with a new summer hit that will be the subject of envy from many of his peers.

This Palestinian rock star has shot to fame in a very short time-frame by singing his heart out for his fans. But he did that first by releasing a humanitarian song that made many of us cry. But that was earlier this year and now we are going to see the start of the season of love and romance. The brilliant music video released with the new song Habibi Yalla is all about energy and excitement. Laith does it again and opens Pandora's box for the season. Another awesome thing about the music for Habibi Yalla is the sweet fact it has been composed by the lovable Karim Mohsen.

The song is catchy and invites the listener to jump right in. It's smooth and has plenty of fizz. No denying this is one hip guy making music for those who want to shake it. So if you really want something cool this summer? Grab a cold beverage and watch the song below.

P.S. I am all hopeful for Palestinian pop--we sort of have a dozen young artists doing wonderful songs that cross into other countries and generate buzz. Among the millennial pop stars Laith Abu Joda stands tall as he claims (and I second that) to have one of the most dedicated fan base on the social media sphere.        

ليث أبو جودة - حبيبي يلا | Laith Abu Joda - Habibi Yalla

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Why Does Shatha Hassoun Copy Najwa Karam's Look? #Walhana

I like Shatha Hassoun and think she has an awesome talent and knows how to market it very well. No two people can argue about her talent, we know she has a capable voice and something warm about her. She did walk away from that Star Academy season a decade ago and established a brand and thriving career.

Now, she has met a lot of success in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, and Dubai. She is also a big draw in Jordan as well. What disappoints me is that by watching her new music video, I could not help but notice she seems to look, dress and act like Najwa Karam. Also, whatever happened to her eyes? Shatha Hassoun here is talking up her affection to this pretty boy. She is selling herself short. And the music video feels a lot similar to few others we have already seen not too long ago.

I like Najwa to be Najwa and I love Shatha to be Shatha, even those hats remind me of music videos we have seen before form Najwa Karam years ago. So the story three dudes and three girls, some of them are funny but the ones who sing and look good are the ones whose story is being told here.

I am all for the beach for fun, I liked this song before, but do readers see what I am talking about here? It might be the director's fault or the makeup artist, even the stylist, but original always pays.  
 

Shatha Hassoun ... Walhana - Video Clip | شذى حسون ... ولهانة - فيديو كليب

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Syrian Singer @MohamadBash Charms The World #Shoufi_Mafi

Bash is back and he is all loaded up with maximum level of charm. Syrian Mohamad Bash is one of those young talents who are stuck in the C list class of artists. But for his new music video he is playing tourist in some Asian city perhaps.

The new song is pretty interesting, it sounds like an Iraqi song from the title, but then the song goes in some foreign tongue. What's fresh is the arrangement of music here, it's pretty sophisticated. The Star Academy is taking pictures and videos with the tourists. He gives a shout out to Egyptian, Lebanese and Syrian dialects.  

The director of his music video is also the same person that wrote the lyrics and music. So this is pretty new to me. The music video is low budget and made with volunteers. The new song shows what Bash has as a vocalist with big Tarab potential that is relevant for today's age.

It's a fresh song from a young artist whose talent should be shared with more people, I know his big smile opens hearts and doors for him.

Shoufi Mafi  - Mohamad Bash شوفى مافى - محمد باش

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Sexy And Stylish @Abdalslaam_alz Prays So Well

The song of Kuwait Abdel Salam Alzayed surged in the social media this week upon the release of his new supplication record "Ya Allah" or "O' Allah". It's a pretty convincing supplication that's hard to believe it's been captured on a record it sounds so authentic and so personal.

What's interesting is that Abdel Salam Alzayed is not even religious. He appeared on the 10th season of Star Academy and his performances while on the program guaranteed him a premium spot at his nation's biggest music festivals. But nothing beats this young artists presence in social media as he shares with his fans many details of his daily routines like the time he showed a picture of himself at the cloth store picking up a suite for his concert the same night.

Enjoy the supplication and join me as I hope may Abdel Salam's prayer may be answered. Who says people cannot look sexy when they pray!
 

انشودة عبدالسلام الزايد - يا الله - نسخة اصلية عبدالسلام الزايد يالله HD

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Meet The New King of Morocan Music, Viral Saad Lamjarred

The new song by Saad Lamjarred did generate 35 million views in under a month and then clock is still counting for his hit song "LM3ALLEM" In the history of Arabic pop on YouTube, there has been only one exceptional song that has done better than this track. But it got 90 million views in a year, we are talking about 35 million in a month so, there's a big chance Lamjarred will catch up. The song has already been turned into countless memes and so many copycats are taking on the song.

I shall not name that other song because I hate its message and the folks who brought it to life. Though Saad Lamjarred make a name for himself on Star Academy in 2007, he did take a more global approach to his music. Saad did not want to go and do songs for money, instead, he did artistic songs with local flavor and international influence. It worked. Instead of going with the popular thing and the quick buck, Saad did his own work. Take for example he has only one full album to his name but a dozen of singles that generated so much attention.

He achieved an international place by being very local. Maybe what helps him is his unique style that no one can copy. He sort of developed his own brand and it became his money maker. He has a great sense of style and brings so much energy to the stage. People just love him and you can see his songs and live performances he engages the fans and audience. He is also unafraid to improvise and rap if it helps. I like his Western style but make no mistake in everything he does, he says he is Moroccan.        

مال حبيبي مالو - سعد المجرد محمد شاهين في البرايم 9 من ستار اكاديمي 10 - Saad el mjared Prime 9

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Rana Samaha Treats The Khaleej To A New Song @Rana__Samaha From @Alshaikh2

Rana Samaha is trying a new approach. She is going for humor and self deprecation. She is also singing a song in the Khaleej. I believe this is the first time, she sings in that dialect, she is doing a lot of duck face and some freaky eye movements with these long lashes.

I like the music for sure, it's some of the best music for the Khaleej without turning the non-Khaleej off. The lyrics are very simple as not to confuse the young pop songstress. Rana is trying a number of things here, dancing with her hands and keeping focused as the camera is in her face.

Not many pop stars would let us get so close, Rana is doing it here. I appreciated how the song kicked off with a line that said, "this song has nothing to do with reality." Rana has been active doing a lot of different things like hosting a radio show, she is a big star in the social media with a committed fan base. Well done Rana, this is a real gem.

Young artists have to be way more creative than their predecessors, becuase there are so many different ways for one to market themselves and it has become so hard to be different in this age. Rana stands a bit taller and sings a lot louder.
   

رنا سماحة - على كيفك | Rana Samaha - 3la kefak

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Is That You Lara Scandar? Thanks To The Amazing @ivannasalameh @rabeeyounes

The Egyptian Lebanese American Italian songstress Lara Scandar does not have a new song or a new album. What she does have is a picture of hers that will make it difficult to tell if that's the real Lara or not? The former contestant on Star Academy credits a stunning work of makeup artist for her fresh and completely different look.

Lara shared the new pictures on her social media profiles and people were generally in love with this talented artist. Some joked that they could not tell if it was really her. One picture had already generated more than 20 K likes after 6 hours of being posted.

This is ho you get the social media working for you, give them a big of surprising mystery. Lara pulled a magic trick so few have done it this well before.

The team behind this photo shoot are
Photography: @rabeeyounes 
Hair: @harouthu 
Makeup: @ivannasalameh 
Styling/ Creative Direction/ Favorite Person: @aminejreissaty

عسل أبيض - الفنانة لارا إسكندر تتحدث عن أخر أعمالها الفنية ومعاد نزول الألبوم وحبها للموضة والألوان

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Zee Zee Adel Gets A Haircut, We Must Watch (Video)

Zee Zee Adel from her Star Academy fame released her third studio album few weeks ago, the title she went with was interesting "I am A female" But the cover art for the album featured her with a really short haircut.

If this is done for a cause, I welcome this.Ever since 2008-2009 and I consider myself a fan of Zee Zee's she did take a long career nap in the 2011 and just this year she returns to the spotlight. I liked her new album, I think it has few sleeper hits beside the three obvious hits

Now Zee Zee is sharing with the world the journey she went through to lose he hair for the album. Her hair stylist seems to have the skills. Not too many female Arab pop stars brave the short hair, so this is something new.
 

زيزي عادل صدمتها وبكائها وهي تقص شعرها

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This Song Will Pay The Bills, InshAllah @marwanasr #Gorgeous

Sometimes artists want a paycheck, it happens in many places and there's no shame in that. Artists have a lifestyle they need to sustain. This is why very few will hold it against Egyptian pop star Marwa Nasr for doing a song in Khaleeji dialect.

Not only has this former Star Academy participant released the song on her album from three months ago, but also she is releasing a music video for it. The teaser is below and it seems all about makeup and a sweet hairstyle.

I wish Marwa well as she shops around for music festivals to perform in. I hope this song will bring her few engagements that come in with a hefty paycheck. Let's not forget that this is the first time Marwa Nasr does a song in that dialect,
 

Marwa Nasr - Ghalta Baseta (Promo) | (مروة نصر - غلطة بسيطة (إعلان

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Jean Chahid From Singing Competition To The Sluggish Music Industry

Jean Chahid has almost everything, young good looking, talented and lives in the city of Beirut. His place of residence allowed the young singer to take part of Arab Idol, Star Academy. Jean found some local music talents to work with him, and this is why he keeps making music with the help of the young and hip in the Lebanese capital.

Checkout the sound engineer or producer are locked in the studio next to him giving him pointers. He is back singing about love and other buttery things to the ladies. He is here to tell his loved one, that he no longer is able to tell her from what she used to be.

Jean Chahid Mech Enti جان شهيد مش انت

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Gold For Your Ears! Mohamed Kammah - Saaban Aleak

Mohamed Kammah is one of thousands of young artists who want to occupy space on one's playlists. He is a great young artists who has yet to peak. Not easy to be a working pop stars are most Arab countries are on fire. But nevertheless Kammah keeps the dream alive.

Here's an emotional song from this Egyptian pop star with a great set of hair on his head. Kammah came a long way from Star Academy, checkout one of his bittersweet songs that has a western guitar gluing the entire package.
Mohamed Kammah - Saaban Aleak | محمد قماح - صعبان عليك

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Syrian Wonder Boy Nassif Zeytoun - Rehearsal & Interview

Here's the hard-working Syrian star Nassif Zeytoun in action preparing for a concert. This is a fun guy and his bands seems to love him. I like these sessions where musicians kick back and unleash. Sometimes, I like to be a fly on the wall. Zeytoun is becoming one of the most exciting pop stars in between Lebanon and Syria.

He seems like a nice guy who enjoys a wealth of talent, a warm personality and the love of millions. While there are many half-baked talents that compete on these singing shows--Nassif is one of the very few good ones that have and will do well as a stand along career in music.

In short three years, the young singer has released an album and headlined dozens of concerts and there is a lot more in store for this force of good music,

Nassif Zeytoun - Rehearsal & Interview / ناصيف زيتون - يتمرّن ويقوم بمقابلة

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