Baloona, Yet Another Lebanese Summer Music Festival

Why not? Nothing beats the heat like the outdoors can, so why not bring the party together and hire local talents to bring it all together and excite the crowd about your town or about your event.

In Baloona, a village in Lebanon, brought together two different singers. Michaella, one female that will attract the young an dthe energized, and  Melhim Barakat, the guy who speaks his mind, but also makes very fine music. She partied with people as she sang. She even gave interviews and spoke about her latest work and events where she will appear.

The moody Melhim Barakat asked people to turn off their cameras and he has banned the singers form filming his performance. And yes, no one has footage of Melhim Barakat.

في بلونة... ميكاييلا تتألَّق وملحم بركات يمنع التصوير

While Arabs Shame Belly Dancers, Non Arabs Dominate It

Everybody loves belly dancing, no body would want to be one. As far as Arab people go, it's a dead profession. And such belly dancer have became just another word for prostitute. So, who gives? The people around the world picked the dance and made it even sexier.

Go to any restaurant in Lebanon or a Moroccan restaurant, chances are the dancer is not Arab, but she appreciate the culture--which to her means belly dancing. Which was no surprise to me when I saw the video below about belly dancing festival in Lebanon and most of the stars were from Europe, Latin America and beyond. Few Arab belly dancers were also present.

Needless to say some mid aged bald guys with a sleazy personality showed up. Check out the belly dancers from Spain and Mexico who have been interviewed. The lady behind this event is a local belly dancer with the name of Amani.

   مهرجان الرَّقص الشَّرقي في بيروت يجذب الأجنبيَّات

Video: Mohammed Fouad Concert In Ramallah, Palestine محمد فؤاد في رام الله

Color me impressed, will you?

Egyptian romance wonder boy Mohammed Fouad headlined the Palestine International Festival in its 4th night. I am a fan of his and so most of the young and younger Palestinians. Fouad has the issue of Palestine close to his heart--his brother died fighting the Israelis. Foaud as sang for Palestine--among other things too.

The event was well attended and Fouad did his thing, doing old and new songs of his to keep his fans happy and entertained. I know it must have been hard for him to adjust as he might be used to more tech savvy and fancier concert venues, but it was what it was.

This is the first time the star sing sin Palestine. He said that anything for Palestine he will do and he will answer the call. He has also commented that Palestine is in the heart of all Egyptians and Arabs. Needless to say the fans cheered for him as he sang and as he sported the world famous scarf

Not sure why we do not see much of this singer lately, 2012 was a big bust for him, but I know I am looking forward to hear the song of his that will play as the credits roll for Ahmed El Sakka's new TV drama.

محمد فؤاد واغنية ام الشهيد لايف من حفلة رام الله-فلسطين


مقابلة وطن مع الفنان محمد فؤاد في مهرجان فلسطين الدولي


محمد فؤاد في رام الله واخر الاخبار حصريا

Nawal Al Zoghbi Remembers The Great Warda @ Murex D'Or

While most ego drive entertainers were too busy looking cool and acting important and busy while collecting awards, Nawal had a different idea about cool, she dedicated her award to the late Algerian diva Warda. As she revived her award, the organizations of the event played a video showing Nawal jamming with Warda as they appeared together few years back.

Lebanese singer collected her award  Murex D'Or and made the moment about another diva. I do admit there is a reward for Nawal in doing that as she appears humble and that she enjoys a unique relationship with Warda. There has also been some awkward moments in the video, but one thing for sure Warda has always been classy and she sounded so good.

Watch the video with the highlights 

نوال الزغبي تهدي جائزتها الى ذكرى الفنانة وردة

Is Myriam Faris The Arab Jennifer Lopez?

Before you get upset, hold one a second and read my argument

• Both are wildly successful
• Bot endorse produces and help companies sell stuff including but not limited to beauty products.
• Both are viewed as sex symbols by their fans and observers alike.   
• Both can sing a pop song and bring your energy to a maximum level.
• Both are amazing dancers and recognized and creative dance moves
• Both are bold and both are stylish.
• Both are adored by the guys and copied and celebrated by females.
• Both have done acting roles in movies.
• They both hire world famous choreographer to help them come up with stunning dance moves.
• Both are being attacked by younger pop stars who want their stardom-Myraim is younger than Jenny. 
• And most of all both are strong opinionated  

This conclusion hit me when I saw the dance portion (skip to minute 3:20 if you do not want to see the ego trip) You really cannot help but see how similar they are and how well choreographed their dance moves. She really danced her tail off at the Murex D'or awards where she one the title of the biggest name recognition in Arabia and best in show.

I do not think she was a big hit in 2012, she has not released an album, but she kept in the news and kept herself busy.  

Myriam Fares Best Show Star and The most popular of 2011 - Murex D'or awards 2012

Women, Bikes And Fashion In Lebanese Beirut

Motorcycle bikes are a big deal out here in the States, the American engine roars like no other. Such thrill is coming to Lebanon now with a company goes by the name LAMA. So they put a an exhibit for those who like bikes in Lebanon for haunting, and recreational use. Of course this is the rich man's game. Products of YAMAHA and Harley Davidson--in Lebanon for 60 years. Popular bikes are for the mountains too.

It seems that the promoting company is trying to educate people about safety, last thing they want is death from bike accidents in Lebanon. The company is helping promote the sport, so go ahead be safe and ride on. As long as you are willing to pay up some cash or they would help you with financing. 

انطلاق أول معرض للدراجات النارية في لبنان والمنطقة



But those who like fashion are also welcome to Lebanon, there's a fashion show. Lebanon has been known for fashion for some time now. More than 40 fashion shows have taken part of this show, all labels were present and most models come from all over the universe. Boys and men can also find things to buy, not just the ladies. I would go to Lebanon, but I am looking for something that has less plastic.

عروض للأزياء في وسط أسواق بيروت

Angham Rocks Mawazine Music Festival 2012

If the Moroccan wanted a lady who can sing and represent the old generation yet connect with young ones, they got Angham. She is a voice that both males and females can relate to. She went there and performed her top songs, she even took a break from filming her Ramadan TV drama.

The only bad press Angham got was about how short her dress was--I do not think it's a big deal. She went for the simple look. Here are two clips from songs she performed at the festival. I do not know but I feel the energy is a bit low. I am not seeing the audience maybe why.

I know many Arab entertainers would not think twice about performing at this concert where other world famous celebrities also take on the stage. Morocco does wonders, and they use such festivals for tourism and helping people forget about the high unemployment.

Sidi Wesalak - Angham سيدي وصالك - حفله - انغام

Leih Sebtaha - Angham ليه سبتها - حفله - انغام

12 Years of Lebanese Murex D'Or Red Carpet 2012

 Murex D'Or, the rich and famous of the Arab world gathered in Lebanon for a night of glamour and celebrity infested event. It was the place to be seen and the place to look your finest. An award for all Arab entertainers, film/TV and Music. If you invite an artist to the  Murex D'Or they will show up looking snazzy.

These people got no sense of what happens around them and if they do, they care more for themselves and how a certain clothes item make them look. Of course, they work hard too and of course they entertain us as well. But they also get paid a big check for that. Now comes trophy time and they will turn out.

Watch the clip from Elaph who interviewed some stars and go some shots of other looking good on the red carpet. Assi Hallani did find time to talk about his ego, Kathim spoke about the event. Saber El Robaei spoke about his success. Others spoke about their work and awards. Sabine spoke about her new found fame and she was animated to be there. Lebanese Mike Massy was also invited and given an ward.

Look for ugly older men who are chasing their young trophy wives, together they are attending an event for no reason other than having money.

Murex D'Or Awards 2012

Holland The New Party Place For Arabs in Europe

I have been seeing more and more Arab singers hold concerts in the Netherlands or as most Arabs know it by the name Holland. I swear, expat get to see their Arab stars more than the ones at home due to the political instability of course. The latest Arab stars to head to Holland is Syrian diva Assala who also had concerts in the States and Canada as well.

Holland is a liberal place to the core and most Arab s living there seem to have embraced their lifestyle over there. So when they got this much cash, they go to concerts for their celebrities. Many of them are refugees and many more come form other European nations to party in the Netherlands. Music makes friends not enemies so here's a view of the kind of people who attend such concerts and pay top dollars to be in attendance.

Assala filmed her concerts over there in the hopes of selling the airing rights to a tv network. The Syrian singer has been in the front lines talking about the revolution in Syria.    

Promo Assala's Holland Tour / برومو جولة أصاله الفنية بهولندا

Jordan Is Ahead Of The Curve With Fads

Beat Box or human jukebox are hot in certain parts of town. But it seems that we are no longer amazed by the combination of strange and cool talent that many young men and women have started to boast about. Jordan got a big group of hip human jukebox and told them to compete against one another in a festival that brought so many young people in one place.

Needless to say there was break dancers too and a lot of bros in saggy clothes. I am guessing if the purpose to make instruments out of a job, then these guys fail. But I am feeling it's something young people do to impress others in their age group.

So all the hip kids from Jordan...20 talents took part of this event between the ages of 16 and 25 years old. Some of those who have been interviewed spoke how people look down on them and mock them. The problem people did not know what to expect and tended to belittle the beat boxers. Lips, tongues, and mouth!

لأوَّل مرَّة في الأردن: مسابقة لعازفي البيت بوكس

Mawazine 2012, The Local With The International

Morocco is many things to different people, it's a country of millions of poor people and it's also the country of magic and where dreams come true to too many folks around the globe. This is the reality of Mawazine 2012 music festival. Where the government sells tickets for thousands of tourists, but they also give thousands more to their people.

One of those nights, they brought together Lebanese singer, composer and lyricists Marwan Khoury and local diva Kareema Al Saqly. The two singers performed a duet about how much they both love one country. This was a night that offered something for everyone. The Moroccan singers were glad to be honored at home and allowed to access such an amazing festivals. The Arab and international talents were pleased to be there and take part of the event--of course the money is also good.
 
مروان خوري وكريمة الصقلي يغنيان ديو في موازين

Maher Zain And Band In Malaysia Concert

Make no mistakes, this is a business. But some businesses are better than others. Maher Zain, his band and his lable are in the business of making you smile by giving you uplifting music that speaks to your soul. In return, they ask you to follow them spread the word and buy merchandise and tickets. Why Not? You already do it for other artists who do not offer you Islamic songs

So to power up his concerts in Malaysia, the Muslim super star, R&B and rock music dude Maher Zain is taking his band for the ride. They have booked one gigantic stadium in a city with millions of affluent and lovable Muslims.  Even the video has Canon brand flaunted. However, Maher seems to be excited for his concert so he gathered his band and give you a little taste of what you will see the night of his concert. Just like other pop stars he is promising surprises.

Maher is no longer a local singer, he is a true global star with brand recognition that defies borders and tend to bring people together to enjoy a musical experience.

Maher Zain - KL Merdeka Stadium Concert 2012 | Promo

Du In Abu Dhabi ! How To Party Without Drinking?

Abu Dhabi never wanted to be known as a party place. But Dubai makes a compelling case. Flash is an entertainment and event booking company, they have been around for four years and help bring high profile names to the city. Now, Flash has a new partner, DU. DU is a stage for live performances. Some of the events Flash have brought to the city involved American and World famous names, Brittney Spears, Beyonce and such caliber.

See the ladies dancing in the music video as the jam to the music, DU wants to bring more events like this as the city's intentional fame is built around party with us, and spend all your money here. DU will be launching their stage, with a concert that will be with Madonna. For the past 20 years or so, there has never been a bigger name in pop that Madonna. Come to DU and spend all your dough. I do not think, the place will have bars in public---yes, you can still get a drink in the UAE, but do not piss off one of the locals. I do not drink, but I know many out there do and I am being told that certain concerts and certain sporting events are much better when one had a drink or two.

 مادونا تحيي الحفل الأوَّل في "قاعة دو"

Heba, Not All People Who Can Sing Will

Heba is an Egyptian singer who can sing live like she has done in the video below during a music festival in the Stadium of Cairo. The huge stage and the thousands of screaming fans did little to intimidate this singer. I have not heard much from Heba before or after for that matter. I am sure things did not work so well, but local concerts are always a good place.

If this is Heba Youssef then, I have always been a fan, but if it's a different Heba, then I also like. I really just cannot tell with a first name anymore. Why? Makeups maybe? cookie cutter look where singers are all going for the same look at the same time.

Heba has chosen toe sing the blues, and I think she is Ms. Youssef, this is her kind of music and her label is the same one putting the concert.

Aref Hasebak leih - Heba عارف حاسيبك ليه - هبه

"Jadal" and Barakah Two More Indie Bands In Egypt

Jadal is a rock band from Jordan, they have perform din Egypt in a music festival for indie bands from the Arab world. This was a night for original and different Arabic music, it's night to rock out. The song of choice for this band was to turn a beloved Arabic classic into a rock song, or give a classic the rock treatment.

This is a smart move to get the audience to tune in, sometimes you can have original music, but if your lyrics are experimental you might not connect with audience. Vocally speaking the song leaves a lot to be desired but the music is pretty awesome.

 جدل - التوبة Next is a grage band from Egypt who want to grill the next president for their country. I love the vocal variety the band showcases, the male and the female vocalists are super charged. The lyrics are of theirs. Barakah, mocked the jail sytem where the big wigs have been hosted, they call it prions, we call is a resort. There were more than a dozen of bands, who offered their music to a hungry crowd. Needless to say, some bands were more refined than others. بركة - ماله الريس

Amr Diab Likes To Tests New Song Live First

I have written before about how pop icon Amr Diab teases his fans at his concerts with new material. Amr Diab sings one of his new songs, the one he has yet to release in his concerts. If the fans like it, he then considers and often add them to his next album project.

This is a smart business decision on so many levels. First, this helps make Diab's concerts a treat for many. You are not getting the same stuff, you can get on a record. Second, the the fans love a song, then chances are, they would want to hear it again on the album. It allows people to get a teaser, a taste of the next big album form Amr Diab.

Amr had a sold out concert at the American University of Cairo where this video comes and this song was released. Few days later, via his twitter account Amr announced that he will be adding the song to his either late 2012/early 2013 album. It's hard to tell how the finished product would sound like, but this is a song that has the lyrics similar to what Amr Diab has covered in the past.
 
 amr diab al fakrenek عمرو دياب قال فاكرينك

Lebanese Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Assi Hallani, Vivian Mrad and Nadir Athat, threw a good concert few days ago in Beirut, it was the kind of concert where you dine, wine and act like a complete swine. It was not a concert but rather a party where people would dance and dance. And for some women it';s a place to showcase what one has, the dudes are competing on flaunting the cash too.

Many Arabs come to think of Lebanon as the party place, most Lebanese are happy with the cash flow from such events and tourism. Back to the music, Vivna is a diva that makes really good songs and has be among a bigger name in the past two years. Assi is a legend and loves to rock the place up plus he is always done for all things Lebanese.

The young talent is Nadir, I bet he was just happy to be at the same place. Notice all the plastic surgeries in that concert venue. Together they offered romance, dance and Lebanon served on a plate.
فيفيان مراد بين عاصي الحلاني ونادر الأتات

Sabine Collects Students' Award @ AUB

The young and talented pop singer Sabine attended an event at the American University of Beirut (AUB) where she sang and danced with the students on the stage. But her appearance was not just about that. Sabine collected an award for being herself. This is the student's choice. Who else would they chose? There options are either this singer or that actress. I am sure those students who looked hip at the event were not the brightest of what AUB has been doing. Awards is one inexpensive way to get stars to your campus, I mean if you were not going to pay, give them something. Big names do not fall for that anymore, so someone has to flip the bill. That does not take away anything form Sabine who is a cool cat of pop. Sabine who is not a student at the university is turning out to be the role model for many of the youth who want to be part of the show biz. Here's a song of hers that offers romance and heartache. I have also put one picture form the event where there is a least one student dressed as a hula dancer. Sabine - Akher Hammak / سابين - أخر همك

Joe Ashkar Little Girl's Birthday Bash

At night, he is a playboy, during the day he is a father and dedicated husband, call him Joe Ashkar. Joe just had a huge birthday bash for his little girl where he brings the stars and their kids to have a good time in his Beirut residence. This is a loving father who seems to have a happy marriage. But you wouldn't know it form his music videos where he is always surrounded by gorgeous women.

Friends took the time to speak to Elaph who covered the event and spoke to some guests. Nancy Ajram did not make it, but instead she sent her mom and her two little girls to the birthday party. This was the place to be spotted in. Those are what happy parents should look like.    

Joe whose light pop songs often become hits in his home country commends respect for his business adventures and his concerts in Lebanon.
Joe Ashkar

For Those Brave Striking Palestinian Prisoners

Here's a collection of songs for those hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strikes for as long as 72 days. This is unprecedented prions wide orchestrated hunger strike. It seems those prions who Israel has failed to charge them with anything, are sworn off either to leave their little grave like cells or go to the eternal grave.

They have had enough, and their dignity is more important than their life under a negligent and unjust system. Tens of those prions have already been moved to the prison hospitals as they began to collapse due to lack of food in their system. My heart goes to those leaders, not the politicians who have nothing to offer. Israel still lacks the courage to release these men who have been in administrative leave--translation no charge for as long as 4 and 5 years.

 Local Palestinian artists have released a number of songs to offer support to those heroes who are rocking the Israeli jail system. Last time, I checked, I was told Israel is a democracy. If this is what democracy look like, then you can take it and shove it. The Israeli public has been silent throughout this, and their government has told the prioners they would be willing to let them watch Rotana cinema in exchange for their ending the strike. This is a farce and I pray none of these men lose his life for this, because this won't reflect good on anyone.

 اغنية العرين الاسود اهداء الى الاسير بلال ذياب الاسير المناضل: بلال ذياب " كفرراعي " فرقة الوعد - ألأسير نبيل مغير - خضر عدنان