The Rapping Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Here's a fresh sounding rap song from the Palestinian Gaza based rapper known as Mc Gaza. Mc Gaza filmed his rap video in Gaza City, consider it a tour of Gaza downtown--everywhere else sucks really. Feel free to spot the rapper filling in for the unknown solider monument. Looking slick and stylish ain't easy in Gaza, but rappers have to have a swag.

I like the graffiti, and the masked man represents something, not sure what it's at the moment--maybe Israeli collaborators. I do not like the smoking bit, it''s really not cool Mc Gaza. The video gets wired toward the middle with the rapper shaking and incredible closeup.

Keep on mind, this is a local production where there is little support for artists, so A for effort.
Mc Gaza - Meen Aja / إم سى غزة - مين أجا

Najah Salem, One More Underrated Lebanese Diva

 Najah called Egypt a home and never forgotten that Egypt opened its arms to this lady when she needed a place to live away form the wars. Najah Salam is a Lebanese singer and actress. Born in Beirut on March 13 1931, the daughter of a prominent poet and lutenist, known throughout the Arab world. Like many of her peers Najah started singing in school choirs until 1948, when her father embarked in Cairo to present her to the likes of Oum Kalthoum, Farid Al Atrash, Asmahan.

Her first works came in 1949, as she performed in Ramallah, Baghdad, and Damascus etc. She returned in 1950 to Lebanon to record on Lebanese television some new songs which are Ala Masrahika Ya Dunia, and to also play in several films such as Ala kifek, Ibnu Duat, Alchab Al Asmar, Al Dunia LamaTadhak. She is a Lebanese singer who has masted various styles of singing including the Lebanese folklore songs. .
But Najah's rise to fame came to light in 1956 when her love of pan-Arabism brought her many fans and she traveled to places like Tunisia and Algeria. In 1956 she has also appeared in Cannes where she brought her film to the festival goers.

It wasn't until between 1970 and 1974, when Najah visited each single Arab country and performed there. Her Lebanese songs are far more famous than the ones she did, even though most of her other songs were inspired by Oum Kalthoum. One of the many titled Najah has earned is the one closest to her heart-- Ashikat Masr, the one who swooned by Egypt.

She left Lebanon for years during the war years, and only returned toward the end of her career where she did her country proud and helped enrich the music scene. Najah Salem's musical adventures stand as a testament to our life of live and love of all things gorgeous.
  بالسلامة يا حبيبي بالسلامة


نجاح سلام _ ميل يا غزيل najah salam - mayel ya ghzayel

Algeria Does't Mind The Annoying Enrico Macias Visiting

Enrico Macias is French, Jewish and Algerian and has made a fuss about not being allowed to visit what he calls his home. He tried in 2000, but was denied an invitation due to local protest but civil society groups due to Macias' support for Israels' policies in the occupied Palestinians Territories.

Macias tried again ib 2007 but he was denied again. Now he thinks he is being denied the right to go visit his homeland--welcome to the club asshole, I and several million Palestinians cannot do that either. Then the Minister of Telecommunication in Algeria, Nasir Mahl spoke up revealing that Macias is the one who backed down on the visit and changed his mind.

Macias is enjoying this as he has been speaking about this "ban". The Minister did a fine job explaining the case on an Algerian radio that airs in Paris. "No one denied this guy entry, all the French people who want to visit Algeria are welcome to do so, Macias is one of them" said Nasir Mahl. The French singer has been talking about Algeria being a bad friend of France and using his talking points to discredit yet another Arab country.

I love the bit when Nasir said in the interview, "In Algeria, we try to be silent on such matters, for for 10 years now, as part of the government I can assure you that Macias is a lair."

Supposedly Macias tried to be part of of the official delegation to France in a visit to Algeria, accompanying another lovely Jewish guy named Nicolas Sarkozy. But this did not happen after a protest from a government official who has declared Macias  persona non grata. However later in a State dinner in Paris, Macias was present and met a number of government officials--he sat on the same table as the Algerian Minister of Housing. 

There is a local story from the people who live in the same town where Macias claims his heritage, Qosntinah where Macias grandfather was reported to have taken a leak in the local mosque (I chose not to believe this story.) Needless to say one of Macias better known songs in Arabic promote alcoholism.

This is not a an anti-French effort this is someone who had controversial opinions and often incites hatred toward the Arab people. Again, America does this and so does the rest of Europe. Macias had voiced support to Israeli Cast Lead assault where Israel murdered close to 1500 Palestinians including my girl cousin Amal who was making tea that day. 

Enrico Macias - Habibi Ya Aini

Tony Qattan 2012 Song About Stupid Old Arabs

The cool thing, if a group or a delegation of old Arab men comes to any given home, and refuse to drink the coffee served until their request has been honored. Most if not all people accept such offer because of the hospitality tradition rooted in the desert culture. So when a family wants to ask the hand of a woman in marriage they send the old and respectable men in the family to do the asking.

This is cool, but what if the woman says no? Will those old men go back and eat their word? so here's a scenario....they host family says, sure whatever you ask we will give you. These guests ask for the girl's hand in marriage. She might say no! While most will honor her wish, and go back on their word--this is something Islam is keen on by the way. But then the families might want to get the girl to change her mind.

Lecture aside, here's a song about the very same story, but Jordanian Palestinian singer Tony Qattan where he says "your coffee will be drunk!" And the girl will be your girl now, so congratulation. This is a happy song and shows that the singer is well raised and knows the tradition well. My thing is this, old men do not always know the right things....they are only assumed to have such knowledge.

As for this song I like the beat and the energy is brings. And yes the cool old school instruments incorporated.
 جديد طوني قطان - قهوتكو مشروبة 2012

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

Maw3ood | Deeb - موعود | ديب "Cold Peace" Album

Forget the distant past, this song is about today. Deep rapped this song to tell people in his country to look out for Egypt. He started his song with the voice of Abdel Halim on the song for Maw3ood! Then when you think you can relax, comes Deeb spitting his poetic lines and venting his rage.

Filmed near the famous wall put in Egypt to block protesters from reaching some critical establishment offices. Where graffiti took over the wall and expressed what goes on the minds of many people. Even Palestine get to have its presence on the wall. The song is part of an upcoming album "Cold Peace" written and produced by Deeb himself

This is a really good rapper, he is not a poster, not even one bit. He flows and delivers on punch after another like a fighter in the ring. Deeb is showing his roots by giving shout outs to figures in Egyptian music like Makawi, by doing so he tells people he is no impostor. He doubles down and uses the name of some of the names of local and ancient religious figures.

The song closes with the Egyptian flag and a dedication to all the fallen heroes of the Arab Spring.  

Maw3ood | Deeb - موعود | ديب | Axeer Studio

Mis'a Handeela And Ahmed Dari Humor Palestine

I do not know much about Misa'a Handyla and nor does the internet. They only thing you can fine is this duet song of hers with Ahmed Dari. Ahmed composes, writes and sings for Palestine. He is well versed in politics, and culture. But what I do appreciate about him is his since of humor. He has that kind of cynical humor that can grill the obscure.

Take for example, the new Palestinian State which President Abbas promised to get out of the United Nation. It's humorous idea and he felt it was so. But he made a song before for it, now comes another song with this little known Mis'a who shared his sense of humor.

Ahmed's lute has never sounded louder before. I love that he plays backup for this song. I liked the line where it says, this is a country we cannot afford to buy and the UN told us we do not need. Mis'a is up to a good start, she does need further vocal training, but as far as this song she has what it takes.

 مستني دولة بأيلول (2) غناء ميساء هنديلة وأحمد داري. Ayloul2

Naziha Miftah, Europe's Best Arabic Vocalist

Naziha Miftah resides in Paris, but she is originally from Morocco. Naziha became know for her strong vocals where she performs covers of Fayrouz's classic songs, songs that expats love to appreciate. Naziha has performed with Marcel Khalifah (who also lives in Paris) in his Europe tours. I like her voice, it reminds of a young Salwa Qatrib, a compliment I do not take lightly.

Singing poems from the ancient Arab past as well those of well know Palestinian poet Mahmou Darwish, so you know she is no pop. The kind of music that gives you a journey of your own soul and teaches you how to truly relax. She can do it through her voice or by playing the lute, an instruments she has mastered.

Not too many Arabs at the homeland know of her, but it seems she Arabs living in Europe are familiar with her work and her talent. Ahmed Dari, a Palestinian composer and lyricist has wrote that song below for Naziha, I think since they both live in Paris, this collaboration is only natural.  

Naziha Miftah, ROUH, نزيهة مفتاح٬ روح٬ كلمات وألحان أحمد داري

While Israel Robs Jerusalem! Muslim Sing For It

Muslim Munshdeen, the singers who sing for religious purposes and without any sort of instrumental music have met once again on one gigantic music collaboration that reached back in time all the way to the days of the Ottoman empire.

Call it the operetta from the Turkish vantage point. To be clear Jerusalem is a big deal for Muslims, but Israels filling in for Jews are the only ones with a big gun to take control of the city, Christians are divided on their stand. Most Muslims are well versed on the history of their beloved city and if anything memory matters.

History changes once you are on top the next you are out the door. So for those who can hold their breath the longest might get to see something different. As for now, enjoy this song that impressed me with its production and the many talents who have loaned their vocals to see it a reality. The vocalists come from all over the Arab World who are celebrities in their circles.
أوبريت القدس تجمعنا | نخبة من منشدي الوطن العربي

Reem Talhami Captivates Paris With The Classics

The classiest Palestinian singer just performed in Paris last year where her fans and those who appreciate sobering Arabic music lined up to attend her concert. Reem Talhami whose resume includes acting has studied at Robin music academy- Jerusalem. Now she lives in East Jerusalem where she is happily married.

Reem has did amazing songs with the poet of the well known Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. She can perform in three languages Arabic, English, Hebrew. I like her songs as they are not that easy to perform or fall in love. I mean, they are way heavy to digest, you have to be a trained listener who has passion for classics and the folklore.

And by the way I like the Eastern feel as Reeem always picked the right dress for the occasion combing glamour with tradition.

Reem Talhami, Andi Elak, Paris. ريم تلحمي٬ شو كان عندي إلك٬ حفل باريس

Reem Talhami. Arissena, Paris.ريم تلحمي.عريسنا زين الشباب٬ حفل باريس

Mc Gaza: Gaza's Angriest Rapper

A young rapper from Gaza is gaining momentum at the moment, his rhythms and his poetry really does fly, and his rage too obvious. Rap is not a popular art in Gaza with the masses, but it's becoming something of a reality. Dude tot he complicated and sometimes tragic circumstances in Gaza, the young of Gaza are frustrated and lost. Many are doing a drugs to help them cope with their problems in the short term.

Rap is Mc Gaza's drug of choice, it helps him take a bad situation and turn it into a positive experience. like he just. Releasing a song for the Palestinian prisoners who just have finished one the longest hunger strikes in the history of man kind. It's a very good work indeed. I look the way he spits lines faster than one can predict them.

The track is nostalgic to old leadership, Yasir Arafat and Ahmed Yassin. Using clips from one of Arafat's interviews in English The rap song raises good points about the divisions between Gaza and the West Bank. It's official the internet memes are taking over the world and they have now turned to Palestine.

I really would love to see a song from Mc Gaza about the dangers of drugs....he can tell those kids that such things won't make anything better--I know they would listen then.
 
 Mc Gaza - The Story Isn't Worthless - القصة مش خاوية (Music Video)

Ahmad Dari's New Song For The Prisoners

The Jerusalem based Palestinian singer who has been lampooning all the obscure in Palestine politics is back with a short song dedicated to the striking Palestinian prisoners. It's one for solidarity, a shout in the dark using the first person about the mixed feelings of a prisoner. As you might know, there have been waves of support coming toward the prisoners and their cause.

Israel sort of gave promises, and things will get better in prison for those in it. But the reality, too many of them are being held under no charges. Hats off to Ahmad for his work in behalf of the people of Palestine and its people. He brings so much to the table.

 إلى الأسرى٬ ناموا الأغنيات٫ أحمد داري ويوسف زايد

Assia Hallani Hearts Palestine And Everybody Too

t Assi Hallani plays the knight card so well. He likes horses, swords, and plays a role where he is the Muslim leader Saladin. To his credit he is often times, the fastest singer to release a song for any occasion. He sings for just about every other Arab country, Lebanon, Syrian, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Palestine.

I know he has released an all Palestine album in 2007. He is big on Arab unity and nationalism, there's money there. This song of his mentions just about every other Arab country whom he is rallying them to come to Palestine stop the murderers of the occupation.

This time he has some kid leading up the song. The clips he uses are older, I would say late 90s and maybe 80s, there's rage and there's Assi's angry songs. While it's true, Palestine doe snot need songs, songs can give people some peace--just like a painkiller. عاصي الحلاني نحنا جاين.asf

Diala Ouda Will Have A New Music Video Soon ديالا عوده - مستبيعه

The first girl of Palestinian pop filmed a music video with her music label K Music weeks ago, but now it seems the company is ready to releases it in few days. This is a single of Diala's, it was pretty awesome one. Catchy and able to deliver Diala some new fans.

Diala is making a name for self, in a very crowded market. Her good and innocent looks help her do a host of songs. The song is a bout a women who is unafraid of what people have to say, she just followed her heart and tells the nay Sayers to suck it.

Diala has made a home for her young career in Egypt where she often appears in concerts. What Diala needs next is to establish a brand with a song that will be carried by all major Arab radios. Making sure that her label does not hold her back due to exclusive deals and such.

Diala Ouda - Mestabya3a clip PROMO from K Music - ديالا عوده - مستبيعه

Red hot Chili Peppers: Will You Please Cancel Your Performance In Israel?

We get it, you are artists, not politicians. Unless you have been spending the bulk of your time on another planet, you would know that your concert in Israel comes at an awful time. As Israel leaders up in arms about waging a war with Israel and as they hold hundreds of Palestinian prisoners with no charge, please do not blame me if I see your tour as approval of such polities.

I am interested in bringing issues of the land, and all the facts on the ground realities created by Israel, but I tell you this, Israel robs Palestinians from water resources, and separates families by walls and ID cards, and do nothing to quell the gangs of armed settlers who attack farmers and business owners just because they are waking up in the morning to earn a living. And if that's not enough, you get your military check points where the IDF uses senseless practices are welcome and humiliation is fr breakfast for many Palestinians.

If this is the kind of policies and people supporting them you guys want to entertain, then by all means be my guest. But the band of many beloved instant hits will be "Throw Away your Television", will take a whole new meaning. And please not to forget to dedicates at least on of your songs to the people living under an illegal occupation, "Torture Me" Red Hot Chili Peppers - Torture Me (Lyrics)

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

Labor May Day Song By Assi Hallani

God Bless Assi, he sings for just about anything, but this time he has found something worthy to sing for. The labor on their May Day.....he is paying homage to the hard workers who build nations and their efforts they put in in farms, factories, streets and more.

I like this song and I thank Assi Al Hallani for releasing it. This is a worthy day that must be recognized, unlike kings and leaders Assi likes to praise in his songs, the labor are the ones that move mountains. Entertainers are hard workers too, but their labor is not physical for the most part.

I remember my uncle going to work each morning, he would go to bed early when he really wanted to stay and chat with folks. He chooses to rest for few hours before he heads back to his job in construction. He lived in Gaza, but in order for him to get to his job he has to go through security checks every morning. That's one guy I salute this day.
عاصي الحلاني - أغنية شمس العامل

Good Morning Palestine Song By Mais Shalash

Here's a song they do not make enough of in Palestine. A song about the land, and not its politicians and political parties. Not sure who is singing this song, but I feel it's some child. Wait a minute, her name is Mais Shalash. She is a Palestinian girl born in Kuwait and is well know for Nasheed--Muslim hymns.

She has reached the age where she is no longer a child, and some people thought she should hang her microphone, but the Muslim clerk Qaradawi said, she can still sing. Mais still does good music that keeps both Palestine and Islam in her heart. Seriously, old men are the root of this world's problems.

Mais has an easy on the ear voice that is sweet yet sad, which makes her perfect to do songs for Palestine. As most Palestinians adore their land but hate what it has been turned into.

صباح الخير يا بلادي ميس شلش

Gaza, beach, folks song

Gaza lays on the coast of the gorgeous sea, like many Palestinian cities, the scene from the beach are hard to forget. In the summer time, it seems that the entire local population moves to beach. For really long time, the beach has given Palestinians many reasons to celebrate, it provides nourishment and entertainment to them. But it also brings death in more than one way.

Many drown in it, and drift even to Israeli shores, where their bodies are retried and sometimes given back to Gaza. There also the Israel navy boats that arrests and fires at Palestinians fishers boats--many have been killed by this fire too. However, that seems to do little to scare off the locals form the beach. they still flock to it in droves and enjoy what it has to offer.

Here's a local song about the waves of the sea, it's a local band and the slideshow offers some incredible footage of life in Gaza. This song is done in the Islamic style as you hear no musical instruments.
انشودة .. غزة عمواج البحر .. لفرقة الاعتصام

Listen This Christian Hymns in Arabic

This one is about the calcification of Jesus according to most Christian faith. This one comes from Palestine too. The hymn is read in a church and it sounds so good. This is an art that has been around for ages in the land where the entire journey has started.

In America, it's not uncommon for mainstream singers to start their career in the church's choir. Not too many Arabic singers I know have started from this route.
Today Was Hung... (In Arabic) اليوم علِّق على خشبة