Come To Nashville, Music City

I took a trip to Nashville TN, the birthplace of country music and the place where rock star and other musicians go to get inspired. Country music is a lifestyle in this city and most of their bars feature country music live bands every night. Tennessee is an interesting state--a very long state to drive in. But through it all, the trip is worth taking. The music is something you do not see or hear in places like New York. Country music still tried to find better stories to tell about us.  

You walk down Broadway in downtown Nashville, and you will feel it right away. People dig this music thing, the Western life and the hat and boots. Stores in that area also can sell you an awesome guitar and cross the street you can pick up a pair of boots. The city has a great feel and tourists from around the world visit. I have indulged in some awesome meals and sweets the city celebrates life with.

To be candid, I felt place gets a bad name from the civil war era and various stereotypes about people down there. I was astonishing how graceful the people are and how mixed and diverse the cities are. The North preaches getting along, but in reality they do not practice it--maybe they do not have too. In the American South, I felt people people get along just fine and it looks beautiful. There people out there who believe in America and cherish it. I know, I was always pleased to see sings made in the USA next to a product I want or love. Roa was able to tell the difference and point to how charming people are down there.    

The best thing about the trip is the people of the South, they are nice courteous and fun loving. Big portion is the way to go. Big trucks, big parking spaces, big dinner briskets. Elvis is King of that land, people know his history and his must by heart. I did also mange to go to Memphis, I felt Nashville did a better job claiming the music scene. Memphis is where Graceland is and great BBQ. I do not think, we have a city like Nashville in the Middle East. I feel Iraq in its glory days (1920s to 1950s) had that kind of vibe. Beirut may come close.

good music, good people and great food, take me to Nashville place.  

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Fashion And Celebrities Cultural Precipitation Does Matter

Lebanese singer Myriam Faris goes to attend Paris Fashion week, and she leaves little to the imagination. She literary shows everything there's to see. And even people walking in the streets took notice of this notorious Lebanese pop star.  

At the same function where Myraim was putting on a show, another American celebrity was there, but this time the American celebrity dressed more Conservatively.

Kim Kardashian wore a long black dress that revealed little. No question, Kim can wear whatever she wants like she has always manged to shock people with her outfits. Now compare the two... Myriam feels the pressure, she comes from a culture where people think she might be conservative or she might not get style or she might want to cover up...so what does she do?

Well, this Lebanese Arab girl wears that to tell people "I'm free", "I am bold" Naturally both Arab and Western people were shocked by the choice of wardrobe. Meanwhile Kim, comes form a culture where anything goes, so she does not have to represent her people or try to claim something she is not by trying to shock the system. for Kim to dress in a conservative dress is the shocker--maybe. As of what would Myriam Faris get I am still not sure.

 Many of her fans now are questioning her taste and her style. And those in the West, are shocked, but she is not showing them something new or something that they have not seen before. I do not think she will be giving a role or a new song by one of those international event goers. Just be yourself, will you?

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My Interview With The National

If you want to take a look at Arabic Music news at the moment, make sure to read my latest interview with the National. This is a quick read if you want few words here and there about the state of Arab pop at the moment. Thanks.

For people completely new to Arab music, what three musicians shouldn't be missed?

For pop, tune in to Haifa Wehbe. If you want real music from a singer with rock-star swagger, it's Mohamed Mounir. Indie bands: Cairokee and Black Theama. For something really different, listen to [the Syrian traditional singer] Sabah Fakhri. 

Read here 

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Zade Dirani, Boy Wonder Of Jordan's Music Secne

There's an unwritten rule that Piano player have to be nothing short of perfect in timing, dress and most dazzling looks. Jordanian Zade Dirani is no different. I have cross paths with him in DC when he performed out here few years ago, but it seems that Zade is only meant to grow bigger in stardom.

Backed by a live orchestra of seasoned musician in Jarash--Jordan's biggest concert venue the magic happens, also known as the Roman Theater. The piece that Zade composed is Zaina and it epic. This is one talents that makes most Jordanians and Arabs proud.

Zade Dirani - Zaina - Music / زيد ديراني - زينه - موسيقى

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My Three Most Recent Posts On Arabic Music

Every now and then I write for other blogs to get the word out about a particular subject that I like or dislike. The past 7 days, I had authored 3 blogs for the World Wide Variety News Blog The Huffington Post. I used to focuses on politics and I still do, but now I try to write more comedy and about Arabic music. While on the subject, sometimes Arabic music can be comedy as well.

Here are the thee topics with links to read the full:

1. From Resistance to Pop: Liberating Palestine with an Auto Tune. This article is about the rise of pop music coming from Palestine and its new voices. Read here
   
2. Rima Fakih, Miss USA, Quotes the Koran To Show Her American Patriotism. This is about the Lebanese American Miss USA that was in DC last week, she gave a talk about challenges she faced living in post 9/11 America Read Here
3. Iraq and Roll Comes to a Town Near You Read. This one is about my favorite Iraqi rock band, that makes some fine music worthy of a world wide audience Here

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UTN1 Shines Once Again In Virginia USA

From an entertainer’s perspective, a good concert happens when the performance has gone smoothly, according to plan and expectations. Attending fans are pleased and left with a warm feeling. That also means there are no hiccups or at least noticeable ones. A great concert takes it one step further. There’s nothing quite like a great live show. It's fair to say that not all concerts are the same, some go to party, others to dance. Younger concert goers look for something, older ones look for another, but they both are looking for a good time. Savvy performances mange to draw in everyone in the arena to their live show.

Living in the States for more than a decade, I have seen many cover bands for Arabic music, some were good, some left something to be desired. Such bands mange to bribe the crowd by playing classic Arabic songs that everyone knows and thus sings along to. None of those bands I saw have their own original songs that people memorize.

But all that changed last night. I attended a concert by the Iraqi pop/rock band UTN1 in Tyson Corner, Virginia and it was some experience. First and fromst, UTN1 is an Iraqi band that performs in Arab countries so they know what songs to play and when to play them. Timing is key in Arabic concerts. Kicking off their concert with their all too popular original song Jamila that was an instant hit with the Arab audience and the curios American listener. There was enrgey all over the room as people starting to get cozy and comfortable.

Following this song for half a dozen of Iraqi folklore songs that all Iraqis memorize and appreciate. This brought the best of the concert goers, they flocked to the dance stage and did not stop. Such crowd pleasers" At this post point, everyone jumped in and moved to the beat. And Iraqi group dance circles started to from and welcome all attendees. It must help Hassan to see this kind of energy because then he has to match it and so did Shant on the drum. I have seen performance before not sure what to make of it when their audience gets animated, but UTN1. The band seemed to have a plan and everything happened at their concert seems to be part of the expectations.

The offering of the concerts varied to accommodate the types of Arab concert goers, there are the mellow songs where the lyrics are the show, and there are the upbeat get up and dance ones. Frankly the band won extra credit in my book when they performed this classic Egyptian oldie (video). There are those new age listeners appreciate and there are other songs that have been around for decades and continue to be popular. This is one concert not to miss from a band that knows how to work work up a crowd.

P.S. I was hoping the band will have some CDs and merchandise to allow me and my friends to bring the concert home with us.

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Finally: Google Wants Your Music Action

I am happy to let you guys on a little thing, I have been doing lately, it's called Google Music Beta . This thing could be the future of music as we know it. To me, the idea is basic. Google is everywhere and so your music will be once you have uploaded it to the Google Music. You can access it anywhere in the world, it travels with you. You can also add it to your phone device namely Android now.

I do not like iTunes, never have and now I am an early user of Google music, in its beta releases. As of now you have to be extended an invitation, and yes you can request one, it takes a day or two and then they will let you know. You can also purchase music, and best yet, you can share it with others who can listen to it once before they decide to buy it or not. This is really cool becasue in this time we are all alone together.

The media player plugin gives you an option of getting about 200 free songs, they are preloaded by your permission based on your genera of preference. Not sure if you guys have an opinion on this matter, but I thought to let you know about it.

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Lupe Fiasco Takes a Bullet For Palestine

Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco doesn't play it safe, he speaks up his mind. For rappers that means talking about their "Hood", "Benjamins" and "Bi*ches". Lupe wants none to do with that, his thing is Palestine.

Lupe is a very well informed rapper who knows a thing or two about world affairs. While he knows his managers might not appreciate his tough line on Israel, the fans seem to love his stands on Justice and Palestine.

I have written before about Lupe's activism on Palestine before (here and here), but this time, a brother of my freind was attending his concert with a Palestinian flag. The rapper saw that and asked Sami to come up on the stage with to wave the flag.

Toward the end of the song Lupe took up the flag, and its only right for him to do so as the Palestinians go to the UN asking for a state. Lupe seems to be well versed on the topic and he is talking about the issue. Lupe is the man. I salute him for giving a voice for those who have none.

Lupe Fiasco - Beautiful Lasers Live (Palestine)

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Acoustic Jannat Still HOT

She is from morocco but has been making Egypt her home since the 2000, Egypt loved her back...but Jannat has one of the better voices among the young singers. Her vocals can do a wide range of songs, but she mostly sticks to romance and blues...with pop influence. Here she sits down for an interview and covers some of her songs, you can see the quality of her voice this way better.

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Arabic Songs Sound Like "Here Without You "

Ever wonder what do Arabic songs sound like to those who do not speak the langauge, to translate the words is easy, but the capture the feeling of a song is almost impossible. So if you are ever asked about Arab songs tell them there are many great American songs that talk about the same things Arabic ones talk about.

Here is one song that I think is very similar to a great deal of love songs in Arabic. The honor goes to 3 Doors down and their hit song "Here Without You", the energy and the atmosphere of the song as well as the mode is very close to the Arabic song experience. Yes, it's all in the drama and the sad stories of the broken heart who cannot move one.

3 Doors Down - Here Without You

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OK, Tamer Hosny We Get It! You Cried For It

Some picture of what once the biggest pop star in Egypt who totaly missed the boat on the protest, and has tried to stop the change form happing. Since then he cried and people laughed at his attempt to become thbe bbigest fame whore....But he really got in the news...and the Tahrir protesters have since forgave him and asked him to come back to march with them.

He did something actually to try to save his career, he somehow managed to make nice with the majority of his young fans....so other missed the boat, but he might be able to come out of this looking good. I am waiting on the next move of Amr Diab, Tamer Hosny' arch rival and biggest pop icon who has been out of touch on the whole thing, he did not comment on anything, some argue he left Egypt--his office denies those rumors. But no one denies that Amr Diab is a big fan of the former dictator. As of now Tamer Hosny has won this round.

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Please Get Mad: Omar Offendum, The Narcicyst, Freeway, Ayah, Amir Sulaiman

Yes, this is rap at its finest, a rap that truly fires you up and makes you want to attend a rally and shout to bring an end of the injustice you see. A number of A list Arab American rappers and musicians came together to bring this beautiful collaboration. The people of Egypt need no attention right now, they've earned the attention of the world and its leaders. What they need is to keep the momentum going, keep the fire within.

That's where I think "#Jan25″ comes to the rescue, reminding us of the date it all started with little attention at first. While most causalities happened on January 28th, "#Jan25" bring it all together with a wonderful video montage of the protests in and around Egypt and the brutality of the very group that is meant to keep the Egyptians safe. This is the day that will be marked in history where the government and its agents have officially lost it and thus lost the war. It's the day that gave value to saying, "I am Egyptian", you can say it now and roar!

What draws me about this song, is more than its high energy, and testosterone charged lyrics, but rather the poetry in both Arabic and English. I have not this done before where Arabic lyrics and English ones complement each other. And both languages deliver a high dose of a well placed rage. This what comes out when you have something bothering you that allows you to channel a limitless warehouse of an emotions.

Two thumps up to Sami Matar, the Palestinian-American composer from Southern California, and The Narcicyst, Omar Offendum, Amir Sulaiman, and vocalist Ayah. While their song is about Egypt, it resonates with the great majority of the Arab world, as the plight is too familiar. Had enough? Are you angry yet?

Omar Offendum, The Narcicyst, Freeway, Ayah, Amir Sulaiman - #Jan25 (Produced by Sami Matar)

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My Favorite Song For Egypt by Shadya

The finest and the best song about what's great about Egypt, for the past four decades this song has been the rallying cry for Egyptians. When we think of people loving their home, this song comes to mind and the pictures of the people of Egypt standing to salute their county and their flag.

The slideshow that accompanies the iconic song reminds us of the great sights in Egypt, a tour in its history and thought its streets. And now we see the people on the streets marching to bring about change in their home country. Most of the citizens of the world stand united behind the people of Egypt who are doing their best to bring an end of the rule of the pharaoh.

Delivered by the daughter of Egypt and princess of her time Shadya, the Egyptian diva that retired years ago. However, Shadya songs never get old and this song of hers will be forever the most popular song ever written about the motherland. The lyrics, the music and the vocals are unmatched and likely will remain so.


Ya Habibti Ya Masr Shadya

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Arabic Musicians Will sell You

Does it ever strike you that most Arab musicians in America, are part timers? No one can afford to do it full time....but that's not the odd thing....the odd about it is this....those musicians when they are not amusing you with their talents, they are busy making a living....career of choice?

Real Estate! You will find most of those musicians are either doing real estate for living or moonlighting as car dealers. Those are the kind of careers where you have be gifted with words and acting like you are on a stage...and if not, then you can count they have some sort of government job working for the local municipality. At least this is how the dozen I know of Arab musicians do it.

Why cannot they just own a grocery store? or a gas station!

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Wadee El Safi Unloads the Wisdom to his Daughter

The really old school legendary Wadee El Safi reminds us he still a living legend. He crafted a sad yet beautiful song about being a father to a daughter and the love and the drama that come in between.

the message is simply the aging father asked he beloved daughter to stick around him as he loves her but he has seen little attention from her as he bore some much trouble for her upbringing yet she seems to have neglected that. He forgives and they make up and becomes buddies again.

Good song, the real winner perhaps is Jad Choury, the most controversial Arabic music video director why he is known for racy music video. He is hoping this directorial work would redeem him.

Wadee El Safi - Ya Benty / وديع الصافي - يا بنتي

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Mohamed Eskandar WinS!

Can a song lead to protest? popular folksy singer Mohamed Eskandar, the guy who is old enough to be grandpa released a song in May 2009 with the title Joumhoureyet Alby "The Republic of My heart" in which he tells his love that she should not get a job and sort of sit at home where she is cared for and pampered. Needless to say Lebanese women rights activist had a rally or two protesting this song and its message.

But the singer and his team outsmarted all of those critics. They released a music video for the song, where instead of singing to his girlfriend, Mohamed Eskander is telling his daughter who just graduated to chill at home. I think the music video is funny in a good way, where you can see women graduating from college, working and pampered. What girl will protest that?

I do like the semgnet of the song where the boss tries to harass the female and then her dad loses it and put s gun in the boss' mouth. Good Job Mr. Eskander

Mohamed Eskandar - Joumhoureyet Alby / محمد إسكندر - جمهورية قلبي

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Give Thanks

Give Thanks
By Maytha
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Shot in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Jeddah, San Francisco, Chicago, Montreal, London, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Dubai—with some notable faces from the Muslim global community (let’s see how many you can spot)—multi-media visual artist (that’s the most general label I could get construct to include such talents as photography, film-making, editing and graphic design under one umbrella) Ridwan Adhami produces this ocularly stunning music video (I mean it doesn’t hurt that we do have some mighty fine lookers in the community) for Iraqi-Canadian artist the the Narcicyst’s “Hamdulillah” featuring Pali-Brit, best known as “The first lady of arabic hip hop,” Shadia Mansour. The song is a latest single of his new release “The Narcicyst” LP.

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The Air Marshall Jack Song

His name is Gary… and he likes to read. The moment I spotted him I knew he was the air Marshall (Gary, if you are reading this, you were not too obvious, I am just very good).

He had a back pillow, his book was wrapped in a zip lock bag, only carry on. He was tall, athletic, and All-American. He looked like he was part of a death march. No emotions whatsoever and he was sitting in our row’s aisle seat, meaning he was running the airplane’s checkpoint.

I mean c’mon, there were two Arabs with two different last names reserving seats next to each other heading to DC. It must have raised a flags somewhere. Once we deplaned in DC, he was there waiting to board the same plane that was headed back to the same city we’ve just left. Maybe he just loves flying or has vacation time and is using it to boost his miles. Nah!

I was so bored yet inspired (“borspired”?) that I grabbed a napkin and wrote him a light spirited rap song:

I got on the plane to head to Vegas and back

I said to myself, it’s the best place for poker and blackjack

But seated next to me is a big and tall, huge man Jack

He smiles and unloads crap from his backpack

This dude makes me dizzy and their lack of snacks

I think it was stale pretzels nobody ate

I could not think to pick something from the gate

A chatty taxi driver and his GPS made me late.

It was fear and politics, not loathing, that gave us this disunited state

You worry about me, I worry about putting food on the plate

It turns out the dude next to me is muscular Air Marshall Jack

Stuck on a plane next to air Marshall Jack

I say my name and shout “Hi Jack!”

He freezes, tenses and goes on the attack

Everyone now is looking and they put my hands behind my back

I am Arab, guessing this is now the new black or Arizona wetback

Everybody is now saying I yelled hijack

I say this is absurd and ask for some slack

There was a bag and I see no light and it all gets dark

All I can think is“don’t tase me bro”

Skip the in-flight entertainment, I’ve become the show.

Forget me and remember the Alamo.

Boss was right; I should have changed Mohammad to Moe

You cannot just do this without an intro

And tell me to Gitmo and I will go

Stuck on a plane next to air Marshall Jack

I make out a voice and ask where is my Miranda?

I am a local man with no foreign agenda

I am not the threat like the land of the panda

But then there was smack after smack

He tells my maybe I should go back to Iraq

I say maybe I should stick to the Amtrak

A dude high in rank says they are sorry and start to backtrack.

Now they realize I was being frank and it was their guy who was whack

I have seen many agents till I cannot keep track.

I walk home and now know it pays not to know Jack.

Nothing changes not even with Barack

Stuck on a plane next to air Marshall Jack

[Tarboush Tip: Programmer Buydatti, Will, Steve S.]

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He Told Us How His Life Will End, Unfortunately He Was Right

By Hanitizer

Young Lebanese Star Academy contestant Rami Shmali, 23 years old was visiting his friend in Cairo Egypt and as he was driving his car at high speed he seems to have lost control of his vehicle, he was declared dead on spot, 61 year old Egyptian retiree was in the other car with his wife was also killed. Rami’s friend Mahmud Shukri (an Egyptian contestant in the same show) remains in the hospital in critical condition.

We do not really know much about Rami as he is a new comer to the celebrity life, we know he has a college degree in agricultural studies. He did leave the academy with a good reputation, a respectable fan base and a strong presence. His fans still talk about his manly voice and his charming looks.

This event took a bizarre twist when LBC, the network that produces Star Academy unearthed a video of Rami describing a dream about his end in a car accident, not knowing where to go. This is a very touching story To get to the moment where Rami tells about his dream, forward to minute 3:16 and allow yourself to be amazed. I also think the songs performed during this exchange are a proper farewell for this young star.

Here is a video about the star and his short lived career to remember him. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family and his friends at those troubling events. I also pray for Mahmud’s to get well soon. You can read more here

This originally published on the Hot Arabic Music Blog

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Mai Sliem - Saktalo / مى سليم - ساكتالوا

Mai Sliem - Saktalo / مى سليم - ساكتالوا

Here is a confession, I never cared for Mai Sliem, I thought she was a faker who lacks her own style. That's not true anymore, she has one me over about three months ago with new songs that makes you want to listen to them over and over without making you sick of them. Mai is back and she just released a single from her upcoming single with the Arab music powerhouse Rotana....I cannot wait to get my hand on this album, I am sure it will be a treat.

Mai did not stop there, she is also staring in an Egyptian blockbuster movie "The Dealer" along side Ahmad Saqa, Egypt's most popular respectable young actor turned into hit maker.

Back to the song Saktalo is an awesome song with a beautiful music video that delivers first rate entertainment while showcasing Mai's acting chops. I must say that I bless the marriage of Mai Sleim and Rotana where the first brings her own style and voice...and the second brings all possible resources production and marketing.

See Mai tease her loved one and share his jealousy and thoughts about his past relationships without coming across as a whiner. she does it in grace, elegance and confidence of a spiky girl.

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