Underrated Pioneers of Iraqi Folks Music

The days when Iraq was a top Arab country in all fields might be gone for now, but they will be coming back soon. Things are tough now, but the people of Iraq are resourceful and appreciate art. They are a highly educated bunch who invests in education and art. No more junk pop music, there are few names in Iraqi music that will live forever in the collective memory of its people. There is Nazim Al Ghazaly and Saadoun Jaber, but there are dozens more. Here are few names that should not be overlooked.

1. Reda Al Khayyat "رظا الخياط", a legedary Iraqi singer that was big in the 70, one of the most vocal singers of his country. Lives between Iraq and Bahrain. His songs got covered by Hossam Al Rassam, Mjaid Al Mohandis and Samira Toufic. He is a great voice and remains active in the music of his country.
   
2. Yas Khader "ياس خضر", one of the sad songs best voices in his country. He has a distinct Iraqi dialect and has a recognizable voice. Made it big in the 70s http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifand 80s. He is no longer with us. His music can define how Iraqi you are.
   
3. Shaheed Kareem "شهيد كريم" responsible for many hits in the Iraq folklore songs, current day singers remake his songs. He is folksy singer that has great mawaweel. His music travels with Iraqis wherever they go.
   
4. Hussein Nimah "حسين نعمة" he used to be a school teacher in the 70s. He also worked in Kuwait and had many religious themed songs. He had a very elastic set of vocals that allowed him to do all kind of songs. He has a sweet and a tender voice that sticks with you. He is no longer with us, but his legacy speaks for him.
   
   ياس خضر - اه ياليل (جودة عالية) هجع
   
   
   حسين نعمه - حبايب
   

Majda El-Roumy and the First Pan Arab Hit

It was 1991 when she released Kalemat, a song that was carried by by Arab radios and TV in a matter of days, the dudes and the gals were singing to this classic song for the relatively then unknown singer Majda El-Roumy. She made her first mas media appearance in Studio El Fan in the 70s. Back then her late father given her most of her songs that tended to be patriotic and Lebanon focused and tended to be oreintal melodies.

Magida was one of the first modern singers to combine western classical music and Arabic classical music (tarab). Her first hit was Am Behlamak Ya Helm Ya Lebnan, written by poet Said Akl and composed by Elias Rahbani.

Magida's self-titled debut album was typical of 1970s Arabic pop, with traditional percussion, a string section, guitar, and keyboard. Her Lebanese patriotism is evident in songs like Nab' El Mahabbeh, which are song in Lebanese Arabic dialect. This is also true of her 1980s songs Layalina Men Layali El Omr and Ya Saken Afkari. Her first work in classical Arabic was La Taghdabi and Salawna. Magida sang a hit rendition of the Abdel Halim Hafez's El Touba in 1987.

In 1991, Magida released Kalimat, her first pan-Arab hit, under the Music Master label. The title song was written by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani and composed by Ihsan El-Mounzer. Other songs by Qabbani were Beirut, Set Eddounia and Ma'a Jarida.

Magida initiated the movement that re-popularized classical Arabic poetry in music and began to fuse East and West. 1994's Ibhath Anni followed the template set by Kalimat. Souad Al Sabah's Kon Sadiqi was about empowerment of women. Other patriotic songs were Oum Etthadda and Saqata Al Qina.

She is one of those heavy weight divas in her country Lebanon where she makes her political views made public. She has also dabbled into acting In 1976 where she Magida starred in Youssef Chahine movie Awdat Al Ibn Al Dal (The Return of the Prodigal Son) providing also 3 soundtracks for the movie. Chahine introduced her as 'the Voice of the 20th Century' and received the 'Egyptian Critics Award'.

And if that's not enough, she has performed one of the most memorable wedding songs that is on everyone's must play song at weddings in places like Lebanon, Syrian and Palestine. Nasheed Al Zafaf "The Wedding Anthem" is her epic song.

She continues to serve as one of those good will ambassadors for the United Nation. She also works with the FAO to combat hunger. There is more more song of hers that is waiting to be released. In this song the lyrics are the work of Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani and composed by none other than her buddy Iraqi composer/singer Katehm Al Saher. Majda has also taken part in the Quincy Jones mega production song for human rights to be released sometimes in the near future.

Majeda El-Romy - ماجدة الرومي عيناك




اجمل اغاني ماجده الرومي The best of Majda El Romy



[Tarboush Tip: Wikipedia]

Fairouz in The Amsterdam Experience

In October 2010, she had two sold out comeback concerts in Lebanon where the tickets were sold and in minutes once they were made available. Her album is top of the charts and still the biggest album sold till this moment. An album Arabs buy in their country and in their homes away form home. Millions sold becasue this is a collectible item, not just a CD you can download.

Then this year she had a concert in Amsterdam, tickets were sold in under an hour. Arabs living all over Europe snagged the tickets as well as those wealthy Arab tourists traveled to Amsterdam to see this concert of a lifetime. But non Arabs were also in the front row, enjoying the music and raveling the mysteries of this diva and her charming music. Her live orchestra makes the show worth it, all her band had to travel along with her and give their best.

now we have a report on that concert where Fairouz performed, she has the affection and the respect of the fans. some she has gotten old, but you know what her music seems to never lose its magic and the lady still can sing and bring it all back to where it started in the 60s baby.

Fairouz in Amsterdam 2011 - Rotana Report

Mohammad Abdo, The Timeless Saudi Entertainer

There's no bigger Saudi Star than Mohammad Abdo, this man's voice has been entertaining that country, the Gulf and the rest of the Arab world for half a century. If you want a bigger star in the Gulf, you cannot find bigger than Mr. Abdo. He is the face of that regions original music and serious entertainment

Even if you are not a fan of Saudi music, you know this guy, he is pretty much hard to miss, most Arab starts from the Gulf and otherwise, wish to share the stage with him because that means a big stage of approval form this man who keeps on singing even thought he needs no introduction.

His songs are always in the Saudi Gulf dialect where kings, presidents and leaders wish to enjoy the kind of popularity and affection he enjoys. Sure, he is an authority in the business and entertainment. Abo Noura as his biggest fans call him follow his work.

The good news, this artist does not plan a retirement even thought he has a health setback earlier this year. He has a new single out and it lives up to the promise of being a mellow song with passion and romance.

On personal news, after spending three months for medical treatment in a French clinic, news broke that Mr. Abdo is getting married to a young French women from Algerian heritage. Mohammad Abdo 63 years old has divorced his wife of 26 years of marriage. And as of now he is taking a sabbatical from his music career.

محمد عبده - انا احبك جديد Mohammad Abdo Ana Ahbek

Assi Hallani And Wadie Safi On Honesty

This duet of Wadie Safi and his sidekick Assi Hallani was filmed and was ready to be releases early this year. But the Arab spring got in the way and no one seemed to care for music for a while, all we wanted to do is watch Aljazera. So we were told to wait by Rotana the producer of the clip and the song.

The title is Al Amanah, "Honesty" and it was support to be an awesome duet between two males stars who represent the best of Lebanese entertainment. One is a legend with timeless songs that goes back for more than half a century. The other is a younger dude with loads of charisma and charm, making him the first dude of Lebanese style music for two decades.

Aging Wadie Safi did not disappoint, he did his best to work on this clip, and was given special accommodation at times because of his age. That does not seem to stop Wadie from doing what he has always enjoying doing--singing.

Hallani probably grew up listening to Wadie Safi's music and probably Assi's father as well. Assi is banking on this duet to tie his name to the name of the legendary Lebanese singer. Is this passing the torch? Not one knows, Wadie is still giving us music to get excited about.

This ones goes to Lebanon and its art, where Assi is the son of Wadie receiving timeless advise from the iconic singer himself. This is a tribute song for Wadie and his legacy. The good thing, the musical notes are original, there has been some work and thoughts put into this music as well as lyrics.

The live orchestra gives a touch of magic, this is a clip about God, country, and family. Originality is not an option. Assi also gets some love form Wadie as he sings about his ancestor.

‏Assi Hallani Wadee3 Safi عاصى الحلانى مع وديع الصافى الامانه

Rest In Peace Classy Soad Mohammad

Soad Mohammad, the Egyptian singer that has given that country some of the most memorable classic songs we came to love has passed away On July 4th 2011, at the age of 85. She has been ill for some time and have been subjected to a number of surgeries in the heart and the head.

She will be remembered for her career and her legendary voice. She has performed the song for the movie "Alsbhimaa", about the early history of Islam. And has acted in a movie titled "A Young Women From Palestine" and "I am Alone". While she has only acted twice, her songs appeared in a umber of movies where other stars lip synced to her songs. She will be survived by her children and to be buried today in the family's plots.

If I am not mistaken Soad's mother is Syrian Lebanese. She was living in Syria before she was discovred and shipped to Egypt where she became a star for generations.
وحشتني عدد كلام .. الهوى " سعاد محمد "

Carole Samah Owns Sabah Chahroura Role

When Carole Samah was announced as the actress singer who will be filling in the role of Lebanese golden diva Sabah, I was skeptical. She looks nothing like her and there are other stars who could take on the role. But I know that Carole worked hard for the role and used every bit of influence she has.

The slowly we are seeing more of Carole in the role, and the more we see, the more believable she seems in that role. As we watch the promotional song for the TV drama "Maleka 3al Ard", you are offered a timeless journey throughout the history of Arabic music for at least 70 years.

The series preview seems to focus on the personal life of Sabah more than on her music, we are being told there will be 20 songs in the series. There are at least three shots where Sabah gets slapped by some dude, did that really happen did her husband abuse her?

On the art side, this is looking like a really great picture with lots of characters, colors, and a bigger budget than many works we have seen. Coming to think of it, this is a history of Lebanon, Egypt and artists making Arabic music for ages.

You will see a lot of male actors trying to win over Sabah, lots of cool cars! There is a lot a lot of drama, which goes with the art from. There is some truth behind the drama, but since the directors do not want to be sued by artists and their estate for making accusation, they would be smart not call it facts.

"Maleka 3al Ard" - El Shahrora - Carole Samaha

The Dearest of All People By Abdel Halim

If it was a good song, Abdel Halim Hafiz would make it better. Not just his golden vocals perfect romantic songs. Looking back at the lyrics of his songs, they all make sense and no word is an extra, no word is used to fill in on the account of the overall mode of the song.

His lyrics are simple words, put together to paint a hard to find romantic picture of that helpless lover who gives all and expects nothing in return. See the flow of this song "A3az El Nas", the dearest of all people. Capturing the time and the place of his emotional status. He could be talking about an individuals, a group of individuals, or even his family in this song. In essence this song can be applied to many settings and give each one of them a rare emotional color.

اعز الناس

Palestine is a State Says Sheikh Imam

Since I am declaring June the month of remembering the old school activities singer Sheikh Imam, the blind Egyptian musician who sang for many issues that got him in hot water with the state security agencies in Egypt for more than 40 years.

The song talks about the struggle for building and liberating Palestine, those songs are usually ok in Arab countries and no one will fight you for them. But when you sing about social justice, corruption and fear, you will be harassed and called out. So Sheikh Imam had nothing to lose, what will they do to a blind man?

They put him in jail for years, making him the only Arab singer to serve time in jailhouse for his music.

Sheikh Imam Sings for Palestine الشيخ امام فلسطين دولة

When Arab Composers Sing, We Win

Arab composers come in all shapes, some with a great personality that enables them to speak about their craft and make it easier for them to sell their melodies. Others are shy and anti-social. This post about those composers who are good at their job and who can sing their own melodies.

Two names come to mind from the past and the present. It turns out not only do composers put some fine music, many of them can sing and often do, some go on to have a career of their own in singing, but some only sing when the need arises. Let's look at two composers one from Egypt and has worked with the legends and no longer is with us Baligh Hamdi. You like Warda, he gave her half a dozen of songs, enjoy Oum Kalthoom, chances he put his golden touches on her music. Najat Al Sagheera...etc. and a lot more classics than we can name here.

The second composer is still alive and well, he is Lebanese he loves the media and has a bit of an ego, but to his credit it he worked with the greats of Lebanon and authored many hits. He also has a nice wacky persona and a great collection of songs that range in style.

There are other young composers that have also did their won songs and released their own albums, let's see who we can name: Hamid Shari, Mostafa Qamar, Mohammad Raheem, Tamer Ashour, Amr Mostafa, and most recently Ramy Gamal. Those composers range in talent, career, and quality of vocals, but as of now they seem all successful.
الموسيقار العبقري بليغ حمدي يغني رائعة أم كلثوم

ملحم بركات- من بعدك لمين.

Amr Diab World, An Egyptian Hub

Amr Diab might be older than you and older than your father, but he can still kick your butt and bleed your nose. He might have missed the boat on supporting the Revolution in Egypt, he might been a buddy of the sons of the former president of Egypt, but at least he did not embarrass himself like Tamer Hosny.

He is also one of the most tech savvy Arab entertainers, he has his official page with millions of hits, fans can get all Amr Diab related news and items from that site. He does manage to do it all exclusive on his page. He does not talk much to the media, his page is really him and his team.

He is now releasing a sneak peak of his page, a promo of sort on the perks you will get be joining his world. He does have his own Nokia phone and his own radio station that is both hip and relevant. For thirty years and he is the Mr. GQ Arabia, he never misses a heartbeat and he is on top of style trends, he is a trend setter and people copy him.

He might not have been making the best songs the past four years, but he is still relevant and he is still the biggest name out there in the business. He also tours around the world in sold out concerts that bring people together and make him millions.
AMR DIAB WORLD - Sneak Peek

AMR DIAB WORLD - Sneak Peek from Amr Diab on Vimeo.

Samir Yazbak, The Vintage Lebanese

Lebanon is a mystifying country when it comes to music and entertainment, the hits keep on coming and the more you look into its history with music, the more you realize that you do not really know much. Every time I look up an old school Lebanese singer, I discovered yet another one as good or better.

That's what happened when I cam across Samir Yazbak, the seasoned Lebanese singer that became famous with his mawaweel style of Lebanon. He is the muscular voice and the all Lebanese persona that made him a hit with the people of the land. He is one of those singers that had a good run int the past and his name doesn't return many hits on Google or otherwise.

you can find his music, but not much images or history of this solid Lebanese singer who entertain your father and his father.

سمير يزبك

سمير يزبك عتابا

Abdel Halim Hafiz Was Born June 21st, 1929

And passed away on March 30th, 1977 after an epic struggle with illness that took him at a young age. He is the master of Arabic romantic songs for the 60s, and 70s the champion that was a heart breaker and a smart musician.

Look at this performance of his and see how animated he gets in his songs, it's like he puts so much energy into the song he is performing to make you believe what he believes. His records continue to sell millions and his videos and songs rack up the viewers.

The coffee cup reader "The Palmist" is about destiny, and makes one of the most famous Abdel Halim Hafiz songs, it took 2 years to compose music worthy of it and the Syrian poet Nizar Al Qabbany altered the verses of the poem to accommodate Abel Halim Hafiz. This song will go on to be the most dramatic song about the uncertain love future.


عبدالحليم حافظ .. قارئة الفنجان

Egypt Celebrate Sheikh Imam

Even when was blind, he could see a lot more than the majority of the people of Egypt and he was the voice of the land for decades expressing their worries and struggle to live a decent life at their homeland. He grew up in poverty and lack of means which has affected his thinking.

This year is the 16th anniversary of his passing. Born in 1918 and lost his eye sight as a child due to an illness, grew up memorizing the holy book of Koran. In the 60s he was hanging out with a number of leftist poets whom he sang their poems. Most known collaborator with him is El Fajoomy Ahmad Foad Najim. In 1967 when Egypt was defeated by the Israelis, it was the turning point in his life and his career.

During the 18 days of the Egyptian revolution in 2011, his songs were a big hit and the youth were singing his songs as they waited for Mubarak to step aside. His work is focued on social injustice, corruption, Arab nationalism, and Palestine. His fame took him to Paris where he was invited by the ministry of culture to perform in the 80s. Needless to say his concerts were huge success. He went on and toured many Arab and European cities performing with his band.

As a little boy, he was known for his strong memory. His father was a bit harsh with him and had dreams for his son to become a religious Sheikh. Learning singing in the mosque, mostly religious hymns.

He was bold and he was the voice of the pulse of the street. For that the Sadat regime went after him once arresting him on charges of smoking marijuana, but he was later freed. Untimely arrest him and sentences him for live in prison. Thus Sheikh imam was the first Arab to be jailed for songs in history of the region. Once Sadat was assassinated Imam was freed and in 1995 he passed away leaving a lifetime of legacy and controversies.


أنا الشعب العربي - الشيخ امام



الشيخ امام، الفول واللحمة

Iraq: The Other Arabian Music Oasis

Looking at nowadays Iraq one cannot help but feel saddened for the ongoing crisis in this beloved Arab country. If it was not for the political instability and the brutal dictators that have ruled Iraq throughout its history, this land could have been another power center in the Arab world.

They have the ancient history that can rival that of Egypt's, they have the educational centers that are both deeply rooted in history and entrenched in the future. Not just that, the people of Iraq really love their land too and most of all they have culture.

The music of Iraq once was huge, and once was coveted in all corners of the world, thanks to the many legends who have given all they had. They have the historical dept of traditional music and to a large extent such music still makes an influence on many working stars in Arabia.

Iraqi would not have its amazing age of music without the lute and other Eastern instruments played in places like Turkey, Spain and Syria. Ask your grandfather and maybe his father, they will tell you how true this is....for few more info on some of those iconic singers please visit this link


مقطع من تسجيل لحفلة - سليمة مراد و ناظم الغزالي iraqi songs

Nathom AlGhazali Salima Morad



محمد القبنجي- لما أناخوا قبيل الصبح

Ahmed Mounib -- An Egyptian Godfather

He came from the deep Egyptian south loaded with musical ideas and stories that he will eventually tell through his music, for generations in Southern Egyptian land, he is the undisputed Godfather of local folksy music. From Nobia region (The region, known as the golden land, used to span from Aswan, in Upper Egypt, into the northern part of Sudan) he sang and the entire country of his were among his biggest fans.

Growing up in Alexandria, he formed his first band his journey. In 1948 At the age of 22, he returned to his village, Thomas Wa Afiya, to immerse himself in his native culture. He stayed there for 4 years. 1951 Moved to Cairo and lived in the Nubian neighborhood of Abdeen. Joined the folk music group Zakria Hagawi. 1954 Formed the Mounib Group, the first pure Nubian sound to hit the Cairo music circuit, while working in a bank to support his family. Throughout his career he became,e the voice of those marginalized, he told their stories and their aspiration.

In 1963 His music began to reach a broader audience through the Egyptian Radio Broadcast program Min wahee el Ganoub. Every Thursday afternoon at 4 pm, Nubians sat by their radios and heard their music, their language. Collaborating with the music historian and poet, Mohy El Din Sherif, who had the idea to use Nubian folk songs as a basis to introduce the music of his culture, Ahmed Mounib looked at music trends, and translated El Din Sherif's ideas into an accessible, popular music form. 1965 Mounib and El Din Sherif, along with Hamza El Din, created a NGO, the Nubian Union.

In 1975 Begins writing music for Mohamed Mounir, then an unknown singer, with lyricist Abdel Rehim Monsour. 1977 Mounir album Alimouny Anik is released. He composed 45 songs for Mounir in his first ten albums. Other Arab pop stars have also used his melodies, Hamid Al Shari, Ala Abdel Khaliq, Hisham Abbas, Mohammad Foad, Faris, Hanan, mona Abedel Ghany and other singer in the 80s. There is a hint of sadness in his voice and in the music instruments he chooses to utilize.

1990 Died 27 February in Cairo, Egypt The Godfather A voice and beats from the land of gold in 1991. His music and passion for it lives on through his work and the dozens of artists he helped inspire.
A7mad Mounib ::: Shagar El Lamoon - احمد منيب ::: شجر اللمون

يا وعدي عـ الايام - احمد منيب


A beautiful group song from artists whose music has been influence by this legend that pays homage to Mounib.
احمد جوهر جنوبي

Melhem Barakat, The Wonder Boy of Lebanon

Melhem Barakat might be the most obnoxious Arab musician to ever walked on this earth. He is in love with himself and tells people he is one of a kind musical phenomena that history will never make. While he has the hits to show that he is a truly gifted musician, composer and singer.

While his personal life reveals a colorful and a complex persona, but to his credit his concerts are always fun because, he is a free spirited singer who says and does whatever hits him. His interviews are the same, he does not hold back and for that the media loves to interview him and talk about his past and his friendship and rivalry in the entertainment business.

Melhem is also a man of style, and a man who loves his country Lebanon and strives to represent it well. But most of all as you would see in this clip of a concert of his in Jordan, he gets into the music too and makes out noises that the music should make, in a way he does that when he is not singing to engage himself and the fans.

That's Melhem Barakat and his very sweet voice that takes you for a ride of your choosing, he sound like man who has a lot to say and that's why his audience loves him.

ملحم_بركات_-_كيف Melhem Barakat

Baligh Hamdi, Time Defying Melodies

Baligh Hamdi (بليغ حمدي) (Oct 7, 1932 - Sept 17, 1993) was an Egyptian composer who created hit songs for many prominent Arabic singers, during the 1960s and 1970s especially. Chances are if you like a song in the 70s or form the 70s, then Baligh has put his touches on it to make it better. A lawyer by training, a composer by career.

Baligh Hamdi frequently said that he drew upon musical ideas and aesthetics in Egyptian folk melodies and rhythms in composing his songs just like the house of the Rahbanis in Lebanon, taking the village music and make it it urban. He also drew on ideas that were floating around in the contemporary music of his time. His sound has a classical flavor due to the heavy use of the string orchestra, back when they used to keep it real and when the computer did not ruin it for everyone.

But that's not to say that he also made some use of electronic keyboards and guitars in harmony with the strings, or alternating with the strings, in many songs. He was a product of his time.

His best work is published as recordings under the name of the singer. The singers include Oum Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Shadia, Layla Murad, Fayza Ahmed, Aziza Jalal, Warda (he was married to Warda for about a decade), Sabah (Sabah married seven times, and he was one of her husbands), Mayada Al-Henawy, and other singers of the golden age of Arabic music. Back then he was the young gun and the next big thing, many chased him to get his music.

When he was not composing love and romance songs, Baligh Hamdi has another love. Making him one of the most frequent composer for songs for Egypt and his love to it ,even he sang some of it personally (Uday El Nahar / El Bondokia Atkelmt / Law Aadit / Abarna El Hazimah / Fedai / Besm El Lah / Ya Habibty Ya Masr / Ash Elly Kal ). He was one of the last great composers of Arabic music who introduce fresh, original and exciting melodies.


بليغ حمدي يغني " أول و آخر حبيب "

Some Like It Fairouz...

There are so many great Fairouz songs, everyone has a favorite Fayroz song that gets them to visit that special place. Each song of hers tell a story, describe an instant of human feelings. While there is almost no bad Fairouz song. There is only a hit song and a great song from this Lebanese diva.

Each time she performs a song, she creates an experience that is very Fairous exclusive, I doubt any one can make a song about a topic that Fairouz covered and get away with it. You be the judge, here is one of her gems about the sleepless nights she spent.

Fairouz got the music part figured out thanks largely to the Rahabany household who are the true innovators of Arabic music utilizing Western elements and incorporating Easter melodies...that's how you draw every segment of society in Arabia...you get the city folks and the countryside people to gather around the radio and enjoy your work....go Fayroyz

فيروز_ سهار بعد سهار من اجمل ما غنت

Sabah El Deni Doulab 1991 صباح الدني دولاب

I cannot believe she looks so good even thought she was really old back then, she looks like one of those young girls. I know my older brother in 1990 went to a concert of hers in the United Arab Emirates where we lived back then.

I really wish this lady well, I want her to live as long as she wants, she entertained so many of us for long, please be considerate when you talk about her and her health. Look at the clip this was 20 years ago and she was rocking. While she still sing nowadays barely, she is having health issues.

There can be only one Chahroura Sabah

Sabah El Deni Doulab 1991 صباح الدني دولاب