1. The song 'Beirut Windows شبابيك بيروت' from Tania Saleh 's latest CD came in at Number 1 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/88fAyLo0oq0 2. This song by Rim Banna titled 'Break Your Fears اكسر خوفك' came in at Number 2 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/XMtEHEhhobk 3. The song 'Hal' by Yasmine Hamdan --which was featured in the film Only Lovers Left Alive --came in at Number 3 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. http://youtu.be/XDepIDGKC2U 4. The song 'Dawayer (Circles)' by Dina El Wedidi came in at Number 4 in Arabology 's Countdown of the Top 20 (alternative) Arabic Songs of 2014. https://soundcloud.com/dina-elwedidi/dawayer-1 5. Jordanian rock band JadaL 's song 'Wahde Bteshbahek, وحده بتشبهك' came in at Number 5 in Arabology ...
Dr. Ramzi Salti commemorates 50 Years Since the Death of Umm Kulthum-- February 3, 2025 Umm Kulthum (1898–1975) Introduction: A Cultural Icon and the Voice of the Arab World On February 3, 2025, we mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, one of the most influential artists in the history of Arab music. For half a century, her voice has resonated through time, her music transcending generations, borders, and cultures. Known for her unparalleled vocal ability, emotive performances, and captivating stage presence, Umm Kulthum remains a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural pride. Rare color footage of Umm Kulthum by Director Youssef Chahine Umm Kulthum's impact extends far beyond her music. She was a pioneering force in both the cultural and political landscapes of the Arab world, her songs representing themes of love, longing, heartbreak, and social change. Today, as we reflect on her life and legacy, we remember a woman whose contrib...
When Egyptian Singer Sherine released her hit "Sabri Aaleel" in 2003, no one would have ever predicted that, over 2 decades later, the track would continue to be reborn, revamped, remixed and translated into different languages around the world. As a tribute to this iconic song, this article will attempt to spotlight some of the most innovative and groundbreaking resurrections of the song that have appeared through the years. These will include re-recordings in completely different genres, remixes that have become staples at dance parties and versions from Italy and France that take the song to a whole new level. 1. To start, here is Sherine's original version of "Sabri Aaleel" as it was first released by Sherine in 2003. The title, "Sabri Aaleel" (صبري قليل), translates to "My Patience Is Running Low," and the song was initially featured on her 2003 album, "Girh Tani" (جرح تاني). 2. Johanna Morkos is a Lebanese singer and music...
Mayssa Karaa Releases Arabic Version of "My Favorite Things"
Lebanese American singer Maysaa Karaa has just released an uplifting Arabic version of the song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, complete with lush orchestration and a gorgeous video clip which includes the lyrics in both English and Arabic.
You can watch the video clip below or at this link.
The track, titled "El Adar Byekhtar/ القدر بيختار" [literal translation is "Destiny Chooses"], offers a distinctly Arabic feel without losing the sense of optimism and glee that characterizes the original English version. Such musical perfection is largely due to famed Jordanian musician/violinist Yarub Smarait who mixed, arranged and produced the track in a way that highlights Mayssa's vocal acrobatics and style. The Arabic lyrics by Ahmad Abdul Nabi, Mayssa Karaa, and Najwa Karaa are quite original and, thankfully, do not attempt to simply translate the original lyrics but rather readapt them to new audiences. Adding to the splendor of it all are Haleem Al Khatib on the Qanun, Laith Sulaiman on the Nay, Joseph Demerjian on guitar, Ali Fanni on drums, Awwad Awwad (percussion) and Youssef Musharbash (keys).
This is not the first time that Mayssa has captured world attention for releasing an Arabic rendition of a famous English song. Her version of "White Rabbit" in 2014 truly propelled her into the international spotlight and was featured in the trailer (and soundtrack) for the 2014 film American Hustle, directed by David O. Russell. Her haunting interpretation of the song captivated audiences and generated widespread acclaim for capturing the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the film (read more here).
Mayssa Karaa singing the Arabic version of White Rabbit in 2014
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Mayssa Karaa grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and Western musical influences. She developed a deep appreciation for diverse genres and embarked on a journey to explore her own musical identity. Her versatile voice allowed her to experiment with different styles, blending elements of Middle Eastern music, rock, pop, and jazz.
In 2012, Mayssa released her debut single, a cover of the legendary song "Ya Habibi Ta'ala" (My Love, Come to Me) by Asmahan. The track showcased her ability to infuse traditional Arabic melodies with modern arrangements.
'Ya habibi Taala' by Mayssa Karaa / يا حبيبي تعال - ميسا قرعه
Since then, Mayssa Karaa has continued to pursue her musical career, releasing original music and collaborating with various artists. Her discography includes singles like "Over Again," "The Chaos," and "Broken Lines." She has also performed live on numerous stages, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and emotional performances.
