“I’ve just remembered what you said… about being f*cked if you start hearing birds chirping outside… and I’m hearing birds chirping outside right now!😂😂😂”
^that was from my Arab friend (you know how Muslims have to pray 5 times a day and there’s this one timeslot where you do it super early? Well, he kind of “overstayed” after he was done with his prayers and had to go to work in around 30 minutes so…😂😂😂)
I don’t know why I’m making this as my topic starter.
So for the past few weeks, I was fortunate enough to meet some Middle Eastern customers. Some of them were even nice enough to recommend me some artists and songs! 😀 (You’d think with 300+ million speakers it’d be easy peasy to just randomly search some songs that’ll just click to you, but nope, not with this lazy ass! :D)
Without further ado, here are the ones that I’ve handpicked from the bunch. Enjoy. 🙂
Sherine – Masha3er (Feelings)
Ohh what to do with these feelings, what to do…?
Sherine Ahmed Abdel Wahhab, or, mononymously known as Sherine is a famous Egyptian singer and actress. The whole song & lyrics basically revolves around the word “feelings”. IIRC, the song was from some TV show during Ramadan 2014 or something??
Uhhhh anyways moving on.
Sakher Hattar – Ala Dalouna
Sakher Hattar is a Jordanian oud player. It is similar to the lute and he’s renowned as one of the finest oud players in the region, and one of the most significant Arab musicians of his generations.
The music reminds me of a certain game* for some reason hmm…
*I fucking loved that game
Next up is Sharmoofers, a band that is based in Cairo, Egypt.
“We believe that music IS the way to happiness…”
Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil
Sharmoofers is a project by founders Ahmed Bahaa and Moe El-3rkan. Their genre is listed as “world music”, and you can hear reggae and ska elements in their songs. The vocalist does scat-like singing too, as seen below:
Sharmoofers – Hepta Song – 5, 6 Hepta
I don’t know why I laughed so hard when the guy at 0:42 came in HAHAHA! 😂😂😂
The song apparently jumps from topic-to-topic, so you can’t really summarize what they’re talking about. Also, the song is from a movie from what I’ve heard and some of the rappers are actors so you would only find it funny if you’ve seen the movie.
I feel your jealousy and I can smell your gloating,
Come here, talking is between you and me,
Keep your words for yourself, we will use it when we need it
^what the girl in black was rapping. Her nasal-heavy voice and different expressions throughout the video is very mesmerizing. The lively energy that the rappers beamed out ,and the humorous and positive vibe from the song was what captivated me in the first place!
(I’ve also just noticed he says “assalam alaikum“ when the song starts, and also throughout their other songs as well. I guess it’s their “thing”? It was kinda funny when I gradually noticed it while checking out their other songs hahaha!)
Sharmoofers – Zombie
I have no idea what’s going on in here but I loved every minute of it. 😀
They do some social commentaries too from what I can make out from the lyrics and the video itself, “selfie”, “notification”, “hashtag” etc etc.
Sharmoofers – The Dream
I am slightly sad they did not response to my comment on their page. Is it not rare for an Asian to know about them?? 
(im just kidding senpai plz notice meeee)
Anyways, this gal did a splendid article about them. 🙂 You can check it out below:
http://www.madamasr.com/en/2014/05/18/feature/culture/band-of-the-week-sharmoofers/
Last but not least, Hassan El Shafei, another Egyptian artist who took the Middle East by storm with his unique blend of traditional Egyptian music and modern electro & trance.
Hassan El-Shafei ft Ahmed Sheba – 6 Weshoosh
This was the one one of my customers recommended to me and I immediately loved it. It’s a mix of modern and chaabi done right.
Hassan El Shafei ft Abla Fahita – Mayestahlushi
They flip through my notebook, trying to figure out my words
Why so obsessed? My story belongs to me
They’re not worthy…
The vocals of this reminds me of Nightcall…
Hassan El Shafei ft Nicole Saba & Abd El Basset Hamouda – Mafeesh Mostaheel
A song that slowly grew on me. Love Abd’s raw vocals in this. 🙂
Hope you guys had a kick out of this as did I, likes or comments are appreciated as always. 🙂
Sherine:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sherine?lang=en
Sharmoofers:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sharmoofers/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Sharmoofers/about
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/sharmoofers
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sharmoofers_official
Sakher Hattar:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ADrsjldcv8bou2Lv8ytrs?autoplay=true
Hassan El-Shafei:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hassanelshafei/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCieWLZAbnCkHFTLeUjpje6A
Nicole Saba:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesabaaa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NicoleSabaaa
Abd El Basset Hamouda:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbdelBassetHmouda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdelbassethmouda/
Ms Applesauce 
I adore you Ms Applesauce! I am so sorry for your heartbreak, but your adventures sound amazing and you sound resilient as ever. You are AMAZING!!!! Your schedule sounds CRAZY! I dunno how you keep up with it all. You deserve a PAID VACATION!
I am still truckin’ but feel like it’s been lot’s-O changes since we last wrote one another. I took my blogs down for a while, then I switched ’em up and put them back up… after figuring out what I wanted to do with them.
I am married now… I don’t think I was when I first met you online. But I went thru some “dating” crap before I decided on the “one.”
I will write you more very soon. I am waaaay past my bedtime currently and neeeeeed sleep. I just got excited to hear from you so I had to reply.
I am SOOOO happy to hear from you.
Much love and peace to u in the New Year…
I hope all the best for you.
kj
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I sometimes surprise myself how quick I can recover. Sure, before when I didn’t knew he actually had someone, I was at a “distance makes the heart grow fonder” phase, and was optimistic about “meeting via fate” crap. But after when I knew, it was the closure that I needed to move on. The “why” always lingered after that night. He told me he’s always found me attractive, and had the “urge” every time he saw me at the caravan. I got so confused in the first time of my life because I’ve never considered myself attractive enough for people to like me. But he actually kissed me. He said it wasn’t because he’s high (atm). But all the reasons didn’t matter because they were all bs (obviously). Im not one to hold grudges even though he wasn’t being honest with me . What can you do, some people want more even if they already have somebody…
Anyways, I don’t wanna sound any more salty than I should (HAHAHA), so let’s talk about you! And wow!! Congrats girl!!! Hey, at least you’ve found your true love 🙂
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I’m pretty sure he won’t have for her for long, Ms Applesauce. He’s a player. I wanna punch him in the nose.
You deserve a better man. That’s your real fate, because you are smart and strong and funny and more forgiving than most…
I know you’ve had to deal with snarky jealous bitches in the modeling stuff you did in Hong Kong too, so just know you are a beauty and that that fool was lucky for the time he had with you.
I had to go thru a bunch of learning before I could commit to Dave (my husband) and it wasn’t all “roses” but he has turned out to be my best friend and we can build on stuff. We have something to keep working for.
I have had a crazy rough year… A lot of special people in my life died and my grief was hard to get a grip on. But I am doing better now. Sumtimes life is just very very REAL.
I know you know what i mean.
I think I need to refollow your blog grrrl… I don’t see it coming up in my reader…
I’m missing your tunes!!!!! I’m gonna see about doing that now…
BIG love to U.
& I know You will find your soul mate someday. He just has to be good enuff for u.
You are Solid.
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I’m sorry to hear that Kat. But I’m glad we both got to overcome our misfortunes.
I’ve just uploaded a new blog post btw! I think it might be the last as of now, since I’m not sure how my next workload would be or if the internet would be good at all.
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I will take a look soon! It’s always nice to hear from you and I look forward to your tune picks whenever you have time to post ’em! You are worth the wait Ms. Applesauce.
Hope your work goes well. I’ll keep a good thought for you.
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But guess what now? Maybe I won’t be married for loooong! He yelled at me, kicked my in the stomach twice and put me in an arm lock that fucked up my shoulder after actually saying he was defending me from his racist sexist brother! How do I convince myself I can trust him and that I am safe now?
How????
I dunno. I thought he was my best friend.
Maybe i should be my own best friend for a while and make sure NO man fucks me over again.
I still believe in true love, but I guess I never found it. I was all Halo-effecting…
Anyhow… I know yer working and outta internet range… so maybe by the time you get this I will be divorced. I feel sad tonight…
I’m gonna play sum music and crash into sound for a while.
You have my infinite respect and love Ms. Applesauce.
Talk back to me when U have time.
yer pal across the oceans,
kj
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OMG Kat!! I am so, so speechless. I feel so bad right now I wish I could physically go there and punch that douchebag! 😡
Though my own experience didn’t get physical (at least, not your ‘kind’…:( ), I also thought he would be my soulmate. To this day I still can’t fathom how one can show off his love without feeling an ounce of guilt! It was as if the thing he did to me (or, indirectly, to his current gf) never crossed his mind at all. He literally, physically, make me sick and the thought of bumping into him again scares me (“fun fact” – I was talking to our mutual friend and wanted to move over to their place for my next farm work – guess what?? The douchebag and his gf are there with them too!!)
But all is good. I’ve managed to call and landed me and my friend for our work induction for the following week. We will go to Tasmania on Friday so I will how my internet is over there – but right now, I’m still here so no worries!
And Kat, please, please call the police. Tell your friends and family! Though usually I am more optimistic, I don’t want you to risk it and hope you’ll be safe!!
I will pray for you. 😦
Much love,
Ms A
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Thanks Ms. Applesauce. You’re in my prayers too sweetie. Be in touch when U can. And post more tunes… those help lift my spirits.
*BIG soul HUGS* to U
kj
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I should tell you this Ms. AppleSauce… when I was in Japan (Ebisu, the international provence) there were a lot of Australian white men (and Germans and Americans too) but tons of Aussies that preyed on asian girls. They all seemed to be music DJ’s too. and they were total players. That guy you thought was your soul mate doesn’t truly have a girlfriend. He has a woman who tolerates his cheating on her because she has low self esteem.
It’s not your fault you fell for him.
And he’s a player and a douche bag (as U call him) too.
I feel so sorry for the girl that is putting up with his ass, and those mutual friends of yours need to get sum spine and kick the Aussie prick OUT.
You can punch my guy in the nose and I’ll kick the crap outta the bitch-man that mistreated you! How about that? 🙂
Anyhow, it’s not on you what happened. You are worth the respect.
And that dude will not “keep” his girl unless she’s just totally stupid.
He should be sorry for how he used you and lead you on. He should tell his girl friend he’s a player and ask if that’s actually ok with her.
Anyhow my sister-woman… don’t let the bastards get you down.
YOU rock!
yer pal,
kj
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Yeah, actually when I was in Japan on my holiday 2 years ago, I went to “Roppingi” (famous clubs/bar district) and while walking a white guy (I think, deliberately) bumped into me and elbowed my breast while looking back and saying “su.mi.ma.sen.” (I’m not Japanese of course) and he was kinda smirking while saying that. He was kinda drunk and swaying when he was walking but I was still pissed. It was only till later when I’ve told my British guy friend who lived in Japan for years that a lot of Australian men actually go to Japan and he told me what you’ve just told me.
And, well, I’m not really close with our mutual friend so I haven’t really told him what happened between us.
And thanks Kat! Girl power! 😀
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MUCH respect Ms. Applesauce. It’s true about the Aussie guys. Bunch of bastards.
My life update… is that my husband is in a 90 day recovery program. I’m holding off on the divorce to see if we have anything to work on after that. He quit drinking at least. I dunno if couples can heal after personal tornadoes like that, but I’d like to think there is a friendship left in it all somewhere, somehow. I mean I’ve known him for 18 years!!!! Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent all over your post. Sorry for the downer.
on a better note…
I need to check out your new post! I see it in the reader. I’m soooo happy you’re posting once in a while! woo hoo!!!! 🙂
Peace and love to U as ever. Girl Power back at ya!!!
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Hey you… can I recommend you in my Girl Power Academy? I don’t wanna just reblog, i wanna feature you and it’s TOTALLY okay if you say no. I realize you aren’t blogging regular, so if it doesn’t suit you, I don’t mean to task you.
But I been talking to you for years now and I really do LOVE you and your posts. so… lemme know if it’s okay to turn others onto yer posts?
No problem if no. I respect you no matter what.
You are a powerful force on the planet. I learned a lot from your music influences and conversations. 🙂
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Hey Kat, sorry for the late reply! Been busy relocating to my new job and some “drama” with my ex-roommate…so, there’s that.
And yup, no problem! It’d be an honor for me I’ll say! 😀
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No hurry and no apologies necessary, I know you have a busy life even without the drama! I hope things get better for ya soon. Roommates can be difficult! I know. Good luck with your new job. I’m rooting for u.
I will let you know when i get my feature done about your blog. It’ll be a little while. I have a few ready before i post your tunes. But thanks for allowing me to do it. You have always exposed me to music I would never have known without you. Angel Haze was one I really valued. I know you didn’t like her music completely, but you didn’t allow that to stop you from sharing the work and the topic was important to women and women in hip hop. So it’s an honor to have you in the GPA!!! TBA. 🙂
take care of you! You rock.
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I’m glad to hear you liked my sharing of Angel Haze. The song she covered on Eminem’s is still very, very disturbing for me, but I have nothing but deep respect to see such a strong woman who overcame something so cruel.
Btw, I’ve just found out about this iconic musician yesterday and I’m DYING to share it with you!! I really like the guy and I can’t wait to get to blogging within these 2 days. 🙂
Looking forward to your blog post as well!
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Well, Angel really only used Eminem’s title but rather cleaned out her own closet so to speak… but I agree… She’s amazing for overcoming and being authentically herself.
I am very excited U came across a musician influence! Can’t wait to hear about him and hear his sounds! I look forward to your posts and will be in touch soon about my GPA feature of U. 🙂
xoxo,
kj
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Hi again, I’m gonna be away for awhile and I placed my blogs in private mode as I work stuff out. But I will check back in eventually and get back to posting i hope.
Much Love to u Ms. Applesauce.
kj
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