Best of 2014: Music

More and more young musicians are experimenting underground, fusing traditional tunes and Western genres. Here’s a look at some of the top ‘underground’ bands that have made it to the top of the scene.

  [caption id="attachment_86468" align="alignright" width="960"] Eftekasat[/caption] Eftekasat In 2002, Eftekasat debuted their world jazz fusion sound with four songs and a gig at the Cairo Jazz Festival. Today they have two studio albums and a live concert DVD, and they are working on their third studio album, with a summer 2015 release date followed by a European tour. Eftekasat recommends: “Greeky,” “Jazzmina,” “Nubian Syndrome” and “Third Eye” Asfalt Created in 2005, the hip hop duo Asfalt currently features rappers Ibrahim Farouk and Mohamed Gad. They only release singles, not albums, because Farouk believes “people now are more interested in singles.” Asfalt has collaborated with many of the nation’s top acts, including Fathi Salama, Zap Tharwat, Ameer Yossef, Mado and Menna Hussien. Asfalt recommends: “Ana Satreen” and “Kolo Bytlaa Fil Ghaseel” Massive Scar Era (Mascara) Do not try to assign a genre to Massive Scar Era, formed in 2005 by vocalist Sherien Amr and violinist Nancy Mounir. “Genres are defined when you go into a professional production process, we’ve never worked with producers,” Amr says. Their fans flock to their concerts for their melodic hardcore metal sound. Also known as Mascara, the band has no albums but has released four 45-minute “episodes.” Mascara recommends: “Pray,” “Gravity,” “10 Years” and “My Ground” Salalem Named in honor of their jam sessions on the Ain Shams University stairs, the indie pop group Salalem helped pioneer the underground scene in 2005. With Sonic Ltd., Salalem released their first album Kelma Abeeha in 2011, and they’ve been performing in big-name venues around the country ever since. Salalem recommends: “Kees Shebsi (Chipsy Bag),” “Maa’leshi,” “Kelma Abeeha” and “El-Donya Odda” [caption id="attachment_86466" align="alignleft" width="1000"] Cairokee[/caption] Cairokee Formed in 2003, the rock band Cairokee had their first big hit came with the 2011 Revolution. “Sout Al-Horreya” (Voice of Freedom) garnered a million views and a Youtube record for one of the most-watched videos in the shortest period of time. They have released three studio albums, including El Sekka Shemal (Wrong Turn) in April 2014. Cairokee was nominated for Best Middle East Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) — the first Egyptian group to make it to the EMA. Cairokee recommends: “Ethbat Makanak,” “Matloob Za’eem,” “Sout Al-Horreya” and “Nas Betoros We Nas Betmoot”  

The veterans of the music industry did not disappoint this year, emerging from the studios with new albums, concerts and TV appearances. A look at the releases from our favorite heartthrobs.

  [caption id="attachment_86469" align="alignleft" width="158" class=" "] Nancy Ajram[/caption] Ma Tegee Hena (come over here) Nancy Ajram Nancy Ajram does not shy away from diversity in her songs, and this album draws on many dialects — including Egyptian, Lebanese or khaligi (Gulf). Ajram is also one of the judges in the hit show Arab Idol airing on MBC Masr every Friday and Saturday, and in September joined Tamer Hosny as a Murex d’Or recipient at the 2014 World Music Awards. 180 Daraga (180 Degrees) Tamer Hosny Tamer Hosny came fresh out of the studio with his 12th album then went straight on to pick up the prestigious Murex d’Or Award at the 2014 World Music Awards in September. [caption id="attachment_86470" align="alignright" width="218" class=" "] Elissa[/caption] Shoft El-Ayam (I saw the Days) Amr Diab No slacking off for Amr Diab — the pop icon released Shoft El-Ayam, his 30th album, in October, infused with electronic beats. Lifelong fans will be pleased with “Ana Mesh Anani,” (I’m Not Selfish), a retro tune reminiscent of the 1980s Diab. Ana Keteer (I’m too good) Sherine Abdul-Wahab Sherine Abdul-Wahab teamed up with some of the region’s greatest composers, including Hassan Al-Shafii and Belal Al-Zein, to release her best album yet. Backed by her strong voice and beautiful lyrics, the title song “Ana Keteer” racked up 12 million views on Youtube in less than 24 hours. Halet Hob (state of love) Elissa One of the most influential women in Arab music, Elissa released her ninth studio album after a two-year break. Halet Hob has her signature style, fusing elements of Western music with classical Arabic tunes.