MUSIC
Hello Dancers and Enthusiasts! If you are like me, you have fallen in love-with Middle Eastern music. That is the main reason I dance, because I want to be
the music: the drums, flute, oud, qanun, and other instruments used in
this genre of music. This style has had an illustrious history, from the
stories (are they true?) of the Arab-Isreali war being halted
mid-afternoon every day for Om Kalthoum’s radio broadcast, to the
soap-operetta of a dancer, Samia Gamal and her famous vocalist lover,
Farid Al Atresh, who refused to marry her because he was a prince and
could not marry a bellydancer! (See Hossam Ramzy’s article for more
heartbreaking info.)
Middle Eastern music has a range of styles and contributing countries and we have the luxury of dancing to any and all types, be they classical Egyptian, Turkish, Morrocan, Tribal or American etc etc… There are a few lists of "songs every bellydancer should know" floating around. I know it is difficult, especially for newer dancers to know what to look for as far as music goes because Middle Eastern music is not exactly played on the radio in one’s car here in Central Texas where I live, and usually not something most of us have grown up with. Although it is very subjective, each dancer having their favorites, I would like to present a list of traditional or vintage songs that have been consistently danced to or done by a variety of artists. Most of these will be classical Arabic songs, as that is what most house bands would know if you get the chance to dance with a live band.
This compilation is comprised of a few lists found on the internet, most notably, snakeskin.com and Dahlal’s website along with songs I have come across again and again on various cd’s in various incarnations. These albums are the ones I would recommend that, all together, include almost all of these songs. Of course, there are many, many albums out there, but these have the most concentration of these songs I could find. Some are available on ITunes, some through Dahlal International, others can be found at Waterloo Records in Austin or on the internet.
Middle Eastern music has a range of styles and contributing countries and we have the luxury of dancing to any and all types, be they classical Egyptian, Turkish, Morrocan, Tribal or American etc etc… There are a few lists of "songs every bellydancer should know" floating around. I know it is difficult, especially for newer dancers to know what to look for as far as music goes because Middle Eastern music is not exactly played on the radio in one’s car here in Central Texas where I live, and usually not something most of us have grown up with. Although it is very subjective, each dancer having their favorites, I would like to present a list of traditional or vintage songs that have been consistently danced to or done by a variety of artists. Most of these will be classical Arabic songs, as that is what most house bands would know if you get the chance to dance with a live band.
This compilation is comprised of a few lists found on the internet, most notably, snakeskin.com and Dahlal’s website along with songs I have come across again and again on various cd’s in various incarnations. These albums are the ones I would recommend that, all together, include almost all of these songs. Of course, there are many, many albums out there, but these have the most concentration of these songs I could find. Some are available on ITunes, some through Dahlal International, others can be found at Waterloo Records in Austin or on the internet.
Aziza Raks
Belly Dance Super Stars 1-4 A Tribute to Um Kalsoum by Cairo Orchestra Master of BD volume 1&2 Global Bellydance BD 2000 with Mesmera by Salatin el Tarab Orchestra On Fire! Hossam Ramzy Best of Albums | Bellydance New York
Bellydance The Music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab Jalilah’s Raks Sharki series 1-5 Bellydance: Music for an Oriental Dance Vol 1,3,4 Bellydancing for Fortune and Fame Baladi Blues by Guy Schalom Bellydance Classics by Cairo Orchestra |
So, here you are,
songs we should all be familiar with, a translation of the title, who
originally wrote or performed it and the emotional “gist” of the song
(if I could find a full translation):
Accordian Balady/Solo Accordian/ Al Saidi/ Ya Hassan ya kouli/Koulli/ Nawal
BDSS 2 BD Classics V&N Fantasy Baladi Blues
Ala Rimsha Ouyounha-In her Eyelashes (Emotional Element: Love Lost)
Ahlamy by Hossam Ramzy Best BD Album Ever! 2
Ala Balad Mahboub – In the country of my sweetheart Um Kalsoum
Global Bellydance BD Music of M. Wahab
Ala Nar- I am on Fire
Oriental Fantasy 1 BD 2000 with Mesmera
Alf Leyla wi Leyla –A thousand nights Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Joy)
Oriental Fantasy 5 Jalilh’s 3 10 Songs Aziza Raks A Tribute to UK
Amal Hayati/Coctail Om Kalthoum
Bellydances Aziza Amani Red
Ana Fi Intizark-In Waiting for You Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Loss)
Oriental Fantasy 6 Hossam Ramzy -Best of UK A Tribute to UK Aziza Raks
Anawenta- Farid El Atrache Ansak Ya Salem -I will never forget you Um Kalsoum
Jalilah’s 1 HR- Best of UK
Aya Zein/ Ah Ya Zein -Oh Beautiful One (Emotional Element: Adoration)
Saroyan Sings BD for Fortune and Fame V&N
Ayoub-
Amani Blue Bellydance Treasures
Aziza-A girls name Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW Global BD BDSS 1 and 4 10 Songs Masters of BD 1 Baladi Blues
Bahlem Beek- Dreaming of You Abdel Halim Hafez
Hossam Ramzy -Best of Abdel Halim Hafez
Batwannes Beek- You’re Always With Me (Emotional Element: Cherishing) Popularized by Warda
BDSS 1 and 4 Aziza Raks
Bent el Balad- Girl of the Country Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW Baladi Blues
Bint el Sultan –Daughter of the Sultan Ahmed Adawaya (Emotional Element:Notice Me)
Hossam Ramzy -El Sultan Cleopatra- Mohamed abdel Wahab
Daret al Ayam - Days Go by Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Missing)
On Fire! A Tribute to UK Masters of BD 2 V&N Essential
El Henna - The Flower See Henna ya Henna
El Hob Khoulu/ Al eh Bisalooni - All the Love Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Sweetness)
Amani Gold A Tribute to UK
Enta Omri/Inta Omri- You are my life Um Kalsoum
Oriental Fantasy 2 Jalilah’s 2 BDSS 4 A Tribute to UK 10 Songs Masters of BD 1
Fakarouni- They Reminded Me Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Longing)
A Tribute to UK
Gamil Gamal/ Nightime-Such Beauty Farid al Atrash
Hossam Ramzy –Best of HR Omar Faruk Tekbilek-Beyond the Sky
Gana el Hawa/ Zamant Kollo - Love has come our way Abdel H. Hafez (Emotional Element: yearning)
HR - Best of AHH On Fire! Oriental Fantasy 2
Ganil Shway Shway - Sing for me a little Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Enticing)
Oriental Fantasy 5 Global BD Jalilah’s 3. BD Classics
Hayarti Alby
Samir Srour and OK A Tribute to UK
Hadiyet el Eid Mohamed Abdel Wahab
Spectacular Rhythms
Harramt Ahebak-popularized by Warda
Best Arabic Album Ever Setrak and Samara
Hani
Shake it up Oriental Fantasy 11
Hebbina- Try to Love Me Farid el Atresh (Emotional Element: Longing)
BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 1 & 3 Gift from Cairo
Hebibi ya Eini - Darling of my eye (Emotional Element: Longing)
BDSS 3 10 Songs Best of the Sultans
Henna Ya Henna – The Flower Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW On Fire! BD Classics Masters of Bellydance 1
Hezzie ya Nawaem- Shake your Hips Farid Al Atresh
BD: Music for an Oriental Dance 4 BD Sensation V&N Essential
Hikaya-see Nebtiti minen el Hikaya classical
Hikayet el Hob-
Bellydance Treasures
Inta Omri-see Enta Omri classical
Ishtaktillak- I miss you Fairuz
V&N Fantasy
Kareat al Finjin /Qareat-Reader of Fortunes Abdel Halim Hafez
BD: Music of an Oriental Dance 4 BD 2000 with Mesmera
Khatwet Samar-The Movements of Samar Ziad Rahbani
Spectacular Rhythms
Kitab Hayarti
La gardienne des Cles –The Guardian of the Keys
Spectacular Rhythms
Leyla – Night Farid el Atresh
BD for Fortune and Fame Master of Bellydance 2 V&N Essential
Leylet Hob/Zamant Kolo -Love Night Mohamed Abdel Wahab (Emotional Element: NOW!)
10 Songs BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 1 Baladi Blues Shake it Up
Lama Bada Yata Sama -When she begins to sway
Global BD Jalilah’s 3 Bellydance NY
Lisah Faker - Do You Still Remember Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: regret /nostalgia)
Oriental Fantasy 1 Jalilah’s 1
Mashaal-The Torch Hani Mehanna
Jalilah’s 1 10 Songs BD Classics
Moustafa/Ya Mustafa- A name (Emotional Element: longing/ loss)
Bellydance NY
Nagwa- Hamouda Hali
Princess of Cairo Masters of Bellydance 1
Nawal-see Accordion Baladi
Nebtiti minen el Hikaya / Nebteda… hekaya -Where does the story begin? M Wahab
BDSS 1 Jalilah’s 5 Masters of Bellydance 2
Nour el Ain Light of my Eye Amr Diab (Emotional Element: adoration)
Best Arabic Album Ever
Oolooloo – Tell Him Abdul Halim Hafiz ? (Emotional Element: love)
Aziza Raks HR- best of AHH Aziza Raks
Oqbalal yom Milidak Abdul Halim Hafez
HR -Best of AHH
Rakset Mizmar-Dance of the Mizmar
Jalilah’s 1
Sallam Alay She Greeted Me (Emotional Element: love)
On Fire! Aziza Raks BD Classics HR-Ahlamy
Salamat Peace/Blessing/Feel Better (Emotional Element: Consoling)
Best Bellydance AlbumEver Dr. Gebali Music From Egypt Sharky Sharky
Salamentha Om Hassan-Blessing Mother of Hassan Faruk Salameh (Emotional Element:Consoling)
Aziza Raks Amani Baladi Blues
Samra ya samra –Dark Complected One Karim Mahmoud
HR Qanun el Tarab BD for Fortune and Fame
Sawwah - Wanderer Abdel Halim Hafez (Emotional Element: loneliness and longing)
On Fire! BD 2000 with Mesmera
Shatti Ya Dunya Rain World Rain Sung by Fairuz
V&N Essential
Shik Shac Shoc - Pierce, It pierces, it pierced (Baladi-Beautiful native dance) Hasssan Abou Seoud
10 Songs Masters of Bellydance 2
Siret el Hob - The Topic of Love Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Happiness)
Global BD Samir Srour and OK
Set el Hosen/Rakset Samara- The Story of Hosen
Princess of Cairo Setrak and Samara Masters of Bellydance 2
Tahtil Shibek -Under the Window (Emotional Element: Anguish and Longing/Remorse)
On Fire
Tammr Henna - Henna Flower (Emotional Element: loss) Mohamed Fouzi
Jalilah’s 3 Aziza Raks 10 Songs Masters of Bellydance 1
Touta/Tuta Farid El Atresh Jalilah’s 5
BD for Fortune and Fame
Wahashtini/ Wa hastiny- I miss you
On Fire!
We Daret el Ayam-see daret El Ayam
Ya nawal-
Global BD BD Sensation
Ya Hassan ya Kouli see Accordion Baladi
Ya Ein Mouletain/Shashkin – Princess’ Eyes
BD 2000 with Mesmera Kairo by Night Masters of Bellydance 2 OFT BDNY
Yamsa Harney
HR Best of UK
Ya Salat el Zein Zakaria Ahmed
BD Sensation BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 4
Zey el Hawa - Like the Wind or Love Abdel Halim Hafez (Emotional Element: your love is gone)
10 Songs Sahra Saeeda
Zennube/Zannob- Farid al Atresh ?
Best of the Sultans Jalilah’s 5
Zeina A girls name Mohamed Abdul Wahab
BD of MW BD Classics Aziza Raks BD SS 1 and 4 V&N Fantasy
TURKISH and GREEK
Ates Dansi/Fire Dance
Turkish BD Hussein Turkmenler OFT-Fire Dance
Bir demet Yasmeen - A bunch of Jasmine (Emotional Element:Loss)
BD for FF Bellydance NY
Mastika- A girls name
The Sultans BD for Fortune and Fame
Mavi mavi - Blue Eyes
Misirlou - Egyptian Woman
1001 Arabian Nights Brothers of the Baladi
Nihavent-
1001 Arabian Nights OFT-Gypsy Fire
Rompi Rompi -Essentially: Let’s Party even though Life is Difficult
BD for Fortune and Fame OFT-Gypsy Fire
Shashkin- see Ya Ein Mulayetin
Sisler
BD for Fortune and Fame OFT-Beyond the Sky & Gypsy Fire
Ta Mavra Matia Sou-Your Black Eyes same tune as Nebtiti Minen El Hikaya
Joy of BD
ISREALI
Erev Shel Shoshaneen/ Vartar An evening of roses (love)
Kairo By Night Saroyan Sings
BDSS 2 BD Classics V&N Fantasy Baladi Blues
Ala Rimsha Ouyounha-In her Eyelashes (Emotional Element: Love Lost)
Ahlamy by Hossam Ramzy Best BD Album Ever! 2
Ala Balad Mahboub – In the country of my sweetheart Um Kalsoum
Global Bellydance BD Music of M. Wahab
Ala Nar- I am on Fire
Oriental Fantasy 1 BD 2000 with Mesmera
Alf Leyla wi Leyla –A thousand nights Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Joy)
Oriental Fantasy 5 Jalilh’s 3 10 Songs Aziza Raks A Tribute to UK
Amal Hayati/Coctail Om Kalthoum
Bellydances Aziza Amani Red
Ana Fi Intizark-In Waiting for You Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Loss)
Oriental Fantasy 6 Hossam Ramzy -Best of UK A Tribute to UK Aziza Raks
Anawenta- Farid El Atrache Ansak Ya Salem -I will never forget you Um Kalsoum
Jalilah’s 1 HR- Best of UK
Aya Zein/ Ah Ya Zein -Oh Beautiful One (Emotional Element: Adoration)
Saroyan Sings BD for Fortune and Fame V&N
Ayoub-
Amani Blue Bellydance Treasures
Aziza-A girls name Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW Global BD BDSS 1 and 4 10 Songs Masters of BD 1 Baladi Blues
Bahlem Beek- Dreaming of You Abdel Halim Hafez
Hossam Ramzy -Best of Abdel Halim Hafez
Batwannes Beek- You’re Always With Me (Emotional Element: Cherishing) Popularized by Warda
BDSS 1 and 4 Aziza Raks
Bent el Balad- Girl of the Country Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW Baladi Blues
Bint el Sultan –Daughter of the Sultan Ahmed Adawaya (Emotional Element:Notice Me)
Hossam Ramzy -El Sultan Cleopatra- Mohamed abdel Wahab
Daret al Ayam - Days Go by Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Missing)
On Fire! A Tribute to UK Masters of BD 2 V&N Essential
El Henna - The Flower See Henna ya Henna
El Hob Khoulu/ Al eh Bisalooni - All the Love Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Sweetness)
Amani Gold A Tribute to UK
Enta Omri/Inta Omri- You are my life Um Kalsoum
Oriental Fantasy 2 Jalilah’s 2 BDSS 4 A Tribute to UK 10 Songs Masters of BD 1
Fakarouni- They Reminded Me Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Longing)
A Tribute to UK
Gamil Gamal/ Nightime-Such Beauty Farid al Atrash
Hossam Ramzy –Best of HR Omar Faruk Tekbilek-Beyond the Sky
Gana el Hawa/ Zamant Kollo - Love has come our way Abdel H. Hafez (Emotional Element: yearning)
HR - Best of AHH On Fire! Oriental Fantasy 2
Ganil Shway Shway - Sing for me a little Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Enticing)
Oriental Fantasy 5 Global BD Jalilah’s 3. BD Classics
Hayarti Alby
Samir Srour and OK A Tribute to UK
Hadiyet el Eid Mohamed Abdel Wahab
Spectacular Rhythms
Harramt Ahebak-popularized by Warda
Best Arabic Album Ever Setrak and Samara
Hani
Shake it up Oriental Fantasy 11
Hebbina- Try to Love Me Farid el Atresh (Emotional Element: Longing)
BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 1 & 3 Gift from Cairo
Hebibi ya Eini - Darling of my eye (Emotional Element: Longing)
BDSS 3 10 Songs Best of the Sultans
Henna Ya Henna – The Flower Mohamed Abdel Wahab
BD Music of MW On Fire! BD Classics Masters of Bellydance 1
Hezzie ya Nawaem- Shake your Hips Farid Al Atresh
BD: Music for an Oriental Dance 4 BD Sensation V&N Essential
Hikaya-see Nebtiti minen el Hikaya classical
Hikayet el Hob-
Bellydance Treasures
Inta Omri-see Enta Omri classical
Ishtaktillak- I miss you Fairuz
V&N Fantasy
Kareat al Finjin /Qareat-Reader of Fortunes Abdel Halim Hafez
BD: Music of an Oriental Dance 4 BD 2000 with Mesmera
Khatwet Samar-The Movements of Samar Ziad Rahbani
Spectacular Rhythms
Kitab Hayarti
La gardienne des Cles –The Guardian of the Keys
Spectacular Rhythms
Leyla – Night Farid el Atresh
BD for Fortune and Fame Master of Bellydance 2 V&N Essential
Leylet Hob/Zamant Kolo -Love Night Mohamed Abdel Wahab (Emotional Element: NOW!)
10 Songs BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 1 Baladi Blues Shake it Up
Lama Bada Yata Sama -When she begins to sway
Global BD Jalilah’s 3 Bellydance NY
Lisah Faker - Do You Still Remember Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: regret /nostalgia)
Oriental Fantasy 1 Jalilah’s 1
Mashaal-The Torch Hani Mehanna
Jalilah’s 1 10 Songs BD Classics
Moustafa/Ya Mustafa- A name (Emotional Element: longing/ loss)
Bellydance NY
Nagwa- Hamouda Hali
Princess of Cairo Masters of Bellydance 1
Nawal-see Accordion Baladi
Nebtiti minen el Hikaya / Nebteda… hekaya -Where does the story begin? M Wahab
BDSS 1 Jalilah’s 5 Masters of Bellydance 2
Nour el Ain Light of my Eye Amr Diab (Emotional Element: adoration)
Best Arabic Album Ever
Oolooloo – Tell Him Abdul Halim Hafiz ? (Emotional Element: love)
Aziza Raks HR- best of AHH Aziza Raks
Oqbalal yom Milidak Abdul Halim Hafez
HR -Best of AHH
Rakset Mizmar-Dance of the Mizmar
Jalilah’s 1
Sallam Alay She Greeted Me (Emotional Element: love)
On Fire! Aziza Raks BD Classics HR-Ahlamy
Salamat Peace/Blessing/Feel Better (Emotional Element: Consoling)
Best Bellydance AlbumEver Dr. Gebali Music From Egypt Sharky Sharky
Salamentha Om Hassan-Blessing Mother of Hassan Faruk Salameh (Emotional Element:Consoling)
Aziza Raks Amani Baladi Blues
Samra ya samra –Dark Complected One Karim Mahmoud
HR Qanun el Tarab BD for Fortune and Fame
Sawwah - Wanderer Abdel Halim Hafez (Emotional Element: loneliness and longing)
On Fire! BD 2000 with Mesmera
Shatti Ya Dunya Rain World Rain Sung by Fairuz
V&N Essential
Shik Shac Shoc - Pierce, It pierces, it pierced (Baladi-Beautiful native dance) Hasssan Abou Seoud
10 Songs Masters of Bellydance 2
Siret el Hob - The Topic of Love Um Kalsoum (Emotional Element: Happiness)
Global BD Samir Srour and OK
Set el Hosen/Rakset Samara- The Story of Hosen
Princess of Cairo Setrak and Samara Masters of Bellydance 2
Tahtil Shibek -Under the Window (Emotional Element: Anguish and Longing/Remorse)
On Fire
Tammr Henna - Henna Flower (Emotional Element: loss) Mohamed Fouzi
Jalilah’s 3 Aziza Raks 10 Songs Masters of Bellydance 1
Touta/Tuta Farid El Atresh Jalilah’s 5
BD for Fortune and Fame
Wahashtini/ Wa hastiny- I miss you
On Fire!
We Daret el Ayam-see daret El Ayam
Ya nawal-
Global BD BD Sensation
Ya Hassan ya Kouli see Accordion Baladi
Ya Ein Mouletain/Shashkin – Princess’ Eyes
BD 2000 with Mesmera Kairo by Night Masters of Bellydance 2 OFT BDNY
Yamsa Harney
HR Best of UK
Ya Salat el Zein Zakaria Ahmed
BD Sensation BD:Music for an Oriental Dance 4
Zey el Hawa - Like the Wind or Love Abdel Halim Hafez (Emotional Element: your love is gone)
10 Songs Sahra Saeeda
Zennube/Zannob- Farid al Atresh ?
Best of the Sultans Jalilah’s 5
Zeina A girls name Mohamed Abdul Wahab
BD of MW BD Classics Aziza Raks BD SS 1 and 4 V&N Fantasy
TURKISH and GREEK
Ates Dansi/Fire Dance
Turkish BD Hussein Turkmenler OFT-Fire Dance
Bir demet Yasmeen - A bunch of Jasmine (Emotional Element:Loss)
BD for FF Bellydance NY
Mastika- A girls name
The Sultans BD for Fortune and Fame
Mavi mavi - Blue Eyes
Misirlou - Egyptian Woman
1001 Arabian Nights Brothers of the Baladi
Nihavent-
1001 Arabian Nights OFT-Gypsy Fire
Rompi Rompi -Essentially: Let’s Party even though Life is Difficult
BD for Fortune and Fame OFT-Gypsy Fire
Shashkin- see Ya Ein Mulayetin
Sisler
BD for Fortune and Fame OFT-Beyond the Sky & Gypsy Fire
Ta Mavra Matia Sou-Your Black Eyes same tune as Nebtiti Minen El Hikaya
Joy of BD
ISREALI
Erev Shel Shoshaneen/ Vartar An evening of roses (love)
Kairo By Night Saroyan Sings
