Ghazi Abdel Baki: Music Man

by ASPIRE

Ghazi Abdel Baki: Music Man

Musician, composer, producer and businessman Ghazi Abdel Baki is the driving force behind one of Lebanon's most successful record labels. By following his passion for music, he has played a vital role in helping to establish Beirut's vibrant music scene.

"Without music life is not worth living", says Ghazi Abdel Baki. "It's an integral part of our lives and such a subtle art form. Everyone derives something from it. For some, it helps them to dream or escape their realities. For others, it lets them focus. It's a fantastic parallel universe and that's why we need to do it right."

Charbel Rouhana sings to support the students of Al-Quds University

by Emarat Alyoum Newspaper

Charbel Rouhana sings to support the students of Al-Quds University

The renowned Lebanese artist, Charbel Rouhana, performed at the ninth charity event to support the Quds University students in the Palestinian occupied territories. This concert was organized by the Friends of Al-Quds University committee at the Sofitel Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Complete Works of Yussuf Al Manyalawi: "The Forgotten Era"

by Timeout Beirut

The Complete Works of Yussuf Al Manyalawi: "The Forgotten Era"

Kamal Kassar has what might just be the most enviable collection of Arab tarab music in the world. Luckily, he’s willing to share

When Lebanese businessman Kamal Kassar realised he was the owner of a record collection that documented a huge part of Arab music history, it was something he couldn’t keep to himself. Kassar, who’s always been a music lover, has a particular attraction to tarab. In fact, he can – and does with passion – give a detailed account of the ‘golden age’ of Egyptian music, reeling off the names of unknown greats with such familiarity that it’s as if he’s talking about his own family.

DJ LETHAL SKILLZ

by RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY

DJ LETHAL SKILLZ

Smoking narguileh in a Hamra Café, DJ Lethal Skillz is instantly recognisable. The DJ, producer and renowned turntablist is a well-known ambassador of arabic hip hop, the founder of “hip hop family” 96! Underground, and rarely goes a week without a gig, born in ‘76, he fell in love with hip hop while practicing the moves from classic sos film “Breakin” in his father’s video store after watching Erbie Hancock’s “Rocket” on tv he started DJ-ing at school discos (using cassette tapes, he’s that old school) and has never looked back.

GHAZI ABDEL BAKI-FORWARD MUSIC

by RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY

GHAZI ABDEL BAKI-FORWARD MUSIC

Forward Music's studio is on the move. In the process of transferring to a new location in music venue DRM in Hamra, producer Ghazi Abdel Baki hopes to enhance that love for the live sounds that makes Forward's releases so distinct and plans to release 10 to 15 albums in 2012.

WHEN DID FORWARD'S STUDIO OPEN?
The Studio is the cornerstone of DRM and Forward Music at the same time. It started in 2001 when we built the studio. It developed into a music label, then into artist representation, and eventually into the live venue of DRM. That's the evolution.