Haifa & Fairuz

Yep, you read that right. I can't believe both Fairuz and Haifa belong in the same sentence but that's just me. I'm a music snob when it comes to classical Arabic music.

But check this out.
Don't know how old this Haifa Wehbe song is but I personally just stumbled on it.

Ya hawa Beirut is one of my absolute favorite Fairuz songs and whenever I'm feeling like I should be in a bar in Gemayze somewhere, I just listen to it. Well, guess what I found today?

Haifa sings Fairuz.

Fairuz first:



Haifa's version:



I prefer Fairuz, but that's just me.

Another favorite mixing of old and new is this graffitti frequently found on Beirut walls.
I just find it hillarious.



That would be Um Kulthum, famous Egyptian singer, shouting Bouss el Wawa, one of Haifa's most popular songs.

Picture lifted from http://notesfrombeirut.wordpress.com/

BG

lEbAnEsE GrAfFiTi "the walls of beirut are still virgins"

Everything you EVER wanted to know about Graffiti in Lebanon!

I often see the Graffiti in Beirut and am so glad to see it--that is, when its on old, broken down buildings ridden with bullet holes on industrial walls--in those cases, I see it as art, and am happy for it. When its on a newer building however, or a historic site, I see it as a crime.

I remember seeing the "haifa for president" graffiti in beirut and laughing out loud--it made my day.



So whatever your thoughts on Lebanese graffiti--art or crime--its picked up immensely over the years. Enjoy the blogs, photos, articles and videos below!





***Articles***

Crime or art? The graffiti artists beautifying Beirut / NowLebanon

Bombing Beirut, with spray-paint Art Lounge’s homage to walls that speak / NowLebanon




***Videos***

MBC News Report on Lebanese Graffiti




Nice Film on the Beginning of Graffiti in Beirut





Graffiti Trailer (3rd of a Series)






Part 1 of a Series by Al Jazeera on Graffiti in Lebanon titled "Leaving a Mark on Lebanon"





***Blogs***

29Letters

LebGraffiti (Though sadly last post was in 2007)

PhotoBeirut (Professional photographer who has many photos of Beirut on his homepage, and happens to have this collection of graffiti)

Rock and A Hot Place **AMAZIINNNGGG** high quality photos of graffiti in Beirut










So what's your verdict? Art or crime?

~LZ

PS: Please bring SPACE INVADERS to Beirut!!!!

Photos from RockAndAHotPlace.com