After much anticipation and careful preparation, the series 'Jalsat Billboard Arabia' has finally launched, starring Ahmed Saad. In the 30-minute premiere episode, Saad treated viewers to four of his chart-topping hits on Billboard Arabia's Hot 100 that have resonated across the Arab world in recent years.
“Jalsat”, which translates to “sessions”, is a term used in the Arab music community and refers to the gathering of musicians and singers to perform in a unique and intimate setting. In this exclusive series, Billboard Arabia showcases personal performances that combine the raw authenticity of studio sessions with a live setting, turning the music into an audiovisual masterpiece. In each episode, an established superstar or up-and-coming artist will deliver a stripped-down set, capturing the essence of their music through a production concept of their choosing.
Known for his consistent presence among the top spots on Billboard Arabia's Artist 100 weekly chart, Ahmed Saad is one of the leading Arab pop stars across the Middle East. This accolade is a testament to his sustained artistic journey spanning two decades, culminating in the past two years with the widespread recognition of his hits across various musical platforms.
The session unfolds with Ahmed Saad delivering an excellent performance of “Ekhtayaraty” (My Choices), the summer hit of 2023 that captivated audiences everywhere. He first appeared in the Egyptian film Mr. Ex, the song rose to fame and transcended its cinematic roots to become a mainstream sensation, thanks to its witty lyrics by Menna Adli El Kiey and composition by Ahmed Tarek Yehia. Saad's performance is uniquely infused with a Latin arrangement, courtesy of Spanish guitars, offering a fresh take on the original song.
Ahmed Saad goes to “Aleki Egioun” (You Have These Eyes), a ballad that marked his return to releasing music more frequently in early 2022. With lyrics by Mohamed Shafei, Saad personally composed the romantic melody to complement the heartfelt lyrics. However, during the session, Saad injects new energy and rhythm into the track, taking it in a completely different direction.
Continuing to capture, Saad executes “El Youm El Helw Dah” (What a Beautiful Day), which originally appeared in the film Their uncle but it earns recognition in its own right. Also written by Menna Adli El Kiey and composed by Ahmed Tarek Yehia, the song's strong lyrics and unconventional expressions have endeared it to audiences across the region. In this arrangement, the song is revitalized with lively guitar chords and dynamic instrumentation, infusing its happy melodies with fresh energy.
Closing the show with flair, Saad presents “Wasa' Wasa'” (Move Out of the Way), a track that has been a notable success on streaming platforms since its release in the summer of 2022. Lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta and produced by Ehab Clopex, the song showcased a different side of Saad in terms of subject matter and lyrical approach, leaning towards the style embraced by hip-hop and festival artists.
All of these selections, along with others from Saad's repertoire, have held top spots on the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 chart since its release more than 10 weeks ago. By choosing these particular songs for the session, Saad highlights their importance in shaping the course of his career and cementing his status as a star.
With enticing arrangements and a fresh style, “Jalsat Billboard Arabia” offers audiences a chance to rediscover these beloved songs. Backed by a talented ensemble including Sharif Hassanein on guitar, Badawy Badawy on bass, Mohamed Saad on piano and Ahmed El Sayed on percussion, Saad confirms during this session his versatility and confidence in various musical genres. Through a fusion of Eastern melodies and Western nuances, they transform familiar songs into a fresh audiovisual experience that lingers in the memory.
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