Lebanese American singer Maysaa Karaa has just released an uplifting Arabic version of the song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, complete with lush orchestration and a gorgeous video clip which includes the lyrics in both English and Arabic.
You can watch the video clip below or at this link.
The track, titled "El Adar Byekhtar/ القدر بيختار" [literal translation is "Destiny Chooses"], offers a distinctly Arabic feel without losing the sense of optimism and glee that characterizes the original English version. Such musical perfection is largely due to famed Jordanian musician/violinist Yarub Smarait who mixed, arranged and produced the track in a way that highlights Mayssa's vocal acrobatics and style. The Arabic lyrics by Ahmad Abdul Nabi, Mayssa Karaa, and Najwa Karaa are quite original and, thankfully, do not attempt to simply translate the original lyrics but rather readapt them to new audiences. Adding to the splendor of it all are Haleem Al Khatib on the Qanun, Laith Sulaiman on the Nay, Joseph Demerjian on guitar, Ali Fanni on drums, Awwad Awwad (percussion) and Youssef Musharbash (keys).
This is not the first time that Mayssa has captured world attention for releasing an Arabic rendition of a famous English song. Her version of "White Rabbit" in 2014 truly propelled her into the international spotlight and was featured in the trailer (and soundtrack) for the 2014 film American Hustle, directed by David O. Russell. Her haunting interpretation of the song captivated audiences and generated widespread acclaim for capturing the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the film (read more here).
Mayssa Karaa singing the Arabic version of White Rabbit in 2014
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Mayssa Karaa grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and Western musical influences. She developed a deep appreciation for diverse genres and embarked on a journey to explore her own musical identity. Her versatile voice allowed her to experiment with different styles, blending elements of Middle Eastern music, rock, pop, and jazz.
In 2012, Mayssa released her debut single, a cover of the legendary song "Ya Habibi Ta'ala" (My Love, Come to Me) by Asmahan. The track showcased her ability to infuse traditional Arabic melodies with modern arrangements.
In 2012, Mayssa released her debut single, a cover of the legendary song "Ya Habibi Ta'ala" (My Love, Come to Me) by Asmahan. The track showcased her ability to infuse traditional Arabic melodies with modern arrangements.
'Ya habibi Taala' by Mayssa Karaa / يا حبيبي تعال - ميسا قرعه
Since then, Mayssa Karaa has continued to pursue her musical career, releasing original music and collaborating with various artists. Her discography includes singles like "Over Again," "The Chaos," and "Broken Lines." She has also performed live on numerous stages, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and emotional performances.
More info at https://www.mayssakaraa.com
