Thread: Amina?

A while ago I inherited a CD from a dance friend - a compilation from an Astryd workshop. I have been besotted with the singer of one of the songs, called "Aamel Yaakisni", from the beginning, but Astryd didn't label it and I couldn't discover who it was. Anway, the other day I looked up this song "El Hantour" that I hear mentioned all the time, and I think I've found my mystery singer! However, I can't find this Amina's albums or mp3 downloads anywhere, save one Saad/Amina compilation called Superstars of Shaabi. Does anyone know where I can find her own albums? Is she one of those artists whose work is only readily available in the Middle East?

Hoping that someone can answer your question but in the mean time, you can find some of her songs on the BDSS cd's, or from Saad El Sagheer cd: Saad El Sagheer | Keset Elhai Elsha3by | TuneTribe.com

Amina (Ameena) did put out an album not too long ago, and it looks like the song you want is on it. It's the second one from the bottom here Amina on 6rb. I don't see Maqam or Rashid stocking this CD on their web sites, but that doesn't mean they don't have it in store or couldn't order it. It's the one with the blue background where she's wearing the plum-colored suit--the title is "A'ala Meen" ("Ala meen," "Aala min," etc.).

As far as her availability in general, the sha'abi music that gets promoted to dancers is often in very short supply on Arabic music sites like 6rb, the one I linked. I don't know if it has to do with MC and the distribution rights, or if those singers just don't invest a lot of effort in making CDs because they get most of their money from live performances. Sometimes they get involved in soundtrack projects (e.g., the original "Al Hantour"), but finding soundtracks in the US is another rant. You don't see a lot of discussion about sha'abi singers in Arabic lyrics forums, either. How dancers think the sha'abi music scene is and how it looks from watching what gets promoted and talked about online appear to be two fairly different things.

How about just asking Astryd? She's very personable and responsive:
astryd@danceastryd.com

Thanks for the help!
I suppose I could just buy the Superstars CD for a start but I'm not keen on supporting 5280 and his enterprises.

I don't know if it would be the same singer...but Amina has an album and a few singles on emusic.com

I found 3 CDs with some Amina, including Nomad -- all on Amazon.

Yeah, that's a different Amina...but thank you!