5 English hit singles that were ripped off from Arabic songs!
Albawaba
Remember the time US rapper and music mogul Jay Z and his “partner-in-crime” record producer Timbaland were accused of stealing Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi’s melody, for Egyptian iconic singer Abdel Halim Hafez’s song “Khosara” (What a Shame), in 2015?
Well, that wasn’t the first time Western musicians helped themselves to compositions from renowned Arabic songs.
Here’s a look at 5 famous Arabic-tunes-turned-English!
Abdel Halim Hafez – Khosara vs Jay Z – Big Pimpin’
In 1957, Abdel Halim melted women’s hearts with yet another one of his soulful songs. Many years later, Jay Z And Timbaland decided to take that tune and use it in their 1999 single “Big Pimpin’.”
Fairouz – Habaitak Blsaif vs Jean Francois Michael – Coupable
Composed by Lebanese brothers Assi and Mansour Rahbani, legendary Lebanese singer Fairouz performed the original version of these songs in 1971. Jean Francois used the tune in his famous hit in the year 2000.
Warda – Batwanis Beek vs Aaliyah – Don’t Know What to Tell Ya
Who doesn’t remember the unforgettable Algerian singer Warda and her greatest hit “Batwanis Beek”? It was beautifully composed by Egyptian composer Salah al Sharnoubi in 1992. But in 2001, Timbaland decided to base American singer Aaliyah’s song “Don’t Know What To Tell Ya” on it.
Fairouz – Today He Was Hung Up On A Cross vs Madonna – Erotica
Fairouz sued American diva Madonna for using part of the music in the Lebanese singer’s emotional hymn in her 1992 single “Erotica.”
Amr Diab – Tamally Maak vs Outlandish – Callin U
In 2000, Egyptian superstar Amr Diab rocked the Arabic music charts with his single “Tamally Maak.” Millions of people fell in love with the song, including Danish band Outlandish, who used its tune in their 2005 single “Callin U.”