Massari
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Massari (Arabic: مصاري, born Sari Abboud, ساري عبّود on December 10, 1980 in Beirut, Lebanon) is a pop and hip-hop singer who grew up in Canada.
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[edit] Biography
Massari (Arabic for 'money') was born in Beirut, Lebanon, moved to Montreal at the age of 10 and at 13 he moved to Ottawa where he currently resides. The trilingual artist - fluently he speaks English, French and Arabic - cites Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and the Arabic singer George Wassouf who taught him to sing from his heart, says Massari about how this legendary singer has affected his music.
In 2002, Massari recorded and released "Spitfire" which garnered heavy rotation on Ottawa radio stations. Since then, Massari has been steadily writing and developing his sound. He returned in 2005 with his self-titled debut album release on May 31, 2005 through MapleNationWide/Universal, which sold out nationwide in only two days.
The lead single off the release "Smile For Me" featured former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist Loon. Award-winning music video director RT! was responsible for making the "Smile For Me" video one of the most notable debut urban videos by a Canadian artist. The video was immediately added to heavy rotation at MuchMusic, MuchVibe, and MTV Canada. The video received two MuchMusic Video Award nominations for Best Independent Video and MuchVibe Best Rap Video. Canada and the United States were the first to play "Smile For Me", however other countries such as Germany, Australia, Brazil and the UK have begun playing the hit song.
With the release of Massari's much-anticipated second single "Be Easy", the pressure was on to keep the momentum going in the weeks leading up to the debut album release. "Be Easy" received early support from radio stations across Canada and was in the Top 10 (peaking at #4) on the Top 40 Chart (BDS CHR). The video, once again directed by music video director RT!, was instantly added to the hit list.
For this record, Massari worked closely with Da Heala of the Capital Prophet Records production team. "His vibe is a perfect match for my sound and style", explains Massari. The album draws influences from his Middle Eastern origins. "Because of my background, my music is heavily influenced with Middle Eastern melodies. Over the past few years so many artists are trying to bring Arabic styles into their music, but mine is authentic." Along with its culturally rich sound the album with its upbeat club-style tracks, you wish you were Lebanese, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads pays special tribute to the ladies. "My music is made for the ladies because that's where I get my inspiration. You'll notice a lot of the music is upbeat and positive. Women give off so much energy; it's hard not to be inspired by them."
Massari won the award for Best Pop Video, during the 2006 MMVAs, for his song Be Easy, he also had 5 nominations! 4 for Be Easy and 1 for Real Love
[edit] Trivia
- He is the oldest of 3 boys in the family.
- He attended Alta Vista Public School and Ridgemont and Hillcrest high schools in Ottawa. and Mayfield in Malton
- His music career all started with a talent show in his school when he was 13, he had no idea that it would soon lead to a successful career.
- His name means money in arabic
[edit] Discography
Albums
Singles
- Be Easy
- Real Love
- Rush the Floor (Featuring Belly)
- Massari loves Halima from Leicester
