FEBRUARY 2005

The Bridal Issue
let there be music
ideos and pictures capture the wedding ceremony, but it is
the music that sets the scene during the reception.
Traditional dances are kept alive and many of the most popular
songs, both old and new, are preformed by local bands.
From new songs like “Eed wa Hoob” and “Mabrook oo Elif
Mabrook” — sung during the Zeffa — to older songs like “Hel
Laila Zefaina il Hilou” and “Ahya Wa Moot Al Basra” — sung
as a way to reminisce — wedding halls resonate with the familiar
sounds and styles of Chaldean and Arabic music.
All the bands may perform the same songs, but each puts on
a different show. It has become a popular wedding custom in
recent years to hire the band that interacts the most with the
crowd. It is not enough to be up-to-date on the latest songs or
have the singer with the best voice. It is the singer who gets off
stage, dances and sings among the crowd and calls the families’
Choosing a wedding band
BY OMAR BINNO
names throughout the night who is the most sought after.
Ameed Asmaro, the singer for Al-Shams, one of the hottest
bands in the market, said that interaction with the crowd is definitely
the main attraction of any party.
“This is a wedding, not a concert,” Asmaro said. “So you
don’t have to worry so much about being the ‘best’ singer as
much as you’re concerned with giving your audience a good
time. People want you to mingle with them, have fun with them
and make them feel like their wedding is special. When I go out
there, I’m there to entertain, and to make sure that the people
I’m entertaining are happy and are enjoying themselves.”
Picking the band also has to do with which one is the most
popular at the time. A common characteristic within the
Chaldean community is the competitive streak that seems to
run in the blood of its people. Newlyweds want a wedding that
VALENTINE’S DAY
IS FEBRUARY 14 TH
GIVE HER A GIFT
SHE’LL NEVER FORGET.
“Come
Experience
Full Service
Like No
Other”
Designs in 18kt. yellow gold and sterling silver.
This link bracelet features a charming heart with toggle clasp.
At Tapper’s $260
265 S. Old Woodward
Birmingham
(248)642-2555
Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:30 - 6:00
Earn triple Platinum Rewards points
on all David Yurman purchases in February.
26 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2005