Sari Abboud (Arabic: ساري عبّود)[1], better known by his stage name Massari (pronounced “Ma-ssa-ree”)[2] is a Canadian R&B, pop, and hip hop singer of Lebanese origin. In colloquial Arabic, Massari (مصاري) means "money".[3] Massari was born in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, on December 10, 1980. When Massari was 10 years old, he and his family relocated to Montreal, Quebec. His cultural and social upbringing shaped his unique musical style.[4] His music combines Middle Eastern melodies with western culture, in which audiences of all ages and races, find to be so refreshing.
Life and Career
editMassari, the 26 year old Sagittarius, started off as a dreamer with a talented soul. He is the eldest brother of three; born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon-until he moved to Montreal with his family at the age of 10. At the age of 13, he and his younger brothers, Sami and Samer, moved to Ottawa, Ontario-where he attended Hillcrest High School. [1]
He started his musical career in 2001-2002.[2] He released his first song “Spitfire” (2002) which was aired on Ottawa radio stations.[3] Since then, Massari has been steadily writing and developing his sound.[5] After three years of preparation, he released a self-titled album Massari on Capital Prophets (CP) Records. His debut album resulted in four singles, receiving Gold certification in Canada, and he continued to have international success in Europe, Asia, the Middle East. [6]
Based on his initial success, Massari signed a record deal with independent record label, CP Records Inc., becoming the prominent successful performing artist for the record company alongside Belly (rapper).[2] On November 14, 2007, Massari and his record label, CP Records, came to a mutual agreement to end their relationship due to contractual and financial disputes.[7]
During 2009, he released two tracks from the forthcoming album, namely "Bad Girl" and "Body Body". The album itself Forever Massari was officially released on Universal Records Canada on 10 November 2009. It included songs by writers and producers like Rupert Gayle, Alex Greggs, Derek Brin, Rob Wells and Justin Forsley. In summer of 2011, Massari signed again with CP Records.
On June 20, 2012, Massari released a free single called "Full Circle" featuring Belly as introduction for his new project. Massari's first single for the third album called Brand New Day was released on July 1, 2012.[2] Massari shot the single "Brand New Day" in Miami with Canadian director RT!. Massari is currently working on his third album which is scheduled to be released in 2012.[2]
Artistry
editInfluences
editMassari, the trilingual artist—fluent in English, Arabic, and French—states that Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson have influenced him in his music career.[8] Since he has been exposed to a wide variety of music styles, his biggest influence would have to be legendary Arabic singer, George Wassouf[9] Massari says, "I sing from my heart and George Wassouf taught me to do that." [10] Massari learned that music does not discriminate, but instead unites one us.[3]
Many of Massari's songs draw influence from his middle-eastern origins. His background (Lebanese) influences his music as most of his songs contain middle-eastern Arabic melodies.[3] Massari says, "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."[2] His biggest influence is women in general. He states, "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."[2]
Music Style
editMassari's known for his upbeat, culturally rich sounding music.[2] Massari has a unique music style that sets him apart from many other R&B, pop, and hip hop artists. His songs are melodic, driven by a good beat, and have a strong hip-hop influence. A large portion of Massari's work incorporates elements of both singing and rapping, depending on whether or not another artist is featured on the track. Overall, Massari is of the R&B, hip hop, and pop genre.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "Massari biography". imdb.com. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Waly, Amr (26). "Massari's Life Story". Retrieved 16 August 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ a b c d "Massari Biography". LetsSingIt. 5.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Massari and CP Records Part Ways
- ^ "Massari | Biography". Massari Lyrics. LyricsFreak. 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
- ^ "Massari and CP Records Part Ways" (Newspaper article). News Blaze. 19. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "Massari". Tube Lyrics. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
- ^ "Massari Biography". Maple Music. MapleSolutions. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Massari". Massari | American Music Channel. American Music Channel. 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Massari". Jackhouse. URBNET. 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.