Abadi al-Johar, Oumaima Taleb Create Great Eid Ambiance in Riyadh

The date of the concert coincided with the birthday of crooner Abadi al-Johar (Rotana).
The date of the concert coincided with the birthday of crooner Abadi al-Johar (Rotana).
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Abadi al-Johar, Oumaima Taleb Create Great Eid Ambiance in Riyadh

The date of the concert coincided with the birthday of crooner Abadi al-Johar (Rotana).
The date of the concert coincided with the birthday of crooner Abadi al-Johar (Rotana).

Tunisian singer Oumaima Taleb, and oud player and crooner Abadi al-Johar brought people celebrating Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia more joy in an exceptional concert in Riyadh.

With his usual appearance accompanied by his oud, Abadi al-Johar celebrated both Eid al-Fitr and his 70th birthday with his fans. The Saudi crooner spent most of these years performing and became one of the most esteemed Arabic singers.

Johar started the evening with his Eid-inspired, timeless song “Ya Allah Bou’dah”, followed by “Weshfik”, and “Taakhart”. Then, he expressed his nostalgia with “Fini Hanin”, in which he recalls a lover who left.

The Saudi crooner spent the night singing and playing his best works, and by the end of the concert, the music band surprised him with a special piece that celebrates his 70th birthday. Johar didn’t try to hide his joy for celebrating this occasion for the first time with his “big family”.

After Johar, Oumaima Taleb appeared on stage with an astounding look inspired by the Eid she came to celebrate. She sat before the audience and sang “Khatam al-Ahbab”, “Beterjaa”, and “Ma Daret”, and shared many other songs with her audience until the end of the night.

By the end of the concert, the Tunisian singer said she was happy to share a concert with a legend like Abadi al-Johar, noting that the Saudi audience is dear to her heart and she’s proud to sing for them.

The concert was part of the Eid calendar launched by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority including many concerts in several Saudi cities and regions, in addition to diverse activities that run for a whole week.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
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Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.