With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan each year, the Gulf and Arab artistic scene is revived, as Ramadan songs are no longer merely a fleeting seasonal tradition, but have become emotional icons that reshape the listener's connection to the spirituality of this blessed month. In recent years, the artistic landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the emergence of modern melodies that have rightfully earned their place alongside timeless classics, most notably the melody of "Star Academy" star Bashar Al-Shatti in his modern anthem, "Marhab Marhab Ya Hilal" (Welcome, Welcome, O Crescent).

Bashar Al-Shatti and Hamoud Al-Khader: The Making of Modern Memory

The song "Marhab Marhab Ya Hilal," with lyrics by Hiba Mishari and performed by Hamoud Al-Khader, has become a modern-day Ramadan anthem. Composed by Bashar Al-Shatti, this melody is more than just a fleeting promotional piece; it has established itself as a lasting icon, renewed annually. Leveraging technological advancements and social media platforms, it has spread regionally and internationally, becoming an integral part of Ramadan traditions for new generations. This reflects the power of modern music to touch the heart when it possesses genuine artistic merit.

Siraj Omar: A pioneer of Saudi Ramadan songs

This recent success opens a wide window for comparison with the golden age of Saudi music, when Ramadan songs had their great pioneers. The name of the late composer Siraj Omar stands out here, whose role cannot be reduced to that of a composer who presented seasonal works. Rather, it was a complete artistic project that transformed the holy month into a space for melodic contemplation. Siraj Omar's name became synonymous with Ramadan through a series of timeless works that shaped the Saudi consciousness, such as "The Month of Fasting," "O Nights of Ramadan," and "The Month of Piety." The late composer formed a unique artistic partnership with the poet and writer Ahmed Ba'atab, composing and singing these poems himself, culminating this journey with the masterpiece "Hani'an Hani'an.".

Tariq Abdul-Hakim and the historical dimension of anthems

In a related context, the role of the late dean of Saudi art, Tariq Abdul-Hakim, cannot be overlooked. He presented a distinct musical approach based on authentic Eastern maqams and collective choral performance. This was clearly evident in the anthem "Nur al-Huda bi-Ramadan" (The Light of Guidance in Ramadan), with lyrics by Saeed al-Hindi, where Abdul-Hakim combined composition and singing, offering a spiritual style that reflects the cultural identity of the Kingdom during that era. Other names such as Mahmoud Khan with the anthem "Anist wa Halait Ya Ramadan" (You Have Arrived and Been Welcome, O Ramadan), Abdul-Qader Halwani, and Samir al-Wadi also contributed to enriching the Ramadan audio library.

Transformations in production: from pure art to commercial promotion

Comparing the two generations reveals a fundamental shift in the motivations behind artistic production. While pioneers like Siraj Omar and Tariq Abdul-Hakim embarked on an artistic and cultural project aimed at documenting spiritual feelings, the current scene tends to hand the reins to commercial entities and satellite channels that use songs as a promotional tool for their brands. This is evident in highly successful but promotional works, such as Majid Al-Muhandis's song "Ramadan, You've Returned," which has become central to the Ramadan scene and is among the most popular. This raises questions about the future of Ramadan songs, specifically the balance between preserving authenticity and meeting the demands of the advertising market.

In a move that has ignited excitement among Arab audiences as the Ramadan season approaches, Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, released the official trailer for the highly anticipated prank show "Ramez Level the Monster," hosted by Egyptian star Ramez Galal. This announcement reaffirms the ongoing fruitful collaboration between the Authority and entertainment industry professionals to deliver world-class content.

Program concept: The atmosphere of "The Squid Game" prevails

The teaser trailer revealed the main concept of this year's program, which appears to depart from traditional formats and delve into the world of complex psychological thrillers. The program draws inspiration from the internationally acclaimed Korean drama "Squid Game," with events unfolding in a secluded and mysterious setting.

In the promo, Ramez Galal appears disguised in an outfit similar to that of the players or goalkeepers in the series, using frightening sound and visual effects to heighten the tension for the guests. The plot revolves around subjecting the victims to a series of difficult challenges and unexpected surprises, which gradually escalate before Ramez reveals himself at the crucial moment, generating hysterical reactions that combine shock and terror.

A history of controversy and popular success

The "Ramez Level Monster" program comes as a continuation of star Ramez Galal's long career in the world of prank shows, which have become an annual tradition and an integral part of Ramadan television in the Arab world. For over a decade, these programs have achieved record-breaking viewership, topping search engine results and social media platforms as soon as their episodes air.

The support provided by the General Entertainment Authority reflects the extent of interest in providing a high-quality entertainment product, as Ramez's programs have evolved from simple street pranks to huge productions that rely on cinematic techniques and complex filming locations, which enhances Riyadh's position as a supportive destination for the Arab entertainment industry.

List of victims: Art and sports stars caught in the trap

The official promo revealed that a large number of A-list celebrities have fallen victim to Ramez's pranks this year, promising some explosive episodes. The list includes prominent names from the worlds of art and sports, most notably action star Ahmed El Sakka, known for his powerful reactions, as well as football stars like Egyptian national team player Zizo.

The list also included appearances by widely popular artists such as Ghada Abdel Razek, Ghada Adel, Asmaa Galal, and singer Diab, in addition to comedy and festival stars like Shaimaa Seif, Mustafa Gharib, and Hamo Beka. Veteran actress Samah Anwar, young actress Rahma Mohsen, and Caroline Azmy were also present, ensuring a wide range of reactions, from screaming and crying to violent resistance.

Dangerous behind-the-scenes details: Caroline Azmy injured

The filming of the program was not without its real dangers, highlighting the difficulty of the challenges this season. Reports revealed that the young artist, Caroline Azmy, sustained various injuries while filming her episode, resulting from a scuffle or fall during the prank. She was immediately taken to a hospital for necessary medical examinations and to ensure her well-being. This adds an air of seriousness and risk to this year's edition and increases the audience's curiosity to see what the stars faced behind the scenes.

In a major artistic surprise that is set to ignite early competition in the upcoming Ramadan season, "The King" Mohamed Mounir has decided to return to the world of television drama theme songs, performing the opening theme for the series "Hadd Aqsa" (Maximum Limit), starring the renowned actress Rogina. This move adds significant artistic weight to the production, given Mounir's immense popularity and the enduring connection his voice has forged with timeless dramas in the hearts of Egyptian and Arab audiences.

Details of the song "Taab" and the return of the King

The new song, titled "Ta'ab" (Tiredness), has already been recorded by Mohamed Mounir and is ready for release at the start of Ramadan. The lyrics are by Ahmed Shabaka, and the music is composed and arranged by Ahmed Hamdi Raouf. It is produced by Rotana Music Group. This collaboration marks Mounir's strong return to the world of theme songs, a field in which he has always excelled, delivering memorable tracks that continue to resonate with audiences. This raises expectations for the success of both the song and the television series.

The artistic context and the importance of the event

Mohamed Mounir singing the theme song for any drama series is an artistic event in itself, not just a conventional addition. Historically, Mounir's voice has been associated with dramas that have become part of Egyptian cultural identity, and his participation in "Had Maqsa" (Maximum Limit) indicates the quality of the work and the attention to detail of its creators. This participation also reinforces Rogina's strong presence in recent Ramadan seasons, where she consistently tackles sensitive and controversial social issues.

The cast and crew of the TV series "Limit"

The series boasts a stellar cast alongside Rogina, including Mohamed El-Qass, who has recently achieved notable success, Khaled Kamal, Basant Abu Basha, Fadwa Abed, veteran actress Nashwa Mustafa, Bassam Ragab, Amir Abdel Wahed, Mariam Ashraf Zaki, and Mustafa Emad. The script is by Hisham Helal, and the series is directed by the promising young director Maya Ashraf Zaki in her highly anticipated directorial debut.

Series synopsis: Conflicts over money and influence

The series "Limit" unfolds as a social thriller, shedding light on the inner workings of the world of money laundering and financial corruption. The story centers on Rogina, who finds herself in a major predicament after mistakenly receiving a large sum of money while simultaneously taking out a massive bank loan. The plot thickens, revealing the social and psychological pressures faced by the protagonist and her husband, amidst conflicts stemming from betrayal of trust and disastrous, life-altering decisions, promising viewers a compelling dramatic experience.