With the recent controversy surrounding the band, Mashrou' Leila has proved once again that they are here to stay.
The band, which started out at the American University of Beirut, knows how to keep their fans and fanatics wanting more, as they are not afraid to tackle social issues and sexual taboos.
Who better to provoke a reaction than a feisty lead singer like Hamed Sinno? He definitely knows when to stretch and enunciate words using his phenomenal vocals to fit the vibe of a song and provoke a reaction from people. That's not to mention the group of multi-talented men behind Sinno, who are not afraid to experiment with music and add more sex appeal to the group. Don't pretend you didn't notice!
Here are 8 times the band proved it was here to stay.
1. The band picked the perfect name, allowing them to come up with different variations of it in interviews when asked about it
Skip to 5:48 and end at 8:26. Pick the reason you like. If you're still not satisfied, there are different variations of the story in different interviews. When you think about it, it's almost like a philosophical question. Kind of like: "Where did the world come from?" But instead: "Where did the name Mashrou' Leila come from?"
2. The band said out loud exactly what everyone else was thinking, literally
3. Sinno proudly sang about being in love with another man
Despite being in a society that is against homosexuality, the song Shim El-Yasmine is one of the most musically harmonious and memorable songs of the band's career. It takes a lot of guts to be that open to the public when everyone is so judgmental. Sinno defines the phrase "balls of steel."
4. They weren't afraid to criticize those who were abusing power
Sinno's voice in "Yo'bosh" though... amazing!
5. Even Saad Hariri attended their concert at the Byblos International Festival in 2010
The impact!
6. They gave us Backstreet Boys vibes
I need Carl in my life.
7. They covered the song Toxic and made it better than ever
I'm loving it!!
8. They appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Middle East
Slay!