At the start of this year, captivating videos of Sudanese, Egyptian, and Palestinian rap ciphers started surfacing on the Instagram feeds within the Arab community. A mysterious figure surrounded by a group of rappers taking turns to perform their songs. Though these artists are unfamiliar, their compelling lyricism and fervent performances captivate viewers as their videos gain viral momentum.
The central figure, known by the alias Black B, remains anonymous yet opens up about his journey with the assistance of his business manager Suhaila Hanno. Black B, a 25-year-old Egyptian artist, is the creator and host of Rap Shar3 (translated as Street Rap in Arabic), a platform he established three years ago along with co-owner and director Omar Mado.
Black B reflects, “The rap scene in Egypt lacked support, and my talented friends were not getting the recognition they deserved. People tend to only pay attention to artists once they are mainstream, but everyone deserves to be heard, regardless of fame.”
Initially, the ciphers took shape in Alexandria where Black B convened regularly with friends for impromptu beatboxing sessions. By leveraging social media to gather a talented group, a friend suggested turning these creative gatherings into professionally produced shows with edited, mixed, and mastered tracks.
Teaming up with videographer Abdo Raw and business manager Mostafa Fahmy, Rap Shar3 developed organically into a polished venture, attracting a global audience spanning from the U.S. to India. Garnering nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram, the platform has evolved into a brand that showcases diverse artists from across the Arab region.
Black B scours his connections and social platforms to discover lesser-known musicians. Often, he chances upon an artist on TikTok and invites them to participate in a cipher, leading to potential record deals after their Rap Shar3 performance gains traction. The platform has jumpstarted several careers, with artists like Ebn Tarek, Wingii, DJ Mubarak, and Tommy Gun making their mark in the regional rap scene.
Collaborating with artists, Black B selects a fitting song for each episode and works together to bring the show to life. Often, the musicians meet for the first time during the recording and learn each other’s hooks while rehearsing. Black B states, “I carefully select artists to ensure synergy and a great experience for all involved. They bond over their shared passions and causes.”
Each episode is distinguished by its location, with Rap Shar3 being filmed at various settings. Black B shares anecdotes, “Filming in Saudi posed challenges, and we faced obstacles during production, but overcoming them was fulfilling. In the Palestinian episode, artists were resolute and had prepared their tracks in advance, the subject matter held profound significance for them.”
Black B’s personal highlight was the Sudanese cipher, where artists vocalized their struggles with their homeland, families, and identity. He mentions, “The Sudan episode had a profound lyrical impact; I had the artists translate the lyrics for me to grasp their depth fully.”
Rap Shar3 has ambitious plans ahead, aiming to spotlight underrated artists regionally and eventually globally. Black B intends to film in Libya next, aiming to showcase the talent there across three episodes. He envisions creating a platform where artists can advocate for the Palestinian cause and share their own narratives.
Following Libya, he plans to explore Tunisia and sets his sights on Morocco, a country that resonates deeply with him for its vibrant hip-hop scene. Black B enthuses about his favorite Moroccan rapper, Snor, admiring the artist’s evocative music despite language barriers.
Despite lacking corporate sponsors, the community and platform built by the Rap Shar3 team in the last three years stand as a testament to their passion for music.
If you’re a budding artist, keep an eye on Rap Shar3’s Instagram account, where Black B occasionally calls for new talents. He aims to showcase artists in various stages of their careers, fostering unity through music.
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