During 2024, young musicians from North Africa are reshaping and rejuvenating their cultural roots, diverting from the older generation’s reliance on Western trends. While rap dominates the region’s music scene, artists blend traditional instruments and local rhythms like Algerian raï or Egyptian Mahraganat with global influences such as electronica and pop.
The diverse musical landscape in the region mirrors North Africa’s rich musical history, showcasing various possibilities for new auditory experiences. The multitude of local dialects and intonations gives each Arabic-speaking nation a unique sound. Although women are still relatively underrepresented, they are carving out their place in the music industry and using their voices to sing and rap about liberation, equality, and unity.
Hyper249 — “Kanat Ayam Ya Watani” (Sudan)
Rab Shar3 (or “Street Rap” in Arabic) is an Egyptian YouTube channel known for hosting ciphers and showcasing emerging talents. Sudanese artist Hyper249 gained attention in January with his performance of “Kanat Ayam Ya Watani” as part of the Street Rap Sudan cipher by 249 crew. Hyper artfully reflects on the current path his country is on under its current leadership, reminiscing about better times that now seem like distant dreams.
Ash — “Foundations” (Egypt)
Originating from Cairo, multi-instrumentalist Ashraf Moawad, also known as Ash, debuted his album Self-Discovery in February before embarking on a global tour. Ash gained popularity with his track “Mosaique” and captivating live sessions filmed in picturesque locations, from Montreal’s Mount Royal to Egypt’s White Desert. Bringing together his Egyptian and French heritage, Ash plays a range of instruments including the guitar, saxophone, keyboard, drums, and synthesizer.
Amaka Jaji, Ali Ben Naji — “OUDAD” (Libya)
Photographer and musician from Libya, Amaka Jaji, made an entrance onto the region’s music scene with his first album TIDET, which features the captivating track “OUDAD”. Offering a visual treat with stunning imagery from his hometown Ghat in Southwestern Libya, the album pays homage to his heritage and draws listeners into the spiritual realm of Tuareg and Sufi music.
Dina El Wedidi — “BANDAHLAK” (Egypt)
Esteemed indie artist Dina El Wedidi offers a sneak peek into her upcoming album Benna with “BANDAHLAK.” Infusing electronic elements with Bedouin melodies and rhythms, the track builds up to a powerful crescendo, showcasing her remarkable vocal prowess.
Stormy — “POPO” (Morocco)
Leading the way with the catchy single “POPO” from his second album Iceberg, Moroccan rapper Stormy collaborates with talents such as Morocco’s Draganov and Algeria’s Miraa May. Paying homage to Moroccan icon Oum on the track “AMIRA,” Stormy intricately blends Brazilian funk with Morocco’s distinct Darija dialect, taking listeners on a profound journey through his life experiences.
A.L.A — “Shkoon” (Tunisia)
Renowned Tunisian artist, A.L.A, renowned for winning the Best Male Artist Award at the All African Music Awards, highlights social justice, economic struggles, and aspirations for a better life in Tunisia through his track “Shkoon.” With a massive following and millions of views on his YouTube channel, A.L.A has captivated audiences worldwide with his performances.
Lyna Mahyem and Numidia Lezoul — “Jamais Yensak” (Algeria)
French Algerian singer Lyna Mahyem, who launched her own label Ma Belle Music, collaborated with noted Algerian vocalist Numidia Lezoul on “Jamais Yensak” from her third studio album Mon âme. The emotional ballad and mesmerizing music video set in Algeria and France depict a tale of heartfelt emotions and deep connections.
Karim Osama & Sulisizer — “3L Abyad” (Egypt)
Rising star of Egyptian hip-hop, Karim Osama, kicked off the year with two short EPs, including “3L Abyad” in collaboration with Sulisizer. Combining elements of folk-trap and lo-fi hip-hop, Karim Osama continues to establish his unique musical style.
LiL Eazy, SeidoSimba — “TAKKA” (Sudan)
Delivering this year’s summer hit, Sudanese artist SeidoSimba collaborates with Saudi rapper LiL Eazy on the Maghrebian pop track “TAKKA”. Over a Kizomba beat, they express their love for a woman in Sudanese and Saudi Arabian Arabic.
Figoshin, Norfafrica — “Machi Lkhatri” (Morocco)
The open-source collective Norfafrica dropped “Machi Lkhatri” as part of their mixtape THE NORF TAPE, featuring Moroccan rapper Figoshin. Building on the success of the previous year, Figoshin continues to excel in the vibrant world of Moroccan rap.
Felukah — “Batwanes Beek” (Egypt)
Arabfuturist artist Felukah pays tribute to Algerian singer Warda al-Jazairia with a reimagined rendition of the ’90s hit “Batwanes Beek.” Infusing elements of Arabic violins and Egyptian tabla with electronic beats, Felukah presents a multi-lingual twist to this nostalgic piece.
Saint Levant & MC Abdul — “Deira” (Algeria)
Algerian Palestinian artist Saint Levant collaborates with 15-year-old sensation MC Abdul on “Deira,” the lead single from Levant’s self-titled album inspired by a hotel built in Gaza. Produced by Moroccan artist Khalil Cheraldi, the track incorporates elements of Algerian folklore music, creating a unique musical experience.
### Top 10 New Releases from the Middle East and North Africa
#### Emel Mathlouthi from Tunisia – “Tmannit”
Emel Mathlouthi, also known as EMEL, dropped her fifth studio album named “MRA” in April. The album is an all-female and queer project that delves into themes of freedom and protest. Mixing different genres like African trap, batucada, Arabic reggaeton, hip-hop, and drum ‘n’ bass, EMEL’s voice soars triumphantly over powerful instrumentals in the track “Tmannit.”
#### Soulja & Sammany from Sudan – “Hageega”
Sudanese rapper Soulja finally released his debut album, “Deja Vu,” blending trap, pop rock, lo-fi trap, and Sudanese influences with Afro rhythms. Through 14 tracks, he shares his story, challenges, and dreams as an artist. “Hageega” features vocals by Sudanese artist Sammany.
#### Koteri from Egypt – “Karnaby”
Abdallah Diab, the lead singer of U.K.-based band Koteri and son of Egyptian superstar Amr Diab, collaborated with band members Dinar and Jordan Spiro on the energetic pop track “Karnaby.” The song recounts the experience of adapting to life in London from an outsider’s perspective.
#### Frizzy from Morocco – “Bimboizm”
Moroccan artist Safae El Jabri, known as Frizzy, presents “Bimboizm,” a high-energy bilingual track asserting her presence in Morocco’s male-dominated rap scene. Frizzy gained recognition for her unique flows and rhyme structures, building a loyal following through her Instagram showcases.
#### TIF from Algeria – “Nothing Personal”
Algerian artist TIF, now based in Paris, showcased his new single “Nothing Personal” on COLORSxSTUDIOS. Having moved to France eight years ago, TIF infuses his music with nostalgic elements of chaâbi, French and Arabic rap, and Andalusian music.
#### Lella Fadda from Egypt – “Fokak Meni”
Egypt’s indie-pop sensation Lella Fadda collaborates with producer Abyusif, challenging genre boundaries by blending electronic music with hip-hop beats. Their music spans alternative spaces, combining elements of pop, electronic, indie, and hip-hop.
#### Ghali from Tunisia – “Paprika”
Tunisian-Italian artist Ghali explores the complexities of love in his track “Paprika,” fusing North African and Italian influences in his bilingual wordplay. Known for his poetic lyricism, Ghali’s music reflects a blend of cultural influences in his musical style.
#### DADA from Morocco – “3ADI JIDAN”
Moroccan rapper DADA released his debut album “M.I.M” (Made in Morocco) earlier this year, anchored in the roots of Moroccan rap. Produced by YAN, a long-time collaborator, “3ADI JIDAN” is a melodic feel-good track featuring DADA’s flow over accordion chords and chromatic melodies.
#### Nadine El Roubi from Sudan – “#EyesOnSudan”
Sudanese rapper Nadine El Roubi shares her mixtape “Freestyles Pt. 2,” delivering sociopolitical commentary and empowerment messages. In the track “#EyesOnSudan,” she calls attention to the situation in her home country, urging others to stay vigilant during challenging times.
This compilation showcases the diverse and vibrant music scene emerging from the Middle East and North Africa, offering a blend of traditional influences with modern sounds and storytelling.
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