This month’s top tracks from North Africa and its diaspora showcase a variety of styles and collaborations, highlighting the artists’ adaptability as they blend their traditional sounds with influences from the U.K., West Africa, and the Levant.
Check out our featured selections below.
Manal – “One Day” ft. Libianca (Morocco/Cameroon)
Moroccan artist Manal Benchlika has just launched her second album, Arabian Heartbreak, which includes 15 tracks that beautifully combine her unique vocals with traditional Arabic sounds and modern electronic elements. The song “One Day,” featuring the talents of Cameroonian American Libianca, conveys deep emotions of hope and sorrow.
EL Weili – “Al Origami” (Egypt)
Egyptian producer Kareem Emad Gaber, known artistically as El Waili, has released the final part of his EP trilogy, L Nor. The track “Al Origami” features a fusion of lo-fi shaabi beats with traditional Arabic melodies, setting the tone for a cohesive musical journey.
Geko, Mansor Unknown – “Arab Africans” (Libya/Algeria/U.K.)
Originally from Benghazi, MC Mansor Unknown has spent a decade in rap but only recently performed live at the Benghazi Summer Festival. His collaboration with the Manchester-based artist Geko on the bilingual track “Arab Africans” is helping him gain recognition beyond Libya.
Soulja – “Messi” (Sudan)
Sudanese rapper Soulja continues to captivate audiences with his unique style of “humble Sudanese rap.” His latest track “Messi” features melodic guitar and beats that reflect his emotional landscape, showcasing his versatile flow and poignant lyrics.
Miraa May – “No Bad Energy” (Algeria)
In “No Bad Energy,” Algerian singer Miraa May blends Amapiano rhythms with Arabic influences, creating a high-energy anthem that ushers in the upcoming season.
Dua Saleh – “pussy suicide” (Sudan)
Watch the age-restricted video on YouTube.
Minneapiolis-based Sudanese artist Dua Saleh explains that “pussy suicide” is a tribute to “transgender aliens.” This experimental track teases their upcoming album I Should Call Them, set to release on October 11, which explores themes of spirituality, love, and heartbreak.
Bu Kolthoum, Koast – “C’est la vie” (Tunisia/Syria)
Tunisian rapper Koast collaborates with Syrian MC Bu Kulthoum on “C’est la vie.” This track is layered with relaxed beats and engaging melodies, showcasing their rapping skills in their respective dialects, along with Koast’s distinctive half-tonal style.
WhoMadeWho, Nour – “A3LA” (Egypt/Denmark)
Egyptian synth-pop singer Nour has joined forces with Danish electronic duo WhoMadeWho for the track “A3LA,” discussing the anxieties of love. Featuring dreamy pop rhythms and violin accents, this song continues the signature sound reminiscent of her prior hit “Wana.”
DADA, Abduh – “ABRACADABRA” (Morocco)
Moroccan rappers DADA and Abduh have released two interconnected tracks titled “ABRA” and “CADABRA.” The first continues the playful style from DADA’s album M.I.M, while the second ramps up the energy with rapid electronic beats.
Muhab – “El Leila” (Egypt)
Rising Egyptian artist Muhab delivers a dose of authenticity with his new album “Intifada.” The track “El Leila” reflects nostalgia and hope, enhanced by a minimal yet powerful beat that builds intensity, symbolizing Muhab’s journey.
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