The MENA region is rich with talent in all walks of life. From art to films, one is spoiled for choice when trying to pick anyone. One such realm is music, with the region glittered with stellar musicians who are among the very best in the world.
Today, we look at five up-and-coming singers in the MENA region who are doing some great work.
١. Mazen El Sayed
Mazen El Sayed, popularly known as El Rass, is a Lebanese hip-hop artist. Boasting a discography of over 200 singles and nine albums, he is an emerging musician has drawn interest from fans and contemporaries alike.
Mazen fuses Classical Arabic music with street music, with his lyrics expertly blending the best of both to bring out its own unique vibe. Coming from a banking background, he left it to pursue his passion in music, and his stock (pun fully intended) has been on the rise since then.
٢. Nabeel
Nabeel is an Iraqi band that redefines shoegaze with their own approach. The band, founded by Yasir Razak, pays homage to traditional Iraqi music by combining Iraqi influences with alternative music, crafting dreamy, nostalgic melodies.
Nabeel thrives on pushing boundaries, blending unexpected elements to create rich, velvety soundscapes and carve out its own distinct identity.
٣. Noureen
Meet Noureen Arabeen, an Egyptian electric guitarist, vocalist, and composer proving that punk-rock is alive and thriving in SWANA.
From her bedroom in Cairo, Noureen has crafted a sensational digital presence, enthralling tens of thousands of followers on TikTok with her electrifying performances. Her work bridges local culture in the MENA region with modern sounds, blending traditional musical elements with rock and metal influences. Drawing inspiration from legends like Omar Khorshid and Adam Jones, she fuses oriental melodies with heavier genres, celebrating cultural heritage while creating music that resonates both locally and globally. Through her artistry, she hopes to inspire other women from conservative backgrounds to pursue their creative passions.
٤. Mayah Alkhateri
Mayah Alkhateri is an Emirati-Egyptian musician, now based in Paris. She is one half of Kiss Facility, a duo that fuses shoegaze indie rock with haunting Arabic lyrics. With an unapologetic, ethereal aesthetic, Mayah is dismantling stereotypes and carving a path for Arab women to express themselves freely.
Mayah’s musical journey was shaped by her mother’s eclectic taste, spanning from the timeless voice of Umm Kulthoum to the avant-garde sounds of Genesis P-Orridge. This deep appreciation for musical diversity is evident in her work, where layers of influences intertwine seamlessly. Her music also serves as a mirror to unspoken mental health struggles within her community.
٥. Abdullah Trill
Abdullah Trill is a standout voice in Kuwait’s rap scene, known for seamlessly blending Arabic and English in his music while delivering hard-hitting beats. With tracks like Agdar, F N T S, VITAMINS, and Mal 7ali, he continues to make his mark, proving his commitment to shaping the future of Kuwaiti music.
His music is characterized by Arabic music bits with contemporary hip-hop, creating a unique and engaging sound. This distinctive style has garnered him a significant following, with thousands of listeners on Spotify.
