Tag: arab heritage month

Celebrate Arab Heritage Month With the Local Genres and Artists Making Waves Globally

April 29, 2025

April is Arab Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant creators from across the diaspora. In the age of streaming, music from the region is resonating far and wide—in fact, the 2025 Global Music Report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) confirmed that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the fastest-growing music market in the world, with revenues up nearly 23% last year.

And that rise is echoed on Spotify. Our recent Loud and Clear report found that Arabic was one of the fastest-growing languages on Spotify in 2024, while Egypt had one of the strongest indie music performances globally.

Mark Abou Jaoude is Spotify’s Head of Music for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. He’s focused on amplifying Arab music on the global stage and bringing Spotify’s flagship music programs to new audiences in the region. For the Record sat down with Mark to learn more about the trends, artists, and genres that are illuminating the Arab world.

What emerging music trends are you currently seeing across the Arab world?

The past couple of years have been incredible for Arabic music. We’re seeing more Arab artists make their way onto global charts. Egyptian pop star Tamer Ashour, for example, is known for his heartfelt breakup anthems, and he recently landed on our Global Album Charts.

Household names like ElGrandeToto, Stormy, and Zouhair Bahaoui continue to push boundaries, building loyal fanbases not just across the region, but in places like Spain, France, and Italy. 

We’re also seeing more Arab representation on major global stages. From Elyanna and Saint Levant to Mohamed Ramadan, Arab artists are showing up at festivals and other landmark events, claiming space with pride.

At the same time, there’s a beautiful resurgence of nostalgia. More listeners are returning to classic tracks—diving into catalog music that feels deeply rooted in identity and memory. What’s even more special is how younger fans are reinterpreting these songs through social media, giving old favorites a new life. It feels like a cultural reawakening—one that stays grounded in tradition while moving us forward. 

And perhaps one of the most exciting trends is the rise of bold, brilliant women in the scene. Artists like Lella Fadda, Kawthar, Lullysnake, zeyne, and Asayel are carving out space with fierce, unapologetic energy. Their voices are powerful, their stories personal, and their presence absolutely necessary.

Which Arabic artists or genres are making their mark globally?

We’re witnessing a powerful and diverse wave of Arabic music gaining global traction. And it’s not confined to one sound, one country, or one generation—it’s a spectrum.

Take DYSTINCT, for example. Born in Belgium with Moroccan roots, he’s carving out a sound that blends North African melodies with Afrobeats, reggaeton, and French rap—all while singing in a mix of Darija, Dutch, and French. His music hits with emotional depth and rich cultural texture.

His track “SPIDER” with GIMS, where he sings in Moroccan Darija, topped the charts in France and has racked up more than 200 million streams. He’s also teamed up with artists like Rvfv from Spain and even reimagined his Moroccan hits “Ghazali” and “Tek Tek” alongside Indian stars like Shreya Ghoshal and Vishal Mishra. 

At the same time, artists like Mishaal Tamer—a young Saudi Ecuadorian—are creating global sounds rooted in the region but delivered in English. He’s charting in unexpected markets like Peru and Mexico, proving there’s room for Arabic artists to reach new audiences on their own terms. It’s fascinating to see how some artists are breaking through by leaning into the universality of English, while others, like DYSTINCT, are showing that even dialects like Darija can break through when the music connects emotionally.

Then there’s mahraganat—raw, defiant, and hyper-local. What began as street music in Egypt has grown into one of the country’s most exported genres. Artists like Eslam Kabonga and Fares Sokar are proof that the genre is unstoppable, constantly being reimagined by younger voices. That kind of creative continuity tells us that mahraganat isn’t a trend—it’s culture in motion.

We continue to see a surge in the global appeal of legacy Arabic pop. Tracks by icons like Sherine and Amr Diab are being remixed, sampled, and reinterpreted—not only by Arab artists, but by international acts. DJs around the world are sampling Arabic vocals. When they visit places like the UAE or Saudi Arabia and feel the energy firsthand, many are inspired to localize their sound, collaborate, or return with something entirely new. There’s a creative exchange happening—something visceral that international artists tap into when they connect with the region, from Keinemusik to Francis Mercier. 

Raï is another genre having its moment. Long celebrated for its emotional intensity and cross-border appeal, attracting the North African diaspora, it’s now being modernized by younger artists who respect its roots while reimagining its future.

What role does Spotify play in supporting and amplifying Arab creators?

It’s always been about creating a real, meaningful space where Arab creators feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s about understanding the depth and nuances of the region: the sounds, the languages, the emotions, the cultural context, and building something that truly speaks to that. From our Aqwa El Mahraganat playlist in Egypt to Khaleeji Hits in Saudi, from ABATERA in Morocco Top Sharqi Hits Right Now for the Levant region—these are just a few examples of how we are creating room for artists in all genres but also for fans to find their latest obsessions.

And through our music programs—whether it’s RADAR Arabia, EQUAL Arabia, curated and personalized master classes, or custom-built residencies—we’re committed to meeting artists where they are in their journeys. A great example is what we did last year in Saudi Arabia with Fresh Finds Saudi: Class 2K24. We brought together up-and-coming homegrown talent in an intimate setting and gave them access to industry experts, mentorship, and each other.

This work simply couldn’t happen without our MENA Editorial team. They know when a sound is bubbling, when a new voice needs a spotlight, and how to use both data and intuition to guide that discovery. It’s curation with care. They help shape how the algorithm understands our music, our moods, and our moments.

At the heart of it all is one clear intention: to use our platform to help unlock global stages for Arab creators. The world deserves to hear more Arabic music—and we’re here to help make that happen.

What are your thoughts on the Middle East and North Africa being the world’s fastest-growing music market?

To me, it’s a reflection of the resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of artists from the region. It’s also a moment of reaffirmation—not just for the artists themselves, but for all of us who have believed in the potential of this region for years. And this isn’t a one-time spike, this is the second time MENA has been named the world’s fastest-growing music market by the IFPI.

This growth also highlights the impact of streaming, which now accounts for nearly all of the region’s music revenues. It reinforces just how important our role is in supporting and promoting homegrown talent. 

One of the most exciting insights from our Loud & Clear report was that Arabic was among the fastest-growing languages listened to by global music fans last year. That tells us something powerful: We’re now heading toward a more inclusive, multilingual, and borderless music landscape, with MENA at the center of it.

We’ve always believed in the region’s potential, and today, more than ever, we’re confident that Arabic music is on its way to becoming a global success story—just like we saw with the rise of Latin music years ago. 

How can listeners immerse themselves in Arab culture on Spotify?

I’d start with our Arab hub. It’s like a window into the region—full of music and stories that span generations and genres. You’ll find everything from nostalgic classics in our Arabic Decades section to fresh new releases that show where the sound is heading today.

It’s not just about music either—the podcast section is packed with powerful voices from the region, like #ABTalks and Finjan with Abdulrahman Abumalih. Whether you’re in the mood to vibe, learn, or just explore something new, there’s something in there that’ll pull you in.

Ready to dive in? Stream our Yalla playlist to discover a sampling of the hottest songs from across the Arab world.

 

Tune In to the Hottest Arabic Playlists Spotify Editors Curate for the World

April 26, 2023

No matter where you live, music has the power to transport you home. And for those living apart from their extended families and places of origin, that feeling of preserving the culture of their roots is vital. 

“Music has always been a way to connect with my Arab culture and heritage,” said Amena Elmashni, a product designer at Spotify and leader of the Arabs@ employee belonging group. “With my living in the diaspora, Arabic music transports me back to familiar places and experiences, and helps me feel a sense of belonging to my cultural identity.” 

In honor of Arab Heritage Month, we took a spin through the varied and vibrant sounds of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with our music editors from the region. 

MENA to the world

Riyad Sansoul, an editor for the Gulf and Levant regions, walked For the Record through the major MENA playlists that combine music from the many countries across the area. “Hot Arabic Hits – Yalla يلا is a playlist that represents the musical pulse of the region, enabling fans everywhere to stay up to date with the hottest charting Arabic hits,” he said. “It covers music from across the countries in the region and is meant for both diaspora listeners and those in the MENA region.”

Riyad explained the many genre-specific playlists that exist for followers of Arab music, including Arab Hip-Hop, which covers the hip-hop scene from across the region and updates on a monthly basis with a new cover and refreshed tracklist. mint نعنع is the home for deejays from the region. Fresh Finds Arabia enables Spotify to spotlight up-and-coming independent artists and help them get their music exported globally, and our EQUAL Arabia program spotlights the women of Arabic music, giving them a platform where they can shine. 

Riyad also recommends Arab X, which supports Arab artists who make music in any language that is not Arabic, such as English or French; Arab Love Songs, since Arabs love love; Arab Party Jams, which is your go-to if you need a 101 in what Arabs play at house parties and weddings; and Arabic Coffee, for when you just want to sit and take in the day—alone or with a friend—while sipping on your coffee. 

A musical tour of the region, west to east

Each country and region within MENA also has its own distinct sound, and with it, playlists that exemplify the very best of what the region has to offer. 

Hot Hits Maghreb keeps the diaspora audience of Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria in mind as it  celebrates the key culture and music moments that bring Maghreb together. “The world cup has had a profound impact on music consumption in the diaspora, especially since Morocco’s wins. This playlist enables artists to dig deeper into the Maghreb artists beyond the mainstays whom everyone knew before,” shared Maghreb editor Mehdi Zim.  

The most popular playlists in Egypt include التوب, aka Hot Egyptian Hits, which has a mix of back catalog and new releases—whatever people are listening to right now. Melouk El Scene, which we held a massive campaign for last year, is purely for the Egyptian hip-hop genre and translates to “Rap Royalty.” “Egyptians love being chill, so I have our chill playlist روقان to accompany the mood,” shared Egypt editor Alaa Ismail. One other notable Egyptian genre, Mahragant, evolved from Shaabi music and incorporates various electronic music elements. Originating from the streets, the genre is known for its high-energy rhythmic beats and distinctive vocal performances. Find the top Mahragant songs on أقوى المهرجانات. 

Our Levant editors cover music from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. They recommend the playlist Fresh Sharqi to stay up to date, noting that it can be a go-to whenever you want to know what’s new from the Levant area. It updates weekly with new Levant releases and whatever is rising. 

“Through Syrian music, I’ve been able to hold on to pieces of home,” noted Ameera Al-shaibani, a software engineer at Spotify and fellow leader of Arabs@. “Syrian artists beautifully weave stories about war, longing, and hope into their melodies. The sounds of Qanun and Ney invoke fond memories of lost summers spent with family on the jasmine-scented balcony of my grandmother’s home in Homs, Syria. Some of my favorite musicians include Maya Youssef, Sabah Fakhri, Lena Chamamyan, and TootArd.”

In the Gulf area (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman), a particular genre has taken shape. شيلات (pronounced as “sheilat”) has evolved from being a performance of poetry to being one of the most popular genres in this part of the region. Its popularity is largely due to its powerful lyrics and heavy percussion that enrich two popular experiences among the youth of the Gulf: desert drifting and gaming.

“From the powerful rhythms of Arabic drums to the poeticism of the lyrics, there’s something immersive about Arabic music that pulls you into a feeling or memory,” noted Dina Zaher, a policy specialist and fellow Arabs@ lead. “Listening to it always brings me back to time spent with my grandparents in Egypt listening to classics like Umm Kulthum or Abdel Halim Hafez;  it keeps my connection to my heritage grounded!”

Head to the Arab hub for Arab music year-round.

7 Artists and Creators to Stream During Arab Heritage Month—and Year Round

April 19, 2019

April marks Arab Heritage Month in the U.S. To celebrate, we’re featuring Arab American artists, comedians, and actors in our key Yalla Araby playlist. We kicked off with a message from comedian Mo Amer, and will be continuing with several other artists and actors, including French Montana, who released the first single to his upcoming new album this week.

Our playlists builds on the excitement of our Arab hub, which unites the full spectrum of Arab audio culture and creativity, past and present, in one place. It launched this past November, with playlists like Women Wa Bas (Arab female artists); ’90s Arabic Hits (big at Arab wedding parties); and Arab Indie (emerging Arabic tracks and artists), to name just a few. Listeners all over the world have used the hub to connect to the music of Arab culture.

Get to know some of the Arab-American creators featured on the playlist. And don’t worry if you can’t get to all of them in one month—their stories and sounds are available to stream year-round.

  1. Bazzi – Bazzi, whose father is Lebanese, learned from a young age to play Arabic instruments such as the oud and guitar. “Growing up with a Lebanese family, you really learn the importance of having a good base,” he says. The singer-songwriter has built a true musical foundation, touring with Camilla Cabello and Justin Timberlake, as well as several K-Pop groups. Stream his “Beautiful” remix featuring Camilla Cabello.
  2. French Montana – The Moroccan-American rapper has collaborated with everyone from Swae Lee to  Drake. “I want to share the things I love the most about my heritage,” he says. “Tajin (a type of stew), baghreer (Moroccan pancakes), karmous (figs), kora’en (sheep legs), and barkook (dried prunes), you know what I’m saying?” Stream his hit, “Unforgettable.”
  3. Mo Amer – “One of my favorite instruments is the tabla,” says Mo. “Tabla gets everyone moving, a little Dabke going on, it can break out at any moment.” He’s toured with Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart, and now you can check out the Palestinian-American stand-up comedian’s brand-new Netflix special, The Vagabond, which details his life from refugee to citizen.
  4. Abir – The Arab-American singer-songwriter from Fez, Morocco, says, “My Moroccan heritage influences everything I do, from the colors of Morocco to the sounds of Morocco, to the Moroccan mint tea, which is so good, and influenced my last project, Mint. I’m so happy to be celebrating the culture.” Stream her album, Mint.
  5. Massari – Massari is a Canadian-Lebanese singer who is known for combining elements of Western and Arabic culture in his music. He has credited Syrian singer George Wassouf with being a big musical influence. Stream his hit, “Number One.”
  6. Faouzia – This teenage Moroccan-Canadian pop singer has a commanding voice with a rich tone beyond her years. “My heritage has played a huge role in my career,” she says. “When I was younger, my parents would play Arabic music. I’d listen to the artists and push myself to practice the trills and runs that they did with their voices. To this day, I still use these trills and runs in my music.” Stream her hit single, “This Mountain.”
  7. Ramy Youssef – Prepare yourself for the comedian/actor’s debut Hulu series, Ramy, about an Egyptian-American millennial balancing his cultures, faith, family, dating and friendships. Tune in to the first episode, out on Hulu today.

Let’s go – stream Yalla Araby below.