Tag: playlists

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.