Celebrate Arab Heritage Month with Artists and Genres Taking the World by Storm
April marks Arab Heritage Month, a vibrant celebration of the diverse and dynamic creators from the Arab diaspora. In today’s streaming era, music from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is making waves worldwide. According to the 2025 Global Music Report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), MENA is the fastest-growing music market globally, with a remarkable 23% revenue increase last year.
This surge is mirrored on music platforms, where Arabic has emerged as one of the fastest-growing languages in 2024. Egypt, in particular, stands out for its thriving independent music scene, as highlighted in recent industry insights. We spoke with a music industry expert focused on elevating Arab music globally to explore the trends, artists, and genres driving this cultural movement.
The past few years have been transformative for Arabic music, with artists breaking onto international charts. For instance, Egyptian pop sensation Tamer Ashour, known for his soulful breakup ballads, recently earned a spot on global album rankings. Established names like ElGrandeToto, Stormy, and Zouhair Bahaoui are expanding their reach, captivating fans not only in the MENA region but also in countries like France, Spain, and Italy.
Arab artists are also gaining visibility on major global stages, from festivals to high-profile events, with stars like Elyanna, Saint Levant, and Mohamed Ramadan proudly representing the region. Alongside this, there’s a nostalgic revival, with listeners rediscovering classic tracks. Younger fans are breathing new life into these songs through social media, blending tradition with modern flair in a cultural renaissance.
Another exciting development is the rise of female artists like Lella Fadda, Kawthar, Lullysnake, zeyne, and Asayel. These women are redefining the scene with bold, authentic voices, telling personal stories that resonate deeply and demand attention.
Arabic music’s global appeal spans a rich variety of sounds and stories. Take DYSTINCT, a Belgian-Moroccan artist who fuses North African rhythms with Afrobeats, reggaeton, and French rap, singing in Darija, Dutch, and French. His hit “SPIDER” with GIMS, performed in Moroccan Darija, topped French charts and surpassed 200 million streams. Collaborations with Spanish artist Rvfv and Indian musicians like Shreya Ghoshal showcase his ability to bridge cultures.
Meanwhile, Saudi-Ecuadorian artist Mishaal Tamer is crafting English-language music rooted in Arab influences, charting in markets like Peru and Mexico. This versatility some artists embracing English, others thriving in dialects like Darija highlights the emotional universality of Arabic music.
Mahraganat, Egypt’s gritty street-born genre, is another global force. Artists like Eslam Kabonga and Fares Sokar are pushing its boundaries, ensuring its evolution as a cultural mainstay. Classic Arabic pop, led by icons like Sherine and Amr Diab, remains influential, with tracks remixed and sampled by both Arab and international artists. Global DJs, inspired by visits to the UAE or Saudi Arabia, are incorporating Arabic elements into their work, fostering a vibrant creative exchange.
Raï, the emotive North African genre, is also experiencing a revival. Younger artists are modernizing its sound while honoring its roots, appealing to diaspora communities and beyond.
Music platforms play a crucial role in supporting Arab artists by curating spaces that reflect the region’s diversity. Playlists like Egypt’s Aqwa El Mahraganat, Saudi’s Khaleeji Hits, Morocco’s ABATERA, and Levant’s Top Sharqi Hits connect fans with both established and emerging talent. Programs like RADAR Arabia, EQUAL Arabia, and tailored residencies provide artists with mentorship, industry access, and creative opportunities. For example, Saudi Arabia’s Fresh Finds initiative brought rising talents together for workshops and networking, fostering the next generation of voices.
Dedicated editorial teams use data and cultural insight to spotlight new sounds, ensuring algorithms reflect the region’s unique musical identity. The goal is clear: to elevate Arab creators onto global stages, sharing their stories with the world.
MENA’s status as the world’s fastest-growing music market reflects the region’s creative energy and resilience. This marks the second time IFPI has recognized MENA’s rapid growth, driven largely by streaming, which dominates the region’s music revenue. The global rise of Arabic as a top-streamed language underscores a shift toward a more inclusive, multilingual music landscape, with MENA leading the charge.
This growth signals the potential for Arabic music to follow in the footsteps of Latin music’s global takeover. It’s a testament to the region’s artists and the platforms amplifying their work, ensuring their voices resonate far beyond borders.
Dive into a dedicated Arab music hub for a journey through the region’s sounds and stories. From nostalgic classics in the Arabic Decades collection to cutting-edge releases, there’s something for every mood. Beyond music, podcasts like #ABTalks and Finjan offer compelling insights into Arab culture. For a taste of the region’s hottest tracks, check out the Yalla playlist a vibrant showcase of Arab music’s diversity and energy.
MF Hussain
Hello! I’m MF Hussain, the creator of Spotifyinfo.net, a site that helps Spotify users enjoy their music more. With Spotify Premium, I can access a huge library of songs, create my own playlists, and listen without ads. I share my experiences to help others improve their Spotify journey.
