With regional artists charming global audiences through their unique vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, the rise of Arabic music has been undeniable this past year. Inspired by the international success of artists including BTS, Bad Bunny and Wizkid, the global music scene is now receptive to different genres of music regardless of its origin. From rap to pop to jazz, the versatility of Arab music acts as a catalyst for its organic growth as it allows one to find the beats that suit them best. Here are some artists you need to know in 2025.
Elyanna
This Palestinian-Chilean artist has already made waves with her captivating vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics. Her music blends pop sensibilities with Middle Eastern influences, creating a sound that's both familiar and fresh. Touring with Coldplay this year, Elyanna has been leaving behind a trail of fans in places including the UAE and India. Her single Kayani, inspired by Bollywood’s famous song Deewani Mastani, has recently garnered attention across the world, with the video hitting close to a million views on YouTube.
Zeyne
A rising star in the Arabic music scene, Zeyne is known for her innovative approach to music. She skilfully weaves traditional melodies with contemporary beats, creating a hypnotic and danceable sound. Her dabke (traditional Palestinian dance) at a recent Bottega Veneta event went viral on social media, praising her authenticity and unique performance style. Whether it is Asli Ana or Balak, her music is catchy yet features poignant lyrics.
Saint Levant
Marwan Abdelhamid, better known by his stage name Saint Levant, is a Palestinian singer who’s no stranger to addressing political and societal issues in his music. Popular for his multilingual lyrics (think Arabic, English and French in a single verse) as well as his unique blend of rap, hip-hop and spoken word, Saint Levant delivers powerful messages candidly. With recent releases including Exile and Wazira, fans are eagerly waiting for his next album Love Letters which is scheduled to release on 14 February.
Nemahsis
Palestinian-Canadian musician Nemahsis, or Nemah Hasan, is known for her poetic words that blend the world of music with reality. The independent artist released her debut album, Verbatim, late last year, which included her most popular hits including Stick Of Gum; the video was shot in her hometown of Jericho, Palestine with members of her family as cast. The singer is making an impact in the region, writing music that speaks to a cause.
Felukah
Egyptian rapper and singer Sara El Messiry, stage name Felukah, is an independent artist combining Arabic and English hip-hop with neo-soul and Arabic folk. Born and raised in Cairo, El Messiry moved to the Big Apple to study literature, but it was not long before she stepped into the world of music. The multicultural artist recently released a song with Ash Music, On My Mind, which is already garnering attention.
Lana Lubany
With a powerful voice and a commanding stage presence, Lana Lubany is a force to be reckoned with. Her music explores themes of love, loss and resilience, connecting with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Her recent EP YAFA, named after her homeland, consists of songs titled Set Her Free and Nazareth. If you haven’t listened to her music yet, The Snake is a great place to start (if the 8 million streams is anything to go by).
Bayou
Bayou is carving out a distinctive space with a unique and experimental approach to music. Blending genres and pushing creative boundaries, Bayou’s music is both innovative and accessible. With a strong visual aesthetic and an artistic identity born from a multi-cultural upbringing, Bayou is set to make a significant impact in the Arabic music landscape. His collaboration with artist Zeyne for the song Mesh Haseebek went viral, adding to his growing fame.
