Albums of the Year Middle East & North Africa 2024

It has been a year of quiet yet profound shifts in the MENA region's music landscape. From debut albums that introduced fresh voices to seasoned artists redefining their sounds, this year’s releases explored artistic identity, heritage, and experimentation in ways that felt like the scene was moving towards unexplored territory. Out of the many colourful LPs and EPs released along the year, here are SceneNoise's picks for the best albums of the year.

Note: This list is organised alphabetically, not ranked, to highlight the diversity of outstanding releases from across the region.

1221 - Djudju

With an impressively mature debut album, Alexandrian singer-songwriter Dju Dju’s discography was launched with ‘1221’, a deeply personal exploration of growth, heartbreak and self-discovery, shaped by her experiences from ages 12 to 21. Created in the intimacy of her home studio, the album blends melancholic bedroom pop with lush electronic textures, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and sound creator while drawing inspiration from artists like James Blake and Tora.

7OB&KASHAT - Abyusif & Marwan Pablo

In a landscape that often feels like it’s every man for themselves, with rappers frequently isolating themselves from their peers after reaching a certain level of success, two of Egypt’s most impactful rap stars - Marwan Pablo and Abyusif - dropped a surprise joint EP, ‘7OB&KASHAT’, which showed how fruitful it can be to put ego aside, and work with those you might consider your competition. The five-track project features high-quality production by Hadi Maamar and Omar Tayea, where the rappers exchange smooth flows, dynamic verses and polished beats. The EP also returns to a more raw, unadulterated form of Egyptian rap that prioritizes musical quality over commercial spectacle, resulting in a project that is experimental yet grounded in each artist’s established technical prowess.

Al Taman - The Synaptik

Jordanian-Palestinian rapper The Synaptik has consistently provided an unpretentious voice that speaks of the realities, mundane or otherwise, of his daily life. Widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled and influential rappers from the Levant, his sophomore album ‘Al Taman’ served as a mosaic of the rapper’s thoughts during the time of recording, which lyrically range from colloquial idioms and tongue-in-cheek references to nuggets of depth and nuance. Alongside producer Wardenclyph, The Synaptik also goes into new musical territory on the project, blending various musical styles, from old-school boom bap to trap, folk-based production and '80s disco. ‘Al Taman’ thrives on its dynamic shifts in genre and production styles, ensuring it remains fresh and cohesive despite its lengthy runtime, showcasing The Synaptik's ability to craft complex, layered works that push creative boundaries in the Arabic rap scene.

Anatomy of a Jerk - Liliane Chlela

‘Anatomy of a Jerk’ underscores Lebanese DJ and producer Liliane Chlela’s ability to deliver distinct narrative clarity with floor-rumbling authority. Her experimental exploration of various electronic genres creates manic sonic disruption that results in compelling sonic storytelling, where each of the eight tracks is simultaneously dense without feeling overwhelming, and powerful without feeling forced. 

Arabian Heartbreak - Manal

Moroccan pop sensation Manal’s long-awaited sophomore album ‘Arabian Heartbreak’ stands as one of the most authentic blends of cultural and contemporary influences released in recent years. The artist’s sheer attitude, delivery, and deep exploration of themes such like protectiveness and competition have a uniquely Arabic flair, which is amplified by her powerful voice and familiar melodies.

Bdl Faqed - Shamaly

The name ‘Bdl Faqed’, which translates to ‘replacement of the lost’, encapsulates the essence of Gazan rapper Shamaly’s struggle along his journey over the past year. Going through a whirlwind of change, from UN refugee camps in Gaza to temporary refuge in Egypt, Shamaly's music became a vessel for the pain and aspirations of the Palestinian people. The EP is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have faced the horrors of war, weaving together themes of endurance, love and the quest for identity through Shamaly's emotive lyrics and the intricate production that frames them.

Bitter Mouthfeel - Bitter Mouthfeel

Exploring societal issues such as consumerism and cultural identity, Syrian-Canadian artist Bitter Mouthfeel's self-titled EP blends conscious reflection with a tasteful touch of humor. Blending boom-bap, reggae, rock and lo-fi elements, the EP creates a diverse musical backdrop for Bitter Mouthfeel’s sharp satirical commentary.

Bloodlines - Peaky Beats

‘Bloodlines’ by British-Iraqi producer Peaky Beats is a modern Arabic dubstep LP that blends Middle Eastern samples with UK bass music. The LP’s weighty two-step tracks incorporate dub sirens, garage beats and traditional Middle Eastern music samples, resulting in a one-of-a-kind fusion that we simply can’t get enough of.

Bounce - Gawdat

Light, fun, groove-laden and irresistibly danceable, the release of Egyptian DJ/Producer duo Gawdat’s tech-house EP ‘Bounce’ was a shining moment in Egypt’s electronic music scene. In the short time since its release, the record’s title track has found its way onto world-famous dance-floors in prestigious festivals and clubs across the globe. From Tomorrowland, to Ibiza’s Hï and even Circoloco, the track has already been spun by a slew of prominent global DJs like Chloe Caillet and Carlita, who have been playing it even before its official release.

Cipher - Hello Psychaleppo

‘Cipher’, the latest from Syrian producer Hello Psychaleppo, is a politically charged LP that merges traditional Tarab with cutting-edge electronics. In this album, Hello Psychaleppo pushes the envelope of his own production style with industrial beats and experimental elements, while collaborating with the likes of Mashrou’ Leila’s Hamed Sinno, Anas Maghrebi and Syrian rapper Bu Nasser Touffar, whose intense verses on ‘Jaasoos’ addresses themes of surveillance and resistance, adding a fierce political dimension to the project.

Cocktail Ghena’y - Tul8te

From chipping away at the sounds of Egyptian underground rap to releasing the region’s unofficial soundtrack of the summer, this year has seen tremendous change and growth for the career of Tul8te. With his massively successful album ‘Cocktail Ghena’y’, the masked sensation has popularized a sound that is uniquely his own. Drawing from '90s Egyptian pop nostalgia, a raw bedroom production aesthetic and distinctive contemporary songwriting, the Egyptian artist-producer has found a pathway to regional stardom and international acclaim.

Deira - Saint Levant

Saint Levant’s ‘Deira’ is a deeply personal debut album that blends the pop icon’s Algerian Chaabi influences with Palestinian narratives, paying homage to his roots and family history. At its heart of the album is the story of the Deira hotel, built by his father Rashid and mother in Gaza in 2000 as a creative response to the constraints of the blockade. The hotel became a symbol of resilience, yet its history is marked by tragedy, including the killing of four children outside in 2014 and its recent destruction by bombing just months before the album’s release. These events infuse the music with themes of loss, strength and heritage, as Saint Levant weaves together the cultural threads of his parents’ legacies into a vibrant and reflective celebration of identity and place.

Diary of a Dead Man - Tchubi

In his fourth studio album ‘Diary of a Dead Man’, Moroccan rapper Tchubi goes on a philosophically fuelled introspective journey that combines personal reflections and musical diversity. Moving between jazz, trap and R&B influences, the record showcases Tchubi's unique ability to adapt various genres into a cohesive narrative, with themes of vulnerability, letting go, and confronting past ghosts, ultimately positioning him as one of Morocco's most innovative voices in hip-hop.

Dounia - Caïn و Muchi

Putting forward a cohesive sonic work that screams industrial gloom, Caïn و Muchi blends elements of dubstep, grime and contemporary hip-hop with traditional Ganwa rhythms on their debut LP, ‘Dounia’. Exploring post-colonial trauma and dealing with the reality and turmoil of our current world, this album is a dystopian exploration of sound that pays homage to North African culture in a way that is hauntingly mesmerising.

Dožam - Kimia Koochakzadeh-Yazdi

Across five tracks, Iranian composer Kimia Koochakzadeh-Yazdi reimagines the sound of her hometown Tehran through sonic paradoxes of experimental electronics and traditional Persian instrumentals. For each track on ‘Dožam’, Kimia collaborated with female musicians based in Iran to craft an improvisational piece that echoes their shared experience of prejudice under the political constraints of the Islamic Republic.

Dragonfruit - Rita Kamale

Showcasing a seamless blend of diverse genres ranging from Afrobeats to dub and jungle, British-Moroccan artist Rita Kamale's debut album ‘Dragonfruit’ is an introspective work that is presented through a mix of languages and mythical references, exploring the intersection of her Moroccan roots and international influences.

Dumya Bilaa Khie6aan - Bu Kolthoum

In ‘Dumya Bilaa Khie6aan’, Bu Kolthoum offers a highly polished body of work that demonstrates his skill as a poignant, emotive rapper as well as a thorough and inventive producer. In the album, the artist addresses themes of alienation, loneliness and belonging through his signature poetic lyricism. Penned in the Syrian dialect with recurring lines of Fusha Arabic, Bu Kolthoum gradually shifts away from traditional rap into a distinct delivery style that blurs the lines between rhythmic and melodic.

EZ - Ziad Zaza

Few regional artists have had a year as successful and musically diverse as Egyptian rap star Ziad Zaza. Though the artist has released multiple projects throughout the year, his latest EP ‘EZ’ saw the rapper reinvent his sound yet again, returning to the drill beats that amplified his career at its very beginning. This time around however, Zaza, along with producer Ismail Nosrat, added a spacey twist to the release, by venturing into “sexy drill”, a genre emerging in New York’s music scene. In this EP, Zaza’s expressionist songwriting and reflective lyrics find a surprising fit over slow and sultry instrumentals, walking a fine line between introspection and swagger.

El Tab3 Ghallab - Logical Da9ud

Rapper, singer, poet and philosopher Logical Da9ud charts an unconventional path in hip-hop. Putting formulaic structures and commercial allure aside, Da9ud embodies a stoic approach to life that permeates his lyrics and music. On his album ‘El Tab3 Ghallab’, the slow-burning, down-tempo sonics draw inspiration from jazz, lo-fi and boom bap, which come together to create a unique soundscape for Da9ud's intricate bars to flow through seamlessly, marking a significant chapter in Logical Da9ud's ongoing quest to redefine hip-hop on his own terms.

Erbil - Omar Souleyman

Known for his pioneering work in modernizing Dabke music and for his prolific release of hundreds of live recordings, this year, Syrian artist Omar Souleyman went back into the studio to work on his fifth full length album, ‘Erbil’. In this album, Souleyman pays tribute to the Iraqi city that became a sanctuary during turbulent times, weaving new friendships and experiences into his vibrant compositions. ‘Erbil’ delivers eight tracks fusing techno and Dabke, reuniting with longtime collaborator Hasan Jamo to craft an exuberant celebration of renewal and resilience.

Hepta - Hleem Taj Alser Hleem

Taj Alser’s ‘Hepta’ bridges Sudanese musical traditions with contemporary rap, offering a deeply personal and diverse collection of tracks. With standout moments like ‘Rio’ and ‘Ya Njoom’, the album positions Hleem as a key voice in the regional rap scene, blending cultural heritage with modern production and cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in Sudanese hip-hop.

Intifada - Ilmond

In just a few years, Egyptian rapper Ilmond (FKA Muhab) has emerged as a distinctive voice in the region’s hip-hop scene. His latest album, ‘Intifada’, stands as a testament to his growth as an artist over the years, blending honesty and vulnerability throughout. Despite his young age, the rapper has developed a unique style marked by philosophical and deeply personal lyrics, which can be seen front-and-center on this release.

Kitab - Tageel

While Sudanese rapper Tageel has been turning heads since his emergence in the regional rap scene, the artist unleashes more of his potential than ever before on his debut album, ‘Kitab’. The sprawling two-disc LP showcases contrasting facets of his enigmatic personality, with each disc offering a distinct narrative about the rapper. ‘Kitab’ also boasts a rich tapestry of sounds, crafted by a diverse group of producers from around the region, allowing Tageel to channel his sharp lyricism and intricate rhyme schemes. 

Kol Shi Sar - Tayar

Jordanian indie duo Tayar's debut album ‘Kol Shi Sar’ is an exploration of loss, freedom and identity, written in the shadow of current-day affairs in the region. Lyrically, the album addresses both personal and collective trauma that resonate deeply within the context of ongoing conflicts around the Arab world. Divided by instrumental tracks that function as "acts," ‘Kol Shi Sar’ carries a cinematic undercurrent which emphasises the emotional depth of the themes and topics explored on the release.

Kraken Sight - Assyouti

On ‘Kraken Sight’, Cairo-born DJ and producer Assyouti sketches the descent into a dangerously dark ocean, inhabited by lurking creatures, through a harsh industrial-infused sonic palette, refined with a surgical juxtaposition of tension, sudden release and abrasive sonic aggressions. The five-track record features broken rhythms, deranged percussions and heavily-distored bass, masterfully conveying an ever-present tension, where light struggles to infiltrate amidst a desolated abyss.  

Lambda - ZULI

Legendary Egyptian producer ZULI’s latest LP, ‘Lambda’, has already garnered substantial recognition within the global underground music community by marking a significant sonic shift in the artist’s catalogue. On this LP, ZULI leaves his razor-sharp techno chops and club-centric work aside, instead, honing in on an experimental ambient sound scattered with trip-hop influences and input from collaborators like Michael Braily and Coby Sey, and Egyptian multi-instrumentalist Abdullah Miniway. 

Light Meteors Crashing Around You Will Not Confuse You - Saint Abdullah & Eomac

New York-based Iranian-Canadian siblings Saint Abdullah and Eomac’s ‘Light Meteors Crashing Around You Will Not Confuse You’ is a bold, visceral exploration of diasporic identity, cultural heritage and contemporary global crises. Released under Jordanian record label Drowned By Locals, the album mixes heavy, distorted beats with personal field recordings and diverse vocal samples. This collaborative album pushes sonic boundaries while grappling with themes of displacement, resistance, and unrelenting grief.

M.I.M - DADA

Celebrating the authenticity and evolution of Moroccan rap, DADA’s debut album ‘M.I.M’ (Made in Morocco) presents a narrative that takes us through the nooks and crannies of the art-form. Venturing from old-school inspired instrumentals to experimental production, DADA, along with longtime collaborator and producer YAN, delivered a nostalgia-tinted, dynamic album, rich with intricate lyricism and themes of identity and personal reflection while staying rooted in the genre’s regional and global influences.

Ma Li Beit - Bedouin Burger

A colourful fusion of classic Arab maqam, Levantine and Yemeni folk rhythms with pulsating, and at times abrasive, electronic beats, ‘Ma Li Beit’ is a playful exploratory effort inspired by the rich nomadic culture of the Arabian peninsula and the Levantine region. It’s a radically different sound characterized by Zeid Hamdan’s spaced-out percussions, analog synths and emotive guitar notes, peaking and retreating around Lynn Adib’s soulful vocals and celestial sprinkles of poetry. 

Ma3assalama - Tamtam

In her debut album ‘Ma3assalama’, Saudi singer-songwriter Tamtam chronicles her personal journey of loss, self-love and growth through poetic lyricism penned in various Arabic dialects. The album draws inspiration from classic and traditional Arabic music and poetry, featuring collaborations with renowned writers like Deema Sabbagh, Omayma Altamimi and Yasmine AlFaresi, along with prominent regional artists such as Nadine El Roubi and Felukah.

Ma3koos - Hady Moamer

Grammy-nominated Egyptian producer-turned-rapper Hady Moamer’s ‘Ma3koos’ demonstrates the artist’s musical, lyrical, and conceptual growth. The project fuses trap with influences from Egyptian music and cinema while exploring personal and societal themes, and contains standout features from artists like Marwan Pablo and Ziad Zaza, solidifying Hady’s unique position in the Egyptian hip-hop scene, which mixes his undisputed production talent with a newly refined lyrical craftsmanship.

Msh Bil Kalam - Idreesi

Right around Valentine's Day, Amman-based singer-songwriter Idreesi released his project ‘Msh Bil Kalam’, a six-track EP created with Syrian producer Ahmed Diaa, with a sound specifically tailored for the heartbroken. Exploring heartbreak and loss against a backdrop of cosmic synths and haunting keys, this EP offers an intimate glimpse into Idreesi’s poetic melancholy.

Msh Mafhoom -  Hassan Abou Alam 

With razor-sharp production and “mutant slime energy”, Egyptian producer Hassan Abou Alam completely dissembles genres to their building blocks on ‘Msh Mafhoom’, only to reconstruct them as something entirely new. The album encompasses six tracks of futuristic club-ready chaos, featuring a bouncing sub-heavy edit of Ziad Zaza, Ismail Nosrat and Aly B’s drill hit ‘Basha’, as well as Zaza’s ‘Khalsana’ with fluttering percussive details.

Nemow -  Maii Waleed

Marking a significant step in her solo career, Maii Waleed’s ‘Nemow’ saw her taking control of the musical reins, setting collaborations aside for the three-track EP that explores indie soft rock, reflective songwriting, and a touch of jazz. Known for her frequent collaborations with the likes of Zeid Hamdan, Maii’s voice and style has become a staple of Egypt’s indie music community, and with this release, the Alexandrian singer-songwriter further cemented her place in the region's alternative music scene.

Nesmhy Men Hena - Abyusif 

‘Nesmhy Men Hena’ marks a pivotal moment in Egyptian rap icon Abyusif’s career. The album sees him fully embrace his artistic identity, breaking free from traditional rap structures to explore diverse sonic landscapes. From trap and boom bap to acoustic rock and vaporwave, the project reflects Abyusif’s experimental ethos and nostalgic nods to his DIY roots. Across its ten tracks, Abyusif combines sharp lyricism, emotional introspection, and inventive flows, presenting a personal collection of songs that transcend genre boundaries while reinforcing his status as a major force in Arabic rap.

Nuborne - Van Boom

With an intense and unrelenting exploration of hyper-industrial soundscapes, ‘Nuborne’ blends heavy noise textures with deep sub-bass and unnerving atmospheres. The four-track EP by Kuwaiti producer Van Boom blasts abrasive left-field electronics and industrial chaos at anyone or anything within hearing range. Alongside contributors such as Whiterose, Safety Dance and Evita Manji, Van Boom uses sound on this EP to evoke a sense of dread and unease, all while maintaining a post-apocalyptic aesthetic throughout.

Offbeat Dreams - Hamdi Ryder

Further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in Tunisia’s clubbing scene, Hamdi Ryder’s deep house EP ‘Offbeat Dreams’ is a lush amalgamation of his versatile musical background and Mediterranean upbringing, infused with dreamy synths and edgy grooves that are perfect for any beachside party.

PRJKTBLUBEAM - Marwan Pablo

This year, Egyptian rap star Marwan Pablo entered a new experimental phase with his EP ‘PRJKTBLUBEAM’, a futuristic four-track release firmly grounded in electronic music, and produced by emerging producer Lesha. The EP showcases Pablo’s signature flows and delivery within a fresh, unconventional setting, venturing into IDM and glitch hop. From the artwork to the track titles and music videos, Pablo integrates these futuristic aesthetics through his use of colour, design, and, most notably, through the EP's unconventional production.

Placebo - Lege-Cy

Egyptian rapper and producer Lege-Cy’s ‘Placebo’ is a journey split into three distinct chapters where the artist dives into his own mind, channeling the maturity and growth he has experienced along his career. The album, which is a collaborative project created with Egyptian artist Tul8te, and producer Poly Bruh sees Lege-Cy stepping into a more experimental space, blending his rap delivery with fresh and unconventional production techniques.

Pollution Opera - Pollution Opera

Pollution Opera is the brainchild of Egyptian singer and artist Nadah El Shazly and Wales-born vocalist and sound artist Elvin Brandhi. In their self-titled debut album, the artists embark on an avant-garde exploration of chaos and dystopia, inspired by Cairo’s noise pollution and developed through global residencies. Blending guttural vocal experimentation, environmental recordings, and synthesized distortions, the album captures both disarray and fleeting moments of order, offering a raw and theatrical meditation on humanity's innate struggle with structure and disorder.

SHHHH - Lil Baba

Lil Baba’s ‘Shhhh’ is a daring departure into darker, more abrasive sonic territories, blending trap metal, rage, and hardcore rap into a raw 17-minute statement. With standout collaborations featuring Ahmad Santa and Abo El Anwar, the self-produced album showcases both experimental highs and thematic missteps, solidifying Lil Baba’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of Egypt’s rap scene.

Sultan - Shabjdeed & Al Nather

Going into 2024, iconic Palestinian rapper-producer duo Shabjdeed and Al Nather’s sophomore record, ‘Sultan’, was one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases. Despite the pressure and looming shadow of their stellar debut album ‘Sindibad El Ward’,  the duo did not disappoint, releasing one of the most musically diverse and lyrically rich albums of the year, while also managing to venture into new musical territory than ever before. 

Sēnsus - MADD

Moroccan rapper Madd’s ‘Sēnsus’ sees the artist exploring a fresh set of sounds and more personal songwriting, using unconventional genres and introspective storytelling to convey his struggles and growth. In this release, Madd aims to connect with his inner child by exploring by trying to make sense of the world around him. Named after the Latin term for "perception" and "understanding," ‘Sēnsus’ captures the rapper’s journey of self-exploration and expression, offering listeners an immersive window into the inner workings of Madd’s mind.

TOP - Shbash

Palestinian/Jordanian rapper and producer Shbash’s sophomore EP ‘TOP’ highlights the artist’s unique blend of atmospheric instrumentals and introspective storytelling, with lyrics that often paint a picture of daily life in Amman. Going back and forth between ambition and struggle, the EP maintains a delicate duality that is true both of Shbash’s character, as well as his environment.

They Kept Our Photographs - Snakeskin

Taking listeners on a haunting journey that blends dark, introspective themes with ethereal soundscapes, Lebanese duo Snakeskin’s sophomore album ‘They Kept Our Photographs’ deepens the band’s exploration of folk-tronica, shoegaze, and dreampop aesthetics, while lyrically delving into heavy themes of violence, resilience, and longing, rooted in the duo’s experiences in Beirut.

Verbathim - Nemahsis

While Palestinian-Canadian artist Nemahsis’ fan base has been undoubtedly growing over the past few years, with an increase in streams, views, and social media following, her label still decided that the artist would be ‘unmarketable’, and that her veiled appearance will be a challenge for the company to embrace. Yet, that did not stop Nemahsis from releasing her debut album, ‘Verbathim’, a work that blends indie and alternative pop with an emotionally charged, confessional lyrical tone. After appearing on multiple high profile interview shows such as ‘The Zane Lowe Show’, it was clear as day that Nemahsis was a stand out artist with nuanced lyrical depth and a crystal-clear message: free Palestine.

Volume 1 - DJ GAWAD

DJ Gawad’s ‘Volume 1’ is a satirical masterclass that skewers the conventions of regional hip-hop while pushing the boundaries of experimental production. With razor-sharp commentary, bold collaborations, and a revival of Memphis rap’s haunting atmospherics, the album mocks and redefines genre norms, solidifying its place as one of 2024’s most inventive and provocative releases.

Yemken - Ramez Naguib

Though he has been a part of Egypt’s music community for years, both as a DJ and talented multi-instrumentalist and producer, ‘Yemken’ was a defining release for Ramez Naguib, who made his mark on Egypt’s hip-hop and popular music sphere with his collaborative, genre-morphing producer album. Featuring diverse talents like Moudy Alarbe, Laila Beshara and Arsenik, Naguib crafts a cohesive sonic journey that pushes boundaries, enabling artists to explore fresh creative horizons across disco, trap, hip-hop, and beyond.

3li3bboud - أشياءُ لا تراها في الجنوب

3li3bboud’s debut album ‘أشياءُ لا تراها في الجنوب’ is a bold statement in Lebanese hip-hop, where the producer’s meticulous blend of drill, trap, and lo-fi is enriched with samples that speak to his Southern Lebanese roots. Featuring dynamic collaborations with Salloum and El Rass, the album takes on complex themes headfirst with a cohesive, gritty, and deeply personal journey through the modern issues and cultural identity of the south of Lebanon.

أفضل أغاني ٢٠٢٤ - Afroto

When discussing notable albums of 2024, Afroto's first proper 12-track studio album, ’ افضل اغاني 2024’ is surely a contender, with the Egyptian rap star taking more creative risks than ever before, exploring shaabi and mahraganat, Brazilian funk, afrobeats, and even rock ballads on his debut LP.