Ali Najm's 'Bismar' Brings Iraqi Musical Traditions into Modern Pop
As the title track to his forthcoming EP, the single underlines the uniquely authentic musicality of Najm's work, as he retains the authenticity of Iraqi sonic traditions.
Following September’s viral single. ‘Quraish Baba’, Iraqi artist, Ali Najm, has returned with ‘Bismar’, the musically vibrant title track from his upcoming EP.
Produced by Auralis, the track creates a melting pot for traditional synth textures, Iraqi melodies, modern bass and electronic percussion, doing so while avoiding the trap of simple pastiche. Instead, it forges a coherent fusional musicality, with the inclusion of the screeching Iraqi synthesiser riffs and traditional percussion alongside rich bass forms a core that registering as both culturally authentic and sonically engaging.
Lyrically and vocally, Najm grounds the electronic energy with deep introspection. His voice soars across the arrangement, articulating a universal narrative of internal conflict - the tension between old habits and the urgent need to break free - while balancing confidence and vulnerability. The accompanying music video reinforces this sense of artistry with a sharp, atmospheric visual approach that also contributes to the expression of Najm’s evolution.
‘Bismar’ cements Najm’s position as part of an emerging wave of Arab artists blending regional sounds with contemporary high-production, while also validating the early buzz of his work, ahead of the release of his forthcoming EP on RAAD Records.
