Breakout Artists of the Year Middle East & North Africa 2024

The MENA music scene is a constant state of reinvention. Each year brings a surge of new voices, crafting sounds that reflect a region in flux and full of possibility. In this list, SceneNoise looks at 2024’s breakout artists, those who turned heads, set trends, and marked their territory in the industry’s ever-expanding narrative. These are the names you’ll want to remember.

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

Asayel

With sharp lyricism, smooth flows, and bold, braggadocious delivery, Saudi rapper Asayel made a striking entrance into the regional hip-hop scene this year with her head-bopping debut single ‘Asliyah’. The track quickly went viral on social media, igniting heated debates over its provocative lyrics. Rapping in Hejazi slang, Asayel took aim at the music industry’s double standards while offering a candid perspective on how she’s perceived within the scene.

Fares LÜNN

Emerging as a standout talent in 2024, Moroccan artist Fares LÜNN has carved a niche in the regional Afro-pop and hip-hop scenes with his seamless fusion of traditional Moroccan sounds and contemporary sonics. Singles like ‘Daman’, ‘NOD’, and ‘La3fou’ have captivated listeners with their intricate melodies and poignant lyrics, showcasing his versatility and songwriting skills. 

Hala

Since her debut in 2022, Hala has emerged as a rising force in Egypt’s male-dominated rap scene. Known for her sharp lyricism and refined musical sensibility, she has continued to make waves throughout 2024 with tracks that command attention. Among them is the deeply personal ‘Shok w Sakakeen’, produced by Omar Gangster, where Hala confronts vulnerability and pain with an expressive voice and striking lyrical depth.

Hyper

Hyper (aka Hyper249) is a fast rising Sudanese rapper, celebrated for his smooth lyricism and compelling storytelling. Born in Khartoum and now based in Egypt, he first gained recognition with ‘Kanet Ayam Ya Watany’, a powerful reinterpretation of a nationalist song featured on the popular Instagram account Rap Shar3. This year, his collaboration with Saudi producer Warchieff on the single Asfar highlighted his ability to fuse socio-political commentary with genre-defying innovation, solidifying his distinctive place in Arab rap’s evolving landscape. 

Jana Diab

With her raw and introspective debut EP, Season One, Jana Diab—daughter of Egyptian pop icon Amr Diab—introduced a fresh, authentic sound that diverges from her father’s pop legacy. Signed to Interscope Records, 2024 has been a defining year for the artist as she continues to carve out her own path, unbound by the weight of expectations and exploring her music with newfound freedom. 

Koast

Tunisian singer and composer Koast has carved out a unique space in contemporary MENA music, blending Arabic scales with modern R&B and hip-hop influences. Singing predominantly in English while channeling the emotive depth of Maqam scales, her music exists at the crossroads of cultural and temporal boundaries. This year, the multifaceted artist also reinvented her visual style, embracing cinematic aesthetics that have amplified her presence within the music community. EMBED

Lella Fadda

Though she’s been a prominent figure in Egypt’s rap and alternative music scenes for years, 2024 marked a transformative year for Lella Fadda, propelling her to new heights. Dominating streaming charts and becoming Egypt’s most-streamed female hip-hop artist, she delivered multiple hit releases that resonated across the region. Her fresh sonic reinvention showcased an experimental edge, blending sharp lyricism with infectious beats that appealed to a wider audience. Paired with engaging visuals and a magnetic, larger-than-life persona, Lella Fadda not only solidified her place in the local music scene but also established herself as a regional icon, marking 2024 as a career-defining moment. 

Ramez Naguib

With a career that encompasses DJing, music production, film scoring, and composing for commercials, Ramez Naguib has long been a versatile figure in the Egyptian music scene. In 2024, he solidified his role as a visionary producer with the release of ‘Yemken’, a genre-defying collaborative album that brought together some of the region’s most exciting talents. Featuring artists like Moudy Alarbe, Thawra, and Laila Beshara, the album showcases Naguib’s ability to craft cohesive soundscapes that push both himself and his collaborators outside of their comfort zones. 

Shamaly

Hailing from Gaza, 23-year-old Palestinian rapper and songwriter Shamaly’s work is a raw and unflinching reflection of the reality of life in a war-torn region. His music combines gritty storytelling with evocative soundscapes that reflect both personal hardship and collective struggle. Recording his debut EP ‘Bdl Faqed’ in a solar-powered studio in Rafah, Shamaly’s creativity flourished in a setting where resources were scarce, yet determination was abundant. The EP’s urgency was heightened after the studio was bombed, shifting his project into overdrive and pushing Shamaly to create music that speaks to both survival and defiance. His work not only gives voice to his experiences, but also highlights the resilience and strength of the Palestinian spirit in the face of violence and adversity. 

Shbash

Shbash is an artist who moves in silence, with every step carefully calculated and deliberate. A name that has been circulating in the regional rap scene for a few years, Shbash quickly earned his place as an underground hero in his hometown of Amman. Along the years, Shbash continued to build on this foundation through consistent single releases and collaborations, culminating in his sophomore EP, ‘TOP’, released earlier this year. With TOP, Shbash fully came into his own, showcasing his artistic potential like never before. 

Tayar

Jordanian indie duo Tayar, composed of Ahmad Farah and Bader Helalat, have become known around the region's music scene for their unique blend of indie-pop, electronic elements, and neo-psychedelia. Their 2024 debut album, ‘Kol Shi Sar’, delves into themes of loss, freedom, and identity, resonating deeply with personal and collective trauma shaped by ongoing conflicts in the Arab world. Defined by evocative synthesizers and abstract lyrics, Tayar’s music stands out for its innovative fusion of audio and visual storytelling. As they continue to evolve, the duo is quickly cementing their place as a fresh and dynamic voice in the indie music scene. 

Thawra

Syrian multidisciplinary artist Thawra has quickly become a force in the region’s hip-hop and alternative music scenes, known for her razor-sharp rap delivery and incisive lyricism. Her work grapples with themes of identity and social commentary, offering a fierce and nuanced perspective on the world around her. Throughout 2024, her steady stream of releases highlighted her versatile energy, effortlessly navigating diverse production styles while maintaining a raw authenticity. Thawra's ability to adapt and innovate has only strengthened her presence as one of the most compelling voices emerging from the region. 

Wagdi Yachter

This year, the Egyptian alternative hip-hop scene saw a surge of fresh talent, with Wagdi Yachter standing out as a key figure in the genre. Known for his unconventional production, subdued instrumentals, and atmospheric soundscapes, Yachter has become impossible to ignore among rap enthusiasts. Selective in his collaborations, he’s worked with a handful of artists, including Mohamed 3eryan and the conscious rapper Logical Da9ud, with whom he has built undeniable chemistry, resulting in multiple singles and two full-length albums.  Although his work is scarce on mainstream streaming platforms, Yachter’s music is largely found on SoundCloud, adding to his mystique and independent approach. His latest contribution, the mixtape Yach Radio, released in 2024 under the ZULI-founded independent label Bungarr, further solidified his place in the underground rap scene. 

Zeyne

Though she has been a prominent figure in the region's music scene for years, Palestinian singer/songwriter Zeyne had a standout year, releasing empowering anthems, exploring her heritage, and expanding her global reach. Drawing on her Palestinian roots and diverse global influences, Zeyne's sound reflects the eclectic mix of traditions, languages, and melodies she was exposed to growing up. Surrounded by musicians and with a musical education that included South African jazz, Albanian folklore, and instruction from a Russian piano teacher and Japanese vocal coach, her unique style is a fusion of cultures and experiences.