Emerging MENA Artists That Are on Our Radar (& Should Be on Yours Too)

In the ever-evolving music industry, where talent flows constantly, some artists are slow to rise, while others go overlooked. This year, we’ve seen fresh voices and emerging talents demand attention and gain recognition across the MENA region, whether releasing music independently or with the support of small labels. These artists have skillfully navigated the industry’s complexities, making their mark with limited releases and subtle moves, enough to land on SceneNoise’s radar.

Here, we spotlight some of the most promising talent from across the region - artists who, in time, will undoubtedly become major players and force their presence within the scene…

THAWRA | Syria

Thawra is a talented singer, songwriter, rapper and multidisciplinary artist making waves in the hip-hop and alternative music scenes. Hailing from Syria, she has built a reputation for her exceptional songwriting and versatile approach to hip-hop. Over the past two years, Thawra has released a series of singles that highlight her unique style, blending various musical influences while addressing complex themes drawn from her experiences. Her ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics and captivating melodies has solidified her place as a rising star in contemporary music. As she continues to explore new sounds and collaborate with fellow artists, Thawra is poised to leave a lasting impact on the industry. BILLY TSTRK | Lebanon

Through his eccentric debut EP ‘HAYDE.LLI.LA2’, the 22-year-old Beirut-born rapper and producer offers a fresh take on rap by blending gritty, sharp rhythms with ethereal keys and atmospheric layers. His sound is anchored in aggressive, punk-influenced beats, while maintaining a distinctive aesthetic signature. Despite this bold style, he remains versatile and open to unconventional approaches. His tracks feature precise flows with cynical, sarcastic lyrics that oscillate between social commentary - critiquing and reaffirming Lebanese identity and culture - and playful wordplay, creating absurd yet engaging lyrical collages.

DJ GAWAD | Palestine 

DJ Gawad, the self proclaimed “best producer in the Middle East,” made his mark on the rap scene with the release of one of the highest-quality and boldest albums of the year. DJ Gawad’s debut album, Volume 1, released by the independent label Drowned by Locals, solidified his name as one of the most exciting artists to watch. In this tightly crafted album, he redefined the aesthetics of Memphis rap with a satirical, critical theme, featuring focused collaborations with artists like Julmud, Rndkkn and others.TAYAR | Jordan

Amman-based indie rockers Tayar have steadily gained popularity within the underground rock scene in the region, thanks to their meticulous fusion of electronic, indie, and pop music, which has resulted in a distinct sound. Their debut full-length record, Kol Shi Sar, released this year, has firmly established their place in the rock scene. The album explores the complexities of Arab identity through deeply emotional, often abstract songwriting and orchestral instrumentation. It refines the band’s earlier efforts, presenting a fully realized sound and solidifying their presence as a leading force in contemporary Arab indie music. SOULPHONIC | Egypt

Multi-instrumentalists Sherif Abdelmaged and Youscef, the creative force behind Egypt’s neo-soul and indie band Soulphonic, have embraced a genre-blurring approach to music since their debut. This year, they released their first album, ‘Akher El 3alam’, which blends blues, neo-soul and indie rock. The duo's technical skill and innovative compositions shine through smooth keyboard and guitar work, enhanced by electronic elements, bringing a fresh sound to Egypt’s indie scene. They’ve also collaborated with prominent artists such as Lege-Cy and TUL8TE, cementing their presence in the local music landscape.3LI3ABBOUD | Lebanon

Emerging producer and songwriter 3li3abboud made a strong debut this year with his album ‘Ashya2 La Taraha Fel Ganoub’. This feature-packed record showcases his unique approach to modern Arabic hip-hop, blending meticulously curated archival material with anthemic samples to create a rich, immersive experience. The album stands out as one of the most impressive producer-driven projects in recent years, solidifying the 22-year-old Lebanese talent’s place in the hip-hop scene. With heavyweight collaborations with artists like El Rass, Salloum and more, 3li3abboud is quickly making a name for himself.LOGICAL DA9UD | Egypt 

Emerging from Ismailia to the bustling streets of Cairo, rapper, singer, poet and philosopher Logical Da9ud has carved an unconventional path in hip-hop. Rejecting formulaic structures and commercial appeal, Da9ud’s music reflects his stoic approach to life, marked by deep introspection and raw experience. He has been prolific in his releases, most notably collaborating with Wagdy Yachter on the two-volume album ‘El Tab3 Ghallab’. Steering away from current rap trends and algorithm-driven music, the album embraces a laid-back, lo-fi aesthetic that complements Da9ud’s philosophical lyricism, positioning him as a distinctive voice in Egypt's hip-hop scene.

ILL.FEEL | Egypt

In the depths of the underground SoundCloud scene, a unique persona has emerged: Ill.feel (a clever play on the Arabic word "الفيل," meaning elephant). Known for releasing some of the most provocative and innovative music out there, Ill.feel defies all boundaries - sonically and lyrically. From crafting songs about people who rarely shower to blending black metal with mahraganat elements, his music is a constant source of surprise, pushing the limits of what’s expected in every track.

JAZEERA 10 | Syria 

Jazeera 10 is a five-piece rock band based in Berlin, emerging in 2024 as a fresh force in the indie music scene. At a time when the regional indie and alternative landscape has seen a noticeable decline, Jazeera 10 fills the void left by pioneering bands like Mashrou’ Leila and El Morabba3. Their latest EP, ‘Dari El Hal’, showcases the band’s ability to blend raw energy with technical precision, moving fluidly between genres like neo-psychedelia and dream-pop. The EP’s introspective lyrics and immersive soundscapes highlight Jazeera 10’s potential as a significant player in the evolving indie scene.

HADI BIRAJAKLI | Syria 

Hadi Birajakli, a Syrian multi-instrumentalist, began his musical journey in Cairo, navigating an array of genres and sounds through his band’s eclectic style. Rooted in progressive rock, Hadi’s passion shines through in his distinctive fusion of Middle Eastern instrumentation with contemporary rock elements. His band, featuring a bassist, drummer, guitarist and synth player alongside Hadi, has built a reputation for their live performances, which showcase their innovative approach - creating music that feels both fresh and familiar by blending tradition with modernity.ISHTIRAK | Lebanon

Ishtirak is a dynamic Lebanese trio quickly establishing themselves as a new force in the Arab region's post-rock scene. With their unique fusion of Acid Jazz, Arabic Maqam and Progressive Rock, the band creates electrifying, genre-blurring soundscapes. Formed amidst Lebanon's turbulent economic collapse, their debut album captures the raw energy and resilience of their environment, marking them as one of the most exciting emerging acts to watch in the MENA music scene.SALMA MURAD | Saudi Arabia 

Salma Murad is a rising Saudi Arabian artist whose music explores unconventional pop territories, blending emotive vocals with experimental soundscapes. Since her debut in 2022, she has released four singles, gradually gaining recognition in the regional music scene. Known for her collaborations with Jordanian musician Idreesi and Mohammad Al Owaisi, Murad is not only a musician but a multidisciplinary creative, working across music, film and visual arts. Her artistic work often delves into psychological themes, exploring the complexities of memory and personal narratives, making her a fresh voice in the MENA region's emerging music scene.ODQIN | Egypt 

Odqin is an Egyptian musician and the host of the 'Odd Selects' radio show on Balamii, known for his seamless fusion of hip-hop and jazz that creates immersive, warm soundscapes. Following the release of his smooth single 'High' with London-based vocalist Hazel Sapphire, Odqin unveiled his latest EP, Fragments of Self, a soulful journey of self-discovery. The EP blends retro R&B, jazz, and classic hip-hop influences, featuring collaborations with artists from Alexandria, Cairo, London, and Detroit. With its tight grooves, mellow rhythms and evocative melodies, Odqin’s music stands as an introspective force in the MENA region's emerging music scene.OUELLA | Morocco 

Walid Anis is an eclectic and passionate electronic musician, producer and artist hailing from Casablanca, Morocco. Deeply connected to his Amazigh roots, Ouella infuses his music with a sense of love and nostalgia for his heritage. His sound captures the unique Moroccan timbre shaped by the contrasting climates of the Atlantic and the Sahara, while also incorporating Egyptian flavours and tonalities from his upbringing. Ouella's work features vibrant, energetic EDM tunes that are both ethnic and bouncy. Constantly experimenting, he continually devises new concepts that serve as the foundation for his distinctive soundscape.DJUDJU | Egypt

Joury Karem, better known by her stage name DJUDJU, is a multifaceted artist who encompasses the roles of singer, composer, songwriter, producer, and musician. Growing up on the picturesque beaches of Alexandria, Egypt, she draws inspiration from her coastal surroundings, which infuse her music with a unique blend of vibrant energy and emotive depth.

On March 4th, 2024, DJUDJU released her debut album, ‘1221’, under B-62 Records. This highly anticipated project showcases her artistic evolution and features revamped versions of her earlier singles, including the track 'STAMBA - اسطمبة,' a collaboration with rapper and producer Rvwvn that was originally released on May 27th, 2022. The album highlights DJUDJU’s ability to fuse diverse musical styles while maintaining a strong sense of identity, marking her as a promising new voice in the contemporary music scene.TEEN IDLE | Egypt

Teen Idle is the musical moniker of 26-year-old New Jersey-based producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sara Abdelbarry. Originally aspiring to be a cardiac surgeon, she shifted her focus to music during her final year at college in New York City. Her debut EP, born from a week-long songwriting challenge on Bandcamp, charted at #10 on WRSU and received national recognition on college radio. Entirely produced, recorded and performed in her basement studio, her latest record showcases her commitment to music production alongside her songwriting. Drawing inspiration from diverse influences - including '90s grunge and Arabic crooners - Teen Idle crafts heartfelt rock songs infused with pop sensibility, establishing Sara as a rising talent in the indie music scene.ALNASHEA | Iraq

Alnashea is an innovative artist from Baghdad who has been making an impact in the music industry since 2021. He uniquely blends traditional Iraqi melodies with electronic genres, creating a sound that captivates listeners worldwide. Inspired by the rhythmic and melodic traditions of Chobi, Alnashea aims to expand the boundaries of Iraqi music by incorporating futuristic sounds and rhythms. His collaborations with artists like Idreesi and Aron Estocolmo showcase his talent for merging Iraqi roots with contemporary electronic elements. A pivotal moment in his career came with the release of ‘Electro Chobi’, a groundbreaking track created in collaboration with the legendary Iraqi group Tribe of Monsters. This partnership not only bridges generational divides but also seamlessly combines traditional Iraqi music with innovative electronic production.MUJVHED | Sudan

Mujvhed is a rising Sudanese singer, songwriter, and rapper currently residing in Cairo after fleeing the war in Sudan. Known for his versatile sound, he skillfully blends genres like R&B, Hip-Hop, and Afrofusion, showcasing his unique melodies and creative exploration. Although Mujvhed has been making music for several years, 2024 marked his official debut, where he tackled various real-life issues, particularly those related to Sudan and his experiences. His journey from Khartoum to Cairo was challenging, yet he remained dedicated to his musical ambitions. Kiiko | Egypt

Kiiko is a 20-year-old Cairo-based alternative/indie musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his emotive vocal delivery and atmospheric soundscapes, Kiiko blends intricate indie pop arrangements with introspective lyricism. His sophomore EP ‘Altair’ has been a defining moment in his career, solidifying his place in Egypt's indie scene. The five-track project showcases his ability to navigate a spectrum of emotions, from melancholic reflection to dream-like reverie, all while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity. The project’s blend of poignant storytelling and layered instrumentation highlights Kiiko's growth as a versatile artist, making it a pivotal release in his musical journey.