Music Videos of the Year Middle East & North Africa 2024

For decades, music videos have evolved into an art form that now rivals major feature films in creativity and technical achievements, offering an indispensable storytelling tool for artists that can make or break their entire aesthetic.

In 2024, the MENA region saw a wide range of music videos that showcased innovation, cultural commentary and artistic flair, with many exploring the political complexities of the modern-day region, and others offering a tasteful and refreshing blend of levity and dread. This list highlights some of the most compelling visuals and narratives of the year, celebrating the creativity of directors, producers and crews who continuously display the depth of the region’s music scene on a global stage.

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

3amel Eh - Marwan Moussa

While dealing with deep grief and depression, Egyptian rap star Marwan Moussa was understandably absent from the music scene for nearly two years. His come-back, ‘3amel Eh’, offered a glimpse into this dark time. Omar Donga’s direction for the music video gave us an intimate window into the rapper's grieving process, capturing the raw vulnerability following his mother’s passing. Through personal scenes in Moussa’s home, and poignant appearances by his father and friends, the video pairs its somber visuals with the track’s deeply reflective tone, presenting a powerful narrative of loss and healing.

7amla - Fifty Elostora & Ortega

In their ambitious music video ‘7amla’, directed by Mostafa Medhat, two of Egypt’s most influential mahragan artists - Fifty Elostora and Ortega - teamed up to produce a clip that leveraged an insane number of cameos that spanned almost the entire Egyptian rap scene. With stars like Karim Osama, Marwan Moussa, El Waili, Riff, Molotof and many more, the clip portrayed the artists during their time in prison, dealing with the aftermath of a heist gone awry. 

7arrir 3aqlak / Asli Ana - Zeyne

Directed by Farid Malki and shaped by the vision of creative director Farah Hourani, Palestinian artist Zeyne’s ‘7arrir 3aqlak / Asli Ana’ is a visually rich short film that serves as a celebration of Palestinian resilience, history and identity. Featuring theatrical musical elements, scenes of Dabke dancing - reimagined by choreographer Majdi Karakra - and sartorial traditional practices, the visuals mirror the song's dynamic storytelling, which sees Zeyne reclaiming her identity, chronicling her roots amidst the current genocide unravelling in Gaza.

Ahrub - Tamtam

Visually embodying the heartfelt emotion at the core the track, the video for Saudi Arabian artist Tamtam’s ‘Ahrub’, filmed in Mexico City and directed by Emilio Guerra, is a masterclass in metaphorical storytelling. Taking on a black-and-white visual style, akin to the golden age of Hollywood films, the video, starring Mexican actor Claudio Roca as Tamtam’s former lover, captures scenes of the rosy moments of a relationship, and delves beyond the surface of a breakup, whilst highlighting the visceral wounds it leaves behind.

Cairo ??? - Pollution Opera

‘Cairo ???’ by Pollution Opera seems at first glance to be an unassuming recording of a near-empty dining hall with not much going on, but as the unsettling music and subtle visual effects - courtesy of visual artist and director Omar El Sadek - unfold, the result is a haunting visual experience that transforms the mundanity of the setting into a space of quiet unease.

Cima - Montiyago

Sudanese rapper Montiyago’s ‘Cima’, directed by Dony, looks and feels like a fever dream in the way it effortlessly blends the nonchalance of hip hop with the serenity of nature and the rugged charm of country life. It features the rapper sporting blue overalls in a beautiful garden, set in front of a green house with a worn roof. Throughout the video, Montiyago is seen pacing back and forth in the foreground, unfazed as he drags a horse through picturesque rolling hills that look like something out of a Ghibli film.

Drive - Madd ft. Snor

Directed by Akim Laouar and Kamil Tahiri, Moroccan rappers Madd and Snow team up on the music video for ‘Drive’, in which a series of symbolic visuals and contrasting atmospheres tell a layered story of frustration and ambition. The video follows Madd travelling in a touring van along a long stretch of desert highway, as the shots capture his pensiveness and unease. But while Madd is portrayed in this realistic lens, Snor on the other hand is surrounded by a group of fully veiled witches, who feature prominently throughout the video to add a touch of supernatural mystique to the video. ​​

Daloona - Saint Levant, 47 Soul, Shadi Borrini, Qassem Alnajjar

Shot in a nostalgic VHS style, ‘DALOONA’ by Saint Levant, directed by Cannes-nominated Gazan filmmakers Tarzan and Arab, captures the vibrancy of Palestinian culture through a wedding celebration. Featuring contributions from artists like Shadi Borini, 47Soul and Qasem Al Najjar, the video weaves themes of unity, resilience and pride, celebrating Palestinian identity and joy even amidst ongoing struggles.

Dumya Bilaa Khie6aan - Bu Kolthoum

The music video for ‘Dumya Bilaa Khie6aan’, directed by Pasqual Amade, opens with Syrian rap pioneer Bu Kolthoum in a deep conversation with a clone of himself in a dimly lit room, reflecting the track’s personal and introspective themes. The narrative shifts to Bu Kolthoum stranded alone in a vast desert, symbolising the isolation and internal struggles often tied to displacement and migration. In its final moments, the video returns to the intimate setting, completing a full circle that underscores the cyclical journey of self-discovery and clarity.

DÉJÀ VU - Marwan Pablo

Filmed in the UAE’s striking desert heat, the music video for ‘DÉJÀ VU’ by Marwan Pablo explores a futuristic and surreal aesthetic under the direction of Abanoub Ramsis. With Pablo navigating dreamlike desert scenery and urban skylines, the video incorporates bold visual elements and experimental editing by Islam Faris to mirror the glitchy, cyclical nature of the track’s sonics.

EL BM BKM DLWATY? - ZIAD ZAZA

Egyptian rapper and visual creator Turk’s direction for rap star ZIAD ZAZA’s ‘EL BM BKM DLWATY?’ creates an expressionist visual landscape that reflects the track’s chaotic spirit. By obscuring ZIAD ZAZA’s face with unconventional costumes and emphasizing his animated body language, the video crafts a compelling narrative of energy and unpredictability, where ZAZA’s intense body language matches the music's unrestrained dynamism.

Embareh - Ramez Naguib & Mahdy Madness

Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Amr Mahdi, this retro-inspired technicolor video stars Mahdy Madness and Ramez Naguib dressed in vintage attire, set against a backdrop of quick 80s-style transitions and cinematic overlays. Its minimalistic, home-movie-like aesthetic is elevated by vivid colors and immersive energy, echoing an ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ vibe that perfectly complements the track’s infectious synth-driven disco beat.

Fokak Meni - Lella Fadda 

Lella Fadda's ‘Fokak Meni’ is a bold statement, both musically and visually. Collaborating with directors Hossam Hilmy and Boudhist, along with the production house CULT, the artist crafted a psychedelic-meets-commercial music video that perfectly complements the song's otherworldly yet confident tone. The video takes viewers on a journey through Lella's mind, capturing her daydreams and stream of consciousness, while the psychedelic aesthetic and Lella's stellar performance create a visually striking and captivating experience.

Ghtayta - Blu Fiefer

The self-directed music video for Blu Fiefer’s ‘Ghtayta’ is a vivid showcase of her unique creative vision. Opening with Fiefer as a quirky TV presenter in a green suit promoting chamomile herbs, the video quickly transitions between contrasting personas: one in a glamorous faux-fur coat and another in a relaxed tie-dye shirt, reflecting the song’s carefree and adventurous essence. As it unfolds, the fast-paced editing and vibrant visuals embody themes of joy and freedom, culminating in a chaotic house party disrupted by police sirens as the music slows. Featuring cameos and an energetic narrative, the video captures Fiefer’s playful and provocative storytelling style.

Halwasa - Papii

Sudanese rapper Papii’s ‘Halwasa’ delivers a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic that takes us through a scattered journey. Directed by THEAYMEN, the video’s storyline takes us from solitary moments, where Papii is dining on a tiny piece of sour candy to wildly different settings, from snowy hillsides and campfires to lumber yards and jail cells. The video employs washed-out tones, stunning visual effects, and classic rap video transitions to craft a hypnotic journey that reflects the song’s hallucinatory themes.

Hor - Ilmond

Ilmond takes the helm as director for the music video for ‘Hor’, offering a cinematic exploration of the track’s contemplative themes and the introspective journey of its parent album. Ilmond is presented in a stark, minimalist setting, illuminated against a pitch-black backdrop, his scarred face embodying a sense of disorientation and reflection. A recurring guru-like figure bookends the video, symbolising guidance while leaving Muhab’s quest for answers intriguingly unresolved.

Kaza Haga - Slyver PV

In a surprising move in 2024, Slyver PV announced his retirement from music after one of his most successful years yet. Just before this announcement, he released ‘Kaza Haga’, accompanied by a visually striking music video directed by Muhammed Sheriff. The video departs from Slyver's typical style, employing dynamic lighting and innovative camera techniques to create a sense of constant motion that mirrors the track's vibrant energy. Set against urban backdrops, the video places a strong emphasis on Slyver's presence, focusing on his face as he delivers his bars with the weight of someone leaving behind a final statement before stepping away.

Lojy - Karim Ossama & Riff

Karim Osama and Riff’s ‘Lojy’ is a quirky, addictive track brought to life through a nostalgic and inventive visual narrative. Directed by Marwan Tarek, the video captures the essence of childhood by setting scenes in an elementary school, blending humor and familiarity. The contrast between Karim’s structured morning line-up and the vibrant outdoor sequences adds dynamic energy, while Tarek’s playful direction amplifies the video’s charm and appeal.

Mahboula - Manal

Manal’s ‘Mahboula’ brings the pop star’s charismatic presence to the forefront, immersed in a colorful portrayal of Moroccan street life. Directed by Oussama Hedda, the video uses vivid visuals and interesting locations to complement the track’s energetic rhythms, capturing the essence of Moroccan culture while highlighting Manal’s dynamic performance as its core.

Mandela - Hleem Taj Alser

In ‘Mandela’, directed by Hussein Khaled and Mohamed Osama, Sudanese rapper Hleem Taj Alser addresses the complexities of migration through evocative visuals that speak to displacement and resilience. While the video refrains from explicitly referencing the Sudanese civil war, its contemplative approach frames migration as a universal struggle, layering personal reflection with broader societal commentary.

Maylin - TIF

The music video for TIF’s ‘Maylin’, directed by Rachid Mezimeche, captures the free-spirited, communal essence of Algerian youth with a nostalgic and poetic lens. Set against the recurring backdrop of the Mediterranean coast, the imagery symbolises immigration - a hopeful yet bittersweet journey for many. TIF pens a visual letter to his homeland, reflecting on the place he left behind in pursuit of dreams, yet revisits with enduring affection through memory.

NEVERMIND - Koast

Director Amir Sellimi captures the untamed energy of Tunisian artist Koast in the music video for ‘NEVERMIND’, expertly alternating between vivid colors and stark black-and-white visuals that mirror the raw intensity of the track's lyrics. Drawing inspiration from the 2000 classic film ‘Requiem for a Dream’, the video evokes the fleeting, love-induced euphoria Koast clings to in the wake of a failed relationship, weaving cinematic references into the narrative to deepen the emotional impact.

Nikey - Stormy, Dizzy Dros

‘Nikey’ by Stormy and Dizzy Dros stands as one of Morocco's biggest rap hits of 2024, brought to life with a music video that channels a classic American Western aesthetic. Directed by American filmmaker Adam John Watts, the video introduces its characters with an almost cinematic flair, drawing inspiration from Tarantino’s opening credits. Featuring rugged locations, guns blazing, and cowboy hats front and centre, the visuals deliver a playful yet striking homage to the Wild West, complementing the track's bold energy.

Nogoum - Nour

Set between an abandoned warehouse and a majestic palace, and making use of the stark contrast between them, director and producer Mazen Bayoumi captures Nour’s inner turmoil and anxiety in the music video for ‘Nogoum’. The video begins with Nour confined in an empty warehouse, restrained by warped wires symbolising the suffocating nature of struggle, before transitioning to the grandiose palace, where she ultimately finds a sense of self-acceptance, illustrating her tumultuous emotional journey.

Ostaz Mahmoud Bezzawy - Ahmed Santa & Abyusif

Egyptian rappers Ahmed Santa and Abyusif go to the movies in ‘Ostaz Mahmoud Bezzawy’, where the rappers exchange verses in an empty cinema while munching on popcorn, sipping their sodas, and taking centre stage with their commanding energy. Directed by Korayem and Omar Mano, the video features masterful transitions and crisp cinematography, elevating the raw performances against its minimalist backdrop.

Petty As I Want - Féras Chatila, Baraka

In the music video for ‘Petty As I Want’ by Féras Chatila and Baraka, directed by Amr El Mahdi and shot by DOP Mina Ezzat, an unsettling yet comedic atmosphere emerges. The video mixes humour with eerie undertones, especially in scenes where the two prank each other, with one notable moment taking place in a barber shop where Baraka embodies Féras’s inner struggles, reflecting the tension in the song’s lyrics. The team employs a vintage visual style, using film to create a dramatic, surrealist look, which enhances the video’s layered narrative, balancing both levity and discomfort.

Rad Saree3 - Shabjdeed, Riyadiyat, Al Nather

Going back to their beloved animation style seen previously in videos such as ‘Kteer Ktar’, Palestinian rap label BLTNM’s Shabjdeed, Al Nather, and Riyadiyat deliver yet another stunning animated video with ‘Rad Saree3’, where director Rony Karkar and Stereo animation studio create a visually imaginative counterpart to the trio’s 2024 hit. The video employs bold animation to mirror the lyrics through literal and symbolic interpretations, blending colourful imagery with dynamic transitions to amplify the song's layered themes.

Shkoon - A.L.A

Directed by Ahmed Kwifya, ‘Shkoon’  by A.L.A. takes viewers through a striking variety of settings, from beaches to slums to crowded buses, with these contrasting environments mirroring the track's lyrics. A brief moment in the video shows Tunisian and French leaders shaking hands, with elements of bureaucracy devolving into chaos around them. The SFX by Mrehan Essam and the dynamic VFX, which prominently features vibrant colours like red, green and black, elevate the video’s visual storytelling, adding to its captivating, immersive quality.

Tshreen - Soulja

Lush greenery, bright colours and a cosy home set the scene for Soulja’s ‘Tshreen’, where the Sudanese rap star’s cool and collected confidence takes the spotlight in the music video directed by co-founder & head of regional label SVNBIRDS, Dony. The video's satisfying colour palette and thoughtfully composed shots amplify its charm, making the visuals almost as engaging as the track itself.

Ya Habiby - Nasser & Khafage

Going meta for their latest collaboration ‘Ya Habiby’, Egyptian artists Nasser and Khafage take us to a set within a set, as the music video directed by Mina Samer kicks off in a production shoot, where Khafage is cool and collected behind his keyboard, and Nasser takes the spotlight with his emotive performance. Blending poolside shots with intimate, focused moments, the music video contrasts the dynamic between the two artists, and makes its way onto our list at least partially because it may or may not just show one of Egypt’s most successful artists unmasked and in the flesh.