A fresh wave of North African releases balances contemporary production with deep-rooted musical traditions, drawing on 20th-century pop samples, regional rhythms, and cross-border collaborations.
Hiba Elgizouli – ‘Hungry’
Independent Sudanese artist Hiba Elgizouli first gained attention in 2018 with visually striking videos created alongside her sisters Sally and Mai. The opening track of her new EP Moya W Nar, released in July, was written in 2019. ‘Hungry’ opens with string arrangements reminiscent of Sudan’s golden era, while intricate percussion underpins introspective vocals in Arabic and English.
Alewya – ‘Cairo FM’
Egyptian-Ethiopian Londoner Alewya has released her debut album Zero. The track ‘Cairo FM’ samples El Shab Arrab’s ‘Lw Kan’ and channels a 1970s disco influence. Alewya layers the original groove with a hook and rhythmic chant-rapping, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and current.
Soolking & Willylancien – ‘Cogite’
Algerian star Soolking and French musician Willylancien join forces on ‘Cogite’, a buoyant summer track built on electronic production and heavy bass. Soolking’s melodic delivery contrasts with lyrics that examine ambition and the nature of fame.
Ziad Zaza & Tina – ‘Bahlam Maak’
Shortly before his death following a sudden health crisis, Egyptian icon and Al-Masryeen founder Hany Shenouda granted rapper Ziad Zaza and emerging singer Tina permission to reinterpret his 1979 hit ‘Bahlam Maak’. The duo deliver a piano-led, dreamy duet before drums and electric guitar transform the track into a danceable piece, with Zaza returning to his signature autotuned delivery.
Tageel & Mvndila – ‘Gamra’
Sudanese artists Tageel and Mvndila have released their joint EP Culture, which also marks the start of a distribution deal for Tageel with Mass Appeal Records. On ‘Gamra’, a pulsating synth line and distorted bass support Mvndila’s energetic performance, while Tageel counters with a grounded rap delivery.
Inez & Najm – ‘Nta Liya’
Moroccan Dutch singer-songwriter Inez has put out her debut album Farasha. The track ‘Nta Liya’ features Moroccan musician Najm and explores themes of dark romance and deep attachment. The production merges contemporary pop, R&B, and Moroccan percussion, allowing both vocalists to express a range of emotions from sadness to resilience.
Donia Wael – ‘Feek Haga’
Egyptian musician Donia Wael is known for guitar-driven arrangements and introspective lyrics. On ‘Feek Haga’, she shifts toward a more minimalist pop sound with a lighter, playful tone, while retaining her dreamy vocal delivery.
Connan & Hleem Taj Alser – ‘Shift’
Sudanese rappers Connan and Hleem Taj Alser collaborate on ‘Shift’, a high-energy hip-hop fusion track. Afrobeat percussion, syncopated patterns, and trap influences underpin Connan’s melodic flow, with Alser matching the delivery seamlessly.
TUL8TE – ‘Garee3a Awy’
Egyptian artist TUL8TE made his Colors x Berlin debut with ‘Garee3a Awy’, a single about instant infatuation that previews his forthcoming album. The track leans on 1990s and early 2000s Arab pop nostalgia, pairing conversational lyrics with dramatic string arrangements.
Rhita Nattah – ‘Kanbouni’
Independent Moroccan artist Rhita Nattah released ‘Kanbouni’ as a call to stand up for what is right. ‘The song is about having words so strong that they feel like a punch to the person hearing them,’ Nattah said. ‘Because authenticity is what makes a person strong.’ The production draws on North African string instrumentation and builds momentum through syncopated, chant-like vocal patterns.
