Remi Chauveau Notes
A new Mediterranean‑Arabic generation is reshaping sound itself — blending home‑grown production, cross‑border collaboration, and coastal cultural bridges into a fresh sonic identity that travels farther than geography ever could.
Entertainment šŸŽÆ

šŸ’« 32 Artists Redefining Middle Eastern & North African Music in 2026

12 January 2026
@laiofficiall MSH S7AB EXTENDED OUT NOW ON ALL PLATFORMSSSS • video shot by Lynn Morkos edited by me • #arabic #arabicsong #arabictiktok #newsong #arabicmusic ♬ original sound - LAƏ • Ł„Ų¢ŁŠ

🌐 MSH S7AB — The Raw Pulse of the New Mediterranean‑Arabic Sound

ā€œMSH S7AB (Ł…Ų“ ŲµŲ­Ų§ŲØ)ā€ by LaĆÆ & Liliane Chlela channels a more confrontational facet of the Mediterranean‑Arabic new wave, built on tension, glitch, and the emotional honesty of small, improvised studios. Instead of polishing the track into pop clarity, the production embraces distortion, fractured beats, and intimate vocal takes that feel captured in the immediacy of real emotion. It reflects a next‑generation philosophy where music shaped in personal spaces lets raw environment, digital chaos, and truth sit directly in the mix. LaĆÆ and Chlela show how the home‑studio aesthetic can drive a sound that is experimental, emotionally direct, and fiercely self‑made — a bold direction for the region’s evolving sonic identity.

šŸŽ¶ šŸŒ™šŸŒ“āœØšŸŒšŸŽ§šŸŒ€šŸ‹šŸŒŠšŸšā›µ šŸ”Š MSH S7AB (Ł…Ų“ ŲµŲ­Ų§ŲØ) - LaĆÆ, Liliane Chlela




ā€œThe Middle East isn’t a place you hear — it’s a place that keeps reinventing its sound.ā€ — Mashrou’ Leila

In that spirit, this guide traces 32 artists reshaping Middle Eastern and North African music in 2026, mapping a generation that bends tradition, technology, and identity into new sonic futures.

1. Dana Hourani — The Minimalist Pop Visionary ✨

Dana Hourani has carved a unique lane in the regional pop landscape with her sleek, minimalist aesthetic and emotionally restrained vocal delivery. Born in Lebanon and raised between the Gulf and the West, her music reflects a cosmopolitan identity shaped by fashion, design, and contemporary art. Tracks like ā€œEnti Anaā€ and ā€œInshAllah Kheirā€ showcase her ability to blend alt‑pop sensibilities with Arabic melodic phrasing, creating a sound that feels both intimate and modern. Her visual world — clean lines, muted palettes, architectural framing — has become as influential as her music, inspiring a new generation of artists who see pop as a holistic art form.

2. Saint Levant — The Polyglot Pop Disruptor šŸŒŖļø

Saint Levant’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in Jerusalem to a French‑Algerian mother and a Palestinian‑Serbian father, his multicultural upbringing is the backbone of his sound. Seamlessly weaving Arabic, French, and English, he creates sensual, atmospheric pop rooted in diasporic identity and emotional vulnerability. His breakout hit ā€œVery Few Friendsā€ became a global anthem, and his 2026 releases lean deeper into club‑ready production and narrative intimacy. Levant stands at the forefront of a multilingual Middle Eastern wave, proving that identity‑rich pop can travel far beyond borders.

3. Elyanna — The Bilingual Pop Star in Ascent 🌹

Elyanna has become one of the most promising Arab pop exports of her generation. Born in Nazareth and raised in the U.S., she merges Arabic vocal traditions with Western pop structures, creating a hybrid sound that resonates across continents. Her hit ā€œMama Ehā€ introduced global audiences to her bilingual charm, while her performances — often barefoot, draped in flowing fabrics — evoke a mystical, almost ritualistic energy. In 2026, she’s poised for major international stages, carrying the torch for a new era of Arab‑global pop fusion.

4. Marwan Moussa — The Genre‑Bending Hitmaker šŸ”„

Marwan Moussa is one of the architects of Egypt’s rap renaissance. Known for his witty lyricism, genre‑fluid production, and instantly recognizable hooks, he has built a catalog that moves effortlessly between trap, funk, and experimental pop. Tracks like ā€œSheratonā€ and ā€œTeslaā€ became generational anthems, while his production work continues to influence the sound of rising Egyptian rappers. Moussa’s ability to reinvent himself with each release makes him one of the region’s most unpredictable — and exciting — artists.

5. Zeyne — The Indie‑Pop Confessionalist šŸŒ™

Zeyne’s music feels like reading someone’s diary under soft neon light. With roots in Lebanon’s indie scene, she blends dreamy synths, delicate vocals, and emotionally sharp writing that captures the anxieties and tenderness of young adulthood. Her breakout track ā€œMin Gheirakā€ introduced her intimate style to a wider audience, and her 2026 sound leans deeper into atmospheric indie‑pop with cinematic undertones. She’s quickly becoming a voice for listeners seeking vulnerability without melodrama.

6. Issam Alnajjar — The Global Pop Melodist šŸŒ

Issam Alnajjar became a global sensation with ā€œHadal Ahbek,ā€ a viral hit that crossed languages and continents. The Jordanian singer has since refined his melodic pop sound, blending acoustic warmth with modern production. His collaborations with international artists have expanded his reach, while his songwriting continues to center on youthful longing and emotional clarity. In 2026, Issam stands as one of the region’s most exportable pop voices.

7. Felukah — The Cairo‑Born Poet of Neo‑Soul šŸ”„šŸŽ¤

Felukah’s artistry sits at the intersection of poetry, hip‑hop, and neo‑soul. Born in Cairo and based in New York, she channels the duality of diaspora life into bilingual flows and introspective lyricism. Her albums ā€œCitadelā€ and ā€œThe Love Serumā€ explore femininity, identity, and self‑actualization through warm grooves and jazz‑inflected beats. Felukah’s 2026 sound embraces even richer instrumentation, positioning her as a cultural bridge between Arab heritage and global soul music.

8. Muqata’a — The Architect of Palestinian Electronic Resistance šŸŒ€

Muqata’a is a cornerstone of the Middle Eastern experimental scene. Based in Ramallah, he crafts glitchy, fractured electronic compositions that reflect the tension, fragmentation, and resilience of Palestinian life. His albums — including ā€œKamil Manqusā€ — have earned international acclaim for their political charge and sonic innovation. In 2026, he continues to push boundaries, collaborating with global underground artists and redefining what resistance can sound like.

9. Rasha Nahas — The Theatrical Rock Storyteller šŸŽ­

Rasha Nahas brings a theatrical, cabaret‑infused energy to indie rock. Born in Haifa and now based in Berlin, she blends Arabic folk, rock, and poetic lyricism into performances that feel like short films. Her album ā€œAmratā€ explored queer identity, displacement, and emotional turbulence with raw vulnerability. In 2026, her sound has grown more cinematic, making her one of the most compelling storytellers in the region.

10. Yazz Ahmed — The Arab‑Futurist Jazz Visionary šŸŽŗ

British‑Bahraini trumpeter Yazz Ahmed is redefining global jazz through an Arab‑futurist lens. Her albums ā€œLa Saboteuseā€ and ā€œPolyhymniaā€ blend Middle Eastern modes, electronic textures, and hypnotic horn lines into a sound that feels ancient and futuristic at once. She has collaborated with Radiohead, These New Puritans, and global jazz innovators, cementing her status as one of the most visionary musicians of her generation.

11. Tamtam — The Saudi Voice of Modern Soul šŸ’›

Tamtam’s warm, velvety tone has made her a standout in the region’s R&B landscape. Born in Riyadh and based in Los Angeles, she blends soulful melodies with themes of empowerment, vulnerability, and cross‑cultural identity. Her songs ā€œDriveā€ and ā€œGender Gameā€ highlight her ability to tackle social issues through accessible pop‑soul. In 2026, she continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s emerging musical identity.

12. OT Sygma — The Moroccan Trap Innovator šŸ¦‚

OT Sygma is one of the most exciting voices in Moroccan trap. His dark atmospheres, gritty flows, and cinematic production have earned him a loyal underground following. Influenced by French rap, drill, and North African rhythms, he’s crafting a sound that feels both local and globally competitive.

13. Thawra — The Rap Voice of Uprising šŸ”„

Thawra’s music is rooted in political urgency and personal conviction. Her sharp delivery and fearless lyricism have made her a powerful voice in regional hip‑hop. Drawing from protest culture, spoken word, and trap, she channels the energy of a generation demanding change.

14. HAJAJ — The Gulf’s Alt‑Pop Wildcard 🌓

HAJAJ blends indie, pop, and electronic textures into a sound that feels fresh and unpredictable. His influences range from bedroom pop to Khaleeji melodies, creating a hybrid identity that resonates with young Gulf listeners seeking something new.

15. Gustavo — The UAE’s Melodic Rap Export šŸŽ§

Gustavo’s smooth delivery and melodic hooks have positioned him as one of the UAE’s most promising rap exports. His sound blends Afrobeats, trap, and R&B, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the Emirates.

16. Karim Osama — The Producer Behind Egypt’s New Wave šŸŽ›ļø

Karim Osama is one of the key producers shaping Egypt’s rap explosion. His beats — often blending shaabi textures with modern trap — have powered hits across the scene. His influence is felt in the sonic identity of an entire generation of Egyptian rappers.

17. Blu Fiefer — The Lebanese Alt‑Pop Rebel šŸ’„

Blu Fiefer’s dark pop aesthetic, bold visuals, and unapologetic persona have made her a standout in Lebanon’s alternative scene. Her hit ā€œSintikā€ showcased her ability to merge electronic production with Middle Eastern motifs. She continues to push boundaries in both sound and image.

18. Valerie Blud — The Dream‑Pop Siren 🌸

Valerie Blud crafts ethereal dream‑pop infused with soft vocals and lush production. Her music feels like a hazy memory — nostalgic, intimate, and cinematic. She’s quickly becoming a favorite among indie listeners seeking emotional depth.

19. Nisy — The Tunisian Rap Prodigy šŸ”„

Nisy’s sharp flows and charismatic presence have made him one of Tunisia’s most exciting young rappers. His sound blends Maghrebi rhythms with modern trap, and his storytelling often reflects the realities of youth navigating social and economic tension.

20. KOAST — The Palestinian R&B Drifter 🌊

KOAST blends R&B, soul, and rap into atmospheric tracks shaped by diaspora identity. His smooth vocals and introspective writing have earned him a growing following across the Levant and beyond.

21. Mayah AlKhateri (kiss facility) — The Emirati Pop Aestheticist šŸ’Ž

Mayah AlKhateri is redefining what Emirati pop can look and sound like. Her polished visuals, modern pop sensibility, and fashion‑driven identity make her one of the UAE’s most promising cultural exports.

22. Hoosh — The Sudanese‑American Soul Nomad šŸŒ

Hoosh blends R&B, rap, and Afro‑diasporic influences into a sound that feels nomadic and deeply personal. His breakout track ā€œBetter Daysā€ introduced his warm tone and introspective writing to a global audience.

23. Kokym — The Moroccan Electronic Shapeshifter šŸŒ€

Kokym is part of a new wave of Moroccan producers blending club culture with Amazigh and North African rhythms. His sets and releases are known for their hypnotic energy and genre‑bending experimentation.

24. BigMurk — The Dark Trap Force šŸŒ‘

BigMurk’s heavy beats and gritty flows have made him a rising figure in the region’s underground trap scene. His music channels raw emotion and street‑level storytelling.

25. LHAJ — The Desert‑Born Rap Stylist 🐪

LHAJ blends Maghrebi cadence with modern trap production, creating a sound that feels rooted in desert culture yet globally relevant. His vocal tone and rhythmic choices set him apart.

26. Rita L’Oujdia — The Moroccan Pop Enchanter 🌺

Rita L’Oujdia brings a melodic, modern pop sensibility to Moroccan music. Her hits blend Arabic scales with contemporary production, and her rising popularity hints at a major breakout.

27. LaĆÆ — The Soft‑Spoken Indie Poet šŸŒ™

Laï’s minimalist production and delicate vocals create an intimate listening experience. Her writing is introspective, often exploring themes of solitude, longing, and emotional nuance.

28. Noise Diva — The Experimental Club Queen ⚔

Noise Diva is pushing the boundaries of electronic music with bold sound design and performance art. Her sets blend industrial textures, club rhythms, and avant‑garde aesthetics.

29. Ouidad — The Moroccan Soul‑Pop Healer šŸ’–

Ouidad’s warm tone and emotional writing have earned her a devoted following. Her music blends soul, pop, and Moroccan influences into a soothing, heartfelt sound.

30. Amira Jazeera — The Ethereal Pop Storyteller šŸŒ™āœØ

Amira Jazeera blends mystic aesthetics with modern pop production, creating a sound that feels otherworldly. Her visuals and songwriting evoke a dreamlike universe.

31. NAJISOUL — The Levantine R&B Craftsman šŸŽ¶

Naji’s smooth vocals and polished songwriting place him among the region’s most promising male vocalists. His sound blends R&B, pop, and Arabic melodic phrasing.

32. Zaynab — The Cross‑Cultural Electro‑Pop Explorer 🌐

Zaynab merges Arabic melodies with futuristic electronic production, crafting a sound that feels global and forward‑leaning. Her 2026 releases push her deeper into electro‑pop territory.

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Next‑Gen Middle East Sound

The Home‑Studio Renaissance Behind ā€œTeshreenā€
Laï’s work on ā€œTeshreen | ŲŖŲ“Ų±ŁŠŁ†ā€ embodies a new era of home‑studio production, where intimacy becomes a creative asset rather than a constraint. She builds her sound from personal spaces — room tone, low‑volume takes, and minimal gear — turning raw environment into texture. This approach, paired with VRVBI’s modern, detail‑driven production, reflects a next‑generation philosophy: music crafted in small, imperfect rooms can hold a depth and emotional precision that big studios often smooth out, allowing artists like LaĆÆ to shape entire sonic identities from the authenticity of their own surroundings.

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