Paris-based Algerian artist TIF stages his COLORSxSTUDIOS debut.
The 14 Best North African Songs Right Now
Add these North African songs by Koteri, TIF, Koast and more to your summer playlist.
May saw a variety of cross-regional collaborations; rappers from Egypt, Sudan and Tunisia teamed up with musicians of other genres to push their musical boundaries and try out new sounds.
While this month’s releases are heavily dominated by men, women actively assert their voices and politics through freestyles. While you’re here, checking out the 14 best new North African songs and albums, listen to what Sudan’s Nadine El Roubi and Egypt’s Felukah have to say about the state of the world.
Koteri “Karnaby” (Egypt)
Abdallah Diab, the lead singer of U.K.-based band Koteri and son of Egyptian superstar Amr Diab, releases “Karnaby” alongside band members Dinar and Jordan Spiro. To a backdrop of energetic pop sounds, funk and jazz, the track narrates the experience of adjusting to life in London through the lens of an outsider.
TIF “Nothing Personal” (Algeria)
Paris-based Algerian artist Toufik Bouhraoua, aka TIF, stages his COLORSxSTUDIOS debut with an acoustic-led rendition of his new single “Nothing Personal.” TIF, who left Algeria for France eight years ago and rose to prominence with his debut album 1.6 last year, infuses his music with nostalgic blends of chaâbi, French and Arabic rap, and Andalusian music.
Koast “Nevermind” (Tunisia)
Paris-based Tunisian musician Koast is back with her unmistakable vocal lines, made of enchanting Arabic scales and English lyrics. Raised in Tunisia's budding hip-hop scene, Koast is carving out her space in a male-dominated environment; “Nevermind” is another melodic assertion that Koast plays no games, she just “plays it cool.”
Alyoung, Randar, Stormy “Wa7d Tani” (Morocco)
Moroccan star Stormy teams up with Saudi Arabian rap duo Alyoung and Randar for a feature on “Wa7d Tani.” The track fuses sounds of their respective homelands, like the Nay flute, local string instruments , and syncopated rhythms, with modern rap and synths.
Ramez Naguib & Nubi “Matesta3batch” (Egypt)
Egyptian producer, DJ and composer Ramez Naguib features a diverse range of artists from across the region on his collaborative album Yemken (Maybe). Track two off the album, “Matesta3batch,” is a collaboration with Egyptian rapper Nubi, who stepped onto the regional music scene in 2021, establishing his unique sound that blends Nubian elements with modern rap aesthetics.
Tageel “Najma” feat. Mvndila & MaMan (Sudan)
Saudi-based Sudanese rapper Tageel released his debut album Kitab (Book), a two-disk record of intricate rhyme schemes and thoughtful lyrics. “Najma,” the project’s stand-out track featuring Sudanese musicians Mvndila and MaMan, combines Tageel’s rap with quintessential Sudanese melodies.
Raste “C’est pas joli” (Morocco)
Moroccan alternative hip-hop artist Anass Rhouzal, aka Raste, continues racking up streams with every song he releases. His summer hit “C’est pas joli” is a melodic, bilingual dance invitation that Raste sings over a looping guitar.
Dana Hourani, Anas & Nordo “Ana” (Algeria, Tunisia)
Lebanese pop singer Dana Hourani teams up with Algerian rapper Anas and Tunisian rapper Nordo for the feel-good summer dance track “Ana.” Co-produced by Taym and Sleiman Damien, and collectively written, this track was released under the independent Empire WANA label and is testament to the region’s increasing interconnectedness.
Hala “Dominant” (Egypt)
Two years after stepping onto the Egyptian music scene and two months after being featured as Apple Music’s artist of the month, Egyptian singer and rapper Hala is officially on the rise. With “Dominant” she delivers a confident, catchy track, switching flows and melodies to a dancing bass.
A.L.A. “Souvenir” (Tunisia)
While Tunisian superstar Ala Ferchichi, aka A.L.A, likes to stay lowkey and mysterious, he speaks to listeners through his music and doesn’t fail to release hit after hit, getting millions of views for each track. His latest, “Souvenir,” is a melodic performance that sees him singing of hardship.
BLVXB, Ruhmvn “3amma“ feat. Barry (Sudan)
Saudi-based Sudanese artist Blvxb released his two-disc debut album Valhalla, boasting with regional collaborations, featuring the likes of TooDope, Nayomi, Connan, Ahmed Santa, The Synaptik, Xena Elshazlii and many more. “3amma” features Blvxb’s long-time collaborator Ruhmvn and Barry for an energetic house-inspired dance track.
Dounia “Simplify” (Morocco)
“Simplify” is Moroccan-American singer, songwriter, and model Dounia’s first released track after she dropped her eponymous album Dounia last year. Sung in breathy, reverb-heavy vocals, the track continues her musical journey into ethereal, otherworldly soundscapes.
Ismail Nosrat & Ziad Zaza “NICE” (Egypt)
Egyptian Brazilian producer and composer Ismail Nosrat collaborates with versatile rapper Ziad Zaza on “NICE,” an ambient electronic summer track released through Nosrat’s label Beatroot Records. While Zaza is known for his experimental vocals, this time he delivers only one line to accompany Nosrat’s dreamy instrumentals.
Joujma & Samara “Mayoufech” (Tunisia)
“Mayoufech” by Tunisian rapper Samara and Tunisian-Albanian artist Joujma debuted in third place on Spotify in Tunisia. Blending a traditional Dabke beat with elements of electronic music, the two rappers address societal pressures and injustice.
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