The emerging wave of creative musical talent from the Middle East, North Africa and its global diaspora communities reached new heights in 2024, upping the ante for what's in store for the year ahead.
As we move into 2025, here are 10 artists to watch, follow and listen to over the next 12 months.
Zeyne
The Palestinian-Jordanian singer, songwriter, musician and producer, 27, capped off a breakout year in 2024 with the incredibly moving anthem Asli Ana. The tune served as an ode to her home of Palestine and Palestinian people, complete with what many consider to be the music video of the year. But it’s what Zeyne has done outside of music – consistently advocating for her homeland – that shows how a musician can create art and still speak out.
Nabeel
The Iraqi-American artist has made waves by charting a new course in Arabic grunge, with hits like the deeply personal Khaif. His voice harks back to a time in the mid 80s and early 90s when grunge emerged as a counter-cultural musical expression. After dropping two EPs in 2024, the Virginia-based Nabeel will look to carry the genre in a language that speaks more directly to his community.
Tul8te
The surprise and ultra-fast rise of Tul8te has set high expectations for the artist in 2025. The anonymous masked Egyptian singer made waves in 2024 with the song Layalina and blew the doors off with his album Cocktail Ghena’y, a modern take on the familiar rhythms of 90s Egyptian pop music. While his true identity remains unknown to the public, Tul8te has captured the attention of the masses. It will be intriguing to see how he capitalises on his success in the new year.
Kazdoura
The Toronto-based band stayed busy in 2024, releasing six new songs – among them, their breakout hit Khayal, a vibey, neo-psychedelic track reminiscent of the 70s. Kazdoura formed in 2020, finding much success on TikTok thanks to their cross-cultural fusion of Arabic, funk and disco. Led by Syrian singer Leen Hamo and Lebanese jazz musician Johnny Abou Chacra, the duo are currently gearing up for the release of a new album in March 2025.
Minerva
In 2024, after much anticipation, the Moroccan emcee released her first EP, Mercury 80, a bold and confident project featuring aggressive drill rap production and a refreshing in-your-face attitude throughout. Minerva does not seem intimidated by a rap scene dominated by men and will look to capitalise in 2025.
Nuj
Part of a new generation of promising Lebanese rappers, Nuj showcased his lyrical prowess and versatility in 2024 with songs like the boom-bap Dopamine and the trap-infused Sabbidej. The emcee made a guest appearance with fellow Lebanese rapper Jamul on their song Tourab and won this year’s Fi Shway Budget freestyle competition held by independent Lebanese label Mafi Budget.
Shaw
The Moroccan rapper had released a slew of singles since 2020 before coming out with the behemoth mixtape Bledard, sharing his journey as an immigrant and offering a voice for the Moroccan youth. The deluxe version of the mixtape features cosigns from fellow Moroccan emcees Kira7 and Hassa1, along with the North African duo TripleGo. Shaw followed this up with the release of 6am in October, an emotional boom-bap track that has quickly become among his most popular songs.
Molham
After a relatively quiet 2023, the indie Saudi singer returned in full force in 2024, showcasing his versatility across genres. From the pop-forward Mashallah to the R&B hits of Thanbi and Ansaki, Molham has set himself up for a breakout year in 2025, building on the foundation he laid in 2024.
Seera
The all-female psychedelic rock band released several singles in 2024, culminating in their first studio album Al Mojallad Al Awal in December. The Riyadh-based group – made up of guitarist Haya; the masked “Thing” on drums; bassist Meesh; and Nora on lead vocals and keyboard – performed at the music conference XP and the Soundstorm festival in 2024, setting high expectations for 2025.
Tageel
The Sudanese emcee made waves in 2024, breaking out with the release of his acclaimed double-disc album Kitab, telling an introspective, holistic story of the rapper’s identity and encapsulating his hyper-confidence and sensitivities. Having cemented his place in the Sudanese rap scene, Tageel will look to build upon his success in 2025.
