Do you know the TikTok viral song you’ve been dancing to, like “Goumi” or “Ya Tabtab”? Arabic songs are starting to get the recognition it deserves. If you’re either born and raised in the middle east or want to learn Arabic, listening to Arabic music can help you understand the culture and language better.
Here’s our list of the top Arabic musicians you should listen to immerse yourself fully. Beware since these musicians will make you want to belly dance or groove!
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1. Nancy Ajram
One of the OG Arabic singers; if you’re a gulf kid, you’ll probably have nostalgia hearing songs by Nancy Ajram from her Coca-Cola commercials. You’ll love her songs from” Akhasmak Ah “or “Aah W Noss, “then you know how these super catchy songs have been a part of your childhood. If you hear the viral TikTok song, “Ya Tabtab,” it’s her song too!
Lebanese singer, TV host, and entrepreneur Nancy Nabil Ajram. According to Spotify, she is the “Queen of Arab Pop” for her role in the 21st-century renaissance of Arabic pop music. She’s the equivalent of Madonna as the queen of pop!
With Nancy 10, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram releases her tenth full-length album. In2Musica published it on July 10, 2021, four years after the release of its predecessor, Nancy 9. Her newest album included the dance-pop singles “Badna Nwalee El Jaw,” “Salamat,” and “Miyye W Khamsin.”
2. Myriam Fares
If Nancy Ajram is the equivalent of Madonna, then Myriam Fares is known for her unique style and music equivalent to Lady Gaga, innovative and fresh. You can’t help but love her angelic voice and striking visuals. Another OG Arabic singer every 90’s kids can feel nostalgic listening to her songs, “Waheishni Eh” and “Nadini.” That’s not just the Arabic pop star trending viral Tiktok music,” Goumi” has taken over social media like a storm!
Lebanese singer, dancer, actress, and performer Myriam Fares. Myriam has been compared to the Colombian-Lebanese popstar Shakira for her “provocative” style of entertainment, particularly her choice of attire and dance style. Still, Myriam has made her mark in the entertainment industry unique. You’ll love her creativity and pop songs anyway!
3. Ruby
Do you love watching Egyptian series or movies on Netflix? Then you’ll recognize Ruby for her stunning portrayal of Nadya in Once Upon A Time or Aho Da Elly Sar in the historical series. She’s not just a fantastic actress but a singer too! You’ll love her new tracks, “Hetta Tanya,” “Alby Plastic,” and “Nameet Nena”!
Egyptian-born singer and actress Rania Hussein Muhammad Tawfiq performs under the stage names Ruby or Rouby. She began her career in the modeling industry before transitioning to the music industry. In a short time, she rose to fame because of not just her songs but also her stunning good looks and seductive stage presence.
4. Shakira
Yes, who doesn’t know about Shakira? The icon doesn’t just have Spanish heritage but Lebanese as well. If you feel like listening to English, Spanish and Arabic, you can appreciate the magnificent blending of distinct melody and style in her song “Ojos Asi”! Shakira is most known for her classic songs like “Whenever Wherever” or “Waka Waka ( This time for Africa),” which are also a part of every gulf kid’s childhood! She’s well known for her wicked belly dancing skills, thanks to her Arabic ancestry!
Colombian- Lebanese singer and songwriter Shakira was born on February 2, 1977, in the city of Barranquilla. Her given name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll. Shakira, with Lebanese and Colombian parents, draws inspiration from both cultures in her music. At age 8, she composed her first song, and by 13, she had her first record deal.
5. Inez
If you ever feel like listening to soulful Arabic music, let Inez swoon you with her tracks” My Love” and “Menak Wla Meni Mashup ‘”You’ll love her distinct voice and Arabic music. Born on February 6, 1995, Inez Atili is a singer of Moroccan- Dutch descent. Singer, composer, producer, and sound engineer Daniella Inez Walker (aka INEZ) is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6. Cyrine Abdul Noor
One of the famous Arabic songs back in the day is Law Bas Fe Aini! Cyrine Abdelnour is well-known in the Lebanese entertainment industry. In 2004, she published her debut album, titled Leila Min Layali. In 2006, she released her second album titled Aleik Ayouni, which featured the hit ballad “Law Bas Fe Aini.”
7. Haifa Wehbe
Another Lebanese singer is on the list, and it’s none other than the legendary Haifa Wehbe! The internet called her the original It girl, somehow like Angelina Jolie kind of It girl. You’ll love her tracks, “Egmady” and “Tigi,” so go ahead and give it a go! Be warned that you’ll be addicted to her songs, just like how she captured Arabic song lovers globally!
8. Balqees
Balqees Ahmed Fathi, who is originally from Yemen, is an Emirati singer and actress. She performs under the stage name Balqees. As her mother is a Yemeni citizen of the UAE and her father, Ahmed Fathi, was a famous Yemeni singer. She was born into a creative family. You’ll love her tracks, “Janoub Al Darb” and “Entaha .”Her creativity inspires you, and you’ll get a glimpse of Arabic culture with her music videos and songs!
9. Amr Diab
Amr Diab is a famous Arabic singer you should listen to! He’s an Egyptian musician, actor, and vocalist Amr Diab. He is now widely recognized as an accomplished musician and writer. He has won seven World Music Awards and five Platinum Records, and he holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling Middle Eastern artist of all time. Listen to his songs “Tamaly Maak” and “Nour El Ein.”
10. Saad Lam
Another Arabic singer that is paving the way for Arabic music globally is Sad Lam Jared. He is a pop singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, record producer, and actor. Saad Lamjarred hails from Morocco.
He was born into a creative family and rose to prominence when his songs got viral on YouTube, making him an influential figure in Arabic music and the first Moroccan artist to achieve mainstream success. You should listen to his song “Ghazali” to get a feel of his music!