MUSIC
The Best North African Songs Right Now
From Egypt’s Marwan Pablo to Morocco’s Leil and Sudan’s Kordofani, both newcomers and heavyweights released music for every and all occasions this April.
North African audiences were flooded with new releases this April as artists returned, rejuvenated by the March Ramadan pause. Amidst the overwhelming amount of new music, artists like Egypt’s TUL8TE, Tunisia’s ZDEFF, or Morocco’s Manal tried out something different and reinvented their existing catalog in live performances. Their slowed-down, stripped-down renditions found great success, maybe because the world and the region are so steeped in chaos and uncertainty that we’re happy to slow down and reconnect with the familiar.
The following list is a mix of the North African region’s best “old” and new music.
TUL8TE - “Shedeeny - Jazz Edition, Live” (Egypt)
Just before starting the European leg of his international tour, Egyptian star TUL8TE performed a soulful live session of his album Narein in a rooftop bar in Downtown Cairo. Alongside a five-piece band, he transformed beloved hits like “Heseeny” and “Shedeeny” into smooth jazz songs and dropped the bonus track “El Lahza Di.” His music is as beautifully rendered in jazz as it is in his signature ‘90s pop style, and his vocal performance shines even brighter in a more acoustic sonic environment.
Alewya - “Selah” (Egypt, Ethiopia)
London-based Ethiopian Egyptian artist and curator Alewya continues to roll out her debut album with her new track “Selah,” a club anthem that prepares us for summer’s heat. Layering rhythmic, ever-changing vocals and a catchy multi-vocal hook over afro-infused percussion, this track’s infectious energy is sure to get you up and moving.
ZDEFF - “DIE FOR ME (Live Session)” (Tunisia)
Tunisian rapper ZDEFF showcases his talent and versatility by delivering a raw live performance of his 2024 album DIE FOR ME. Captured in one take in an intimate setting at Salt Tunis, the set strips back the songs’ production and, alongside a live band, infuses them with jazz, R&B, and indie rock, giving his music a deeper, more timeless feel.
Tif - “MINUIT D'APRÈS” (Algeria, France)
Paris-based Algerian artist Toufik Bouhraoua, aka TIF, releases “MINUIT D’APRÈS,” an introspective, guitar-led track in which he reflects on nostalgia and pain. TIF, who left Algeria for France nine years ago and rose to prominence with his debut album 1.6, infuses his music with nostalgic blends of chaâbi, French and Arabic rap, and Andalusian music.
Dirty Backseat, Pink Seasalt - “Yemken” (Egypt)
Two of Cairo’s beloved indie rock acts, Dirty Backseat and Pink Seasalt, get together for “Yemken.” The dreamy ‘90s-inspired single reflects on solitude and the plague of overthinking, taking an optimistic and fun approach both lyrically and in its sonic execution of synth scapes, a groovy bass line, and a disco-like interval that makes time for jamming and bopping your head as you enjoy spring.
MaMan, DJ Amricky, AIOo - “Sabir” (Sudan, Algeria)
Sudan’s DJ Amricky and MaMan team up with Algerian producer AlOo for “Sabir,” a heartfelt track that weaves MaMan’s signature bilingual vocals and poetry with looped piano chords and electronic production, drawing inspiration from African gospel.
Snor, Najm - “Évidemment“ (Morocco)
Masked Moroccan rapper Snor finally released his debut album, Miracle. Since breaking onto the scene in 2019, he has built a name for himself and now cements his sound with this 14-track project that reflects on inner conflicts and the uneasy reality of being an artist in the Moroccan industry. Focus track “Évidemment” with Najm is one of many collaborations that stay close to the Moroccan rap sound, delivering a solid vocal performance over simple beats and uneasy synthscapes.
nour - “Nesety Nafsek - A COLORS SHOW” (Egypt)
Egyptian pop songstress nour traveled to Berlin to premiere “Nesety Nafsek,” a track on her upcoming album, for COLORS x BERLIN. On this woeful song, she reflects on (her lack of) belonging and the search for herself amidst self-doubt, singing a tender vocal line and sighing over an orchestral soundscape that weaves several slow string instruments over a quicker bass line.
SAFA, Austin Marc - “shakin’ up the benz” (Sudan, US)
Following “2ndchances,” NYC-based Sudanese American singer and songwriter SAFA teams up with producer Austin Marc for another classic R&B/soul bop. “shakin’ up the benz” hits the spot of a soulful, confident voice singing sexy nothings over a simple, bass-heavy beat. Perfect for a night drive.
Marwan Pablo - “Hekmdar“ (Egypt)
After a few experimental detours, Egypt’s “Godfather of Trap” Marwan Pablo revisits his roots and hones his craft on his new four-track EP 5 NZAM, produced in collaboration with Hady Moamer. The opening track “Hekmdar” sees him returning to a classic trap beat with confidence and improved skill, delivering one of his laidback, rhythmic signature flows that helped him rise to fame all these years ago.
No-One, Leil - “SHOQI” (Morocco)
Levantine producer No-One releases his album Someone Somewhere with a stellar lineup of SWANA artists, using collaboration as a vehicle to tap into the region’s diverse sounds and genres. On “SHOQI,” he teams up with Moroccan singer Leil and plays with the signature Maghrebi keys and light percussion, creating a track that sounds distinctly Moroccan and yet unique for its beautifully delivered vocals by both artists.
Kordofani - “Judo” (Sudan)
Up-and-coming Sudanese rapper and soul singer Kordofani makes his debut on Cairo’s RAAD Records with “Judo,” a baile funk-inspired track that showcases his energetic, infectious rap delivery. Mixing Sudanese flows with upbeat production, Kordofani has landed on the scene with a bang, intriguing Egyptian and Sudanese listeners alike.
