By Akshat Harbola, Spotify’s Managing Director for MENA and South Asia
Reflecting on the dynamic landscape of musical engagement across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through Spotify's Wrapped 2023 is a fascinating journey. It offers profound insights into the region's musical affinity, intertwining global trends with a steadfast celebration of local heritage.
The MENA region showcases a remarkable fluidity in music preferences, highlighted by the emergence of new artists and the resurgence of classics, elucidating the evolving taste of the audience.
Egypt's Emerging Talent and Saudi Arabia's Resurging Classics
In Egypt, the standout feature of Wrapped 2023 was the rise of new artists making significant inroads into the music scene. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia experienced a resurgence of throwback tracks like Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ alongside the enduring popularity of Khaleeji music, showcasing a diverse spectrum of musical preferences.
Local Flavor and Global Tastes: Insights from Different Nations
Each country in the region brings its unique musical essence to the fore. In Morocco, the adoration for local hip-hop remains unwavering, while the UAE’s diverse expatriate community reflects its broad spectrum of musical tastes, spanning from K-Pop to Indian melodies and global chart-toppers.
Top Artists and Tracks Shaping the MENA Music Scene
The top artists and tracks dominating the MENA playlists illustrate the pulse of the region's music enthusiasts:
Top 10 Artists in MENA:
Essam Sasa
Wegz
Amr Diab
Ahmed Saad
Cairokee
ElGrande Toto
Marwan Pablo
Draganov
Husayn
kouz1
Top 10 Arabic Tracks in MENA:
“Alo Aleky” by Mohammed Saeed
“El Bakht” by Wegz
“Mesa Meni Leko” by Essam Sasa
“Beraha Ya Sheikha” by Bahaa Sultan
“Aleb Fel Dafater” by Muslim – مُسلِم
“Yemken Kheir” by Ramy Sabry
“Be2amaret Meen” by Farid
“Mekhasmak” by Nawal
“ElYoum Elhelw Da” by Ahmed Saad
“Basrah w Atooh” by Cairokee
Essam Sasa's Ascendancy and Genre Dominance
The standout revelation of the year was the meteoric rise of Egyptian Mahraganat artist Essam Sasa, securing the title of the most-streamed artist in the entire MENA region. His ascent represents the dynamism and evolving tastes of the audience.
Notably, the dominance of Hip-Hop persists, with 60% of the top artists hailing from this genre, reaffirming its stronghold in the Arab music scene. Wegz, Amr Diab, and Cairokee stand among the top names alongside Essam Sasa.
Saudi Arabia's Adoration for Khaleeji Legends and Female Artists
In Saudi Arabia, the legendary Abdul Majeed Abdullah reigned supreme as the most-streamed Arabic artist, underscoring the enduring love for Khaleeji music. This year witnessed an increase in streaming women artists, with Taylor Swift leading the charts, while names like Assala Nasri, Sherine, and Balqees made notable appearances.
Empowering Female Voices in Saudi Arabia's Music Landscape
Spotify's impact since launching in MENA in 2018 has been profound, marking a 9,150% surge in streaming female artists in Saudi Arabia. This staggering growth signifies a powerful shift, amplifying the voices of talented women in the Saudi music scene.
As Spotify continues to celebrate diversity and cater to evolving musical tastes, Wrapped 2023 echoes the richness of MENA's musical tapestry, where global resonance harmonizes seamlessly with a deep-rooted appreciation for local artistry.
