Moroccan Songstress ilham Invites You to Escape on Her ‘uhm…ok?’ EP The Moroccan American alternative R&B-pop artist will drop her independently-released EP ‘uhm...ok?’ on Sep 19, continuing on her journey from Queensbridge projects to rising stardom. music September 11, 2025
Guedra Guedra’s ‘MUTANT’ is a Pan-African Sonic Archive The Moroccan producer releases his second album of experimental Pan-African music, re-centering polyrhythms and the many stories behind the voices. music September 2, 2025
The Best North African Songs Right Now: August 2025 Edition FromElmiene’s Sudanese soul toDranagov’s Moroccan rap, this month’s list features summer’s last romantic tracks with a fresh turn towards more timeless music. music August 26, 2025
The Best North African Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition New music releases across North Africa are merging electronic and Arabic music with rap, indie, and R&B. music July 30, 2025
Egyptian Musician Donia Wael Will Let You See Her Now After several years in the public ear, Wael is stepping into the public eye, and she is bringing her girl band with her. music July 21, 2025
15 Years of OkayAfrica, 15 Defining Moments in Pop Culture, Innovation and Activism From Afrobeats going global to groundbreaking films, creative innovation, and youth-led protest movements, this video dives into the African moments that have defined the continent’s identity and transformation since OkayAfrica launched in 2010. video July 16, 2025
Get to Know Libyan Disco, Reggae & Pop in This New Collection From Habibi Funk Six years in the making, the indie label’s latest compilation pays homage to the timeless cassette tape music of Libya’s ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s. music July 4, 2025
Bas’ ‘Melanchronica’ Wraps You in Solace, Peace, and Nostalgia With his long-time collaborators The Hics, the Sudanese American rapper bares his soul on this project, which took seven years to complete. music July 3, 2025
Best North African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup From Morocco’s Small X to Sudan’s MaMan, North African artists are searching for new sounds and media to respond to the socio-political realities of our time. This is the best North African and Arabic music of the year so far. music June 25, 2025
You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration DJ Snake’s striking seven-minute video for “Patience” features actor Omar Sy and is fueled by a classic Amadou & Mariam song. music June 5, 2025
On NAFIDA, Moroccan Rapper Small X Rises Above the Noise and Into Underexplored Musical Territory Getting signed to Mass Appeal is only the beginning for the Moroccan powerhouse. music June 2, 2025
The Best North African Songs Right Now In May, music releases were less energetic and more introspective, powerful in their minimalism, and stepping stones towards bigger releases and projects awaiting us in the summer. songs you need to hear May 31, 2025
On “The Man Who Lost His Heart,” Marwan Moussa Maps a Pathway Through Grief The 23-track, deeply personal album confronts the death of the rapper’s mother, embedding the experience of depression and loss in an Egyptian cultural context. music May 9, 2025
MENA is the World’s Fastest Growing Music Industry: What Comes Next? Two music journalists look deeper into the Middle East and North Africa being named the world’s fastest growing music industry region by the IFPI’s Global Music Report. music April 4, 2025
The Best North African Songs Right Now Featuring the hottest raï, rap, house, and dance music from Morocco to Sudan—and a few introspective ones, too. music February 27, 2025
Legends: Umm Kulthum’s Legacy Lives in the Emotion of Younger Generations The Egyptian government announced 2025 to be the “Year of Umm Kulthum.” Egyptians of different generations share what it takes to really appreciate the icon’s music. music February 21, 2025
The Best North African Songs of 2024 OkayAfrica’s North Africa correspondent shares the region’s most celebrated and underrated songs of the year — from Libya’s electronic Touareg music to Sudan’s rap revolution, and more. music December 18, 2024
Elmiene’s ‘For The Deported’ is a Love Letter to Sudan “Sudan is the reason I’m here right now,” says British Sudanese rising star Elmiene about his fourth EP, which marks a full circle moment since his breakout song “Golden.” music December 6, 2024
Is the Rise of Sudanese Rap Breaking Down Racist Stereotypes? Sudanese rap is having a fantastic year, introducing the North African region to its unique sound and dialect, but are non-Sudanese really listening? music November 18, 2024
Sudanese and Egyptian Rappers Battle in the Latest ‘Rap Shar3’ In a friendly rap battle, the two rap scenes show off their artistry and respect for each other’s cultures. Watch Part 2 here to decide for yourself who won. music November 12, 2024
For Ash, Performing at The Pyramids of Giza Marks a Full Circle Moment The independent artist will be playing live next to the Pyramids of Giza, proving the ability of grassroots art to take over world stages. music October 15, 2024
The Best North African COLORS Performances The Berlin-based platform’s music archive features a variety of hip-hop, soul, rap and instrumental performances from North African artists. music September 19, 2024
What It’s Like To…Organize Libya’s Inaugural Benghazi Summer Festival A fortnight of extravaganza and star-studded concerts of unprecedented scale has been unfolding on Libya’s Mediterranean coast. news August 14, 2024
The 13 Best North African Songs Right Now The soundtrack of North African summer is filled with melancholy, R&B, rap and electronic music. music July 23, 2024
