The Best North African Songs Right Now

From Ramadan soundtracks to ‘90s R&B, this Best North African Songs guide takes you through different genres and shines a special spotlight on Morocco.

Moroccan musician ilham is standing in front of a blue and pink painted wall in a matching dress, immersed in a staring contest with an attractive man turned towards her.

ilham is building her “Roster” on and off the screen, hanging up posters with her number in NYC for those who dare.

Photo by ilham/YouTube

The Muslim world slows down during Ramadan, the Holy Month of Fasting. Public events focus on community iftars and sohoors, celebrating togetherness, mindfulness, and gratitude. It’s the month when the music industry takes a breath and artists return to their creative and possibly spiritual roots before continuing in full force after Eid.

So, North Africa did not see many song releases this month, but if you’ve been watching any Ramadan shows, you might have heard a soundtrack by El Waili or a song by Abyusif. Meanwhile, the diaspora — especially from Morocco — stepped up and kept us afloat with new tracks. Here’s the best of March:

ilham - “roster” (Morocco)

NYC-based Moroccan baddie ilham is building her “roster,” inspired by mid-to-late ‘90s R&B aesthetic and confidence. The simple guitar chords and distorted synths hit the spot, topped by her vocal line, which is so familiar and perfect to sing along to.

El Waili, Khateeb - “Halak w haly” (Egypt)

Egyptian producer El Waili teams up with Khateeb to score this track for the Ramadan series Zolm El Mastaba. In the show, Hassan and Hamada compete over Hind; when Hassan travels abroad, Hamada takes the opportunity to marry her. Khateeb’s traditional vocals and El Waili’s use of string instruments like the violin and rababa mirror the show’s rural setting.

Abir - “Made 4 U” (Morocco)

LA-based Moroccan singer Abir announced her upcoming EP First Quarter with the release of “Made 4 U,” a heartfelt message to her lover, expressing the depth and unique gift of her love, loyalty, and trust. Inspired by the Islamic concept of Maktub, meaning that humans’ fate is already written and what is meant for them will find them, she delivers an impressive vocal performance.

Ali Naseraldeen, Esaam Satti - “Sidi Almostafa” (Sudan)

Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, Sudanese duo Ali Naseraldeen and Esaam Satti release “Sidi Almostafa.” Over a traditional drum pattern, Satti speaks to the Sudanese kindness of offering one’s house to every visitor. Naseraldeen’s beautiful vocals are reminiscent of Sufi music, underscored by a choir praising Allah.

Rhita Nattah - “Wicked” (Morocco)

Morocco’s unsung queen of syncopated beats, Rhita Nattah, released “Wicked” out of an angry impulse that she had to get out at the studio. A simple jam with repetitive synths and Moroccan drums, she takes pride in her wickedness, singing, “Feeling down because of love, I say fuck it/ I’m confident and wicked,” and I’m bopping along.

Big Zuu, Capo Lee, Miraa May - “Grind & Build” (UK, Algeria)

British Algerian Miraa May musically returns to the spirit and struggles of her hometown, London, on “Grind & Build” after mostly doing features with Amapiano and North African artists in the past year. As someone who lived in London for many years, I’ll forever be a sucker for UK rap and its mournful piano. May’s short vocals/pep talk at the end wraps up the song and makes me want to hit repeat.

Dada - “SFINA” (Morocco)

Another rap song turned soundtrack, Morocco’s Dada wrote “SFINA” for Amine Abounoussair’s film L’Anonyme, in which he also stars. The beat is in line with Dada’s playful signature sound, fast-changing and multi-layered, while his vocal line is more somber than usual.

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