7 Female Rappers Shaping Hip-Hop in the Middle East

The history of hip-hop is filled with artists who don't shy away from discussing social and political issues. From the time of its inception in New York City, the genre has been controversial, as it has been used by artists to document issues that they face in their daily lives. Some people have found this marriage of music and politics unfavorable, but one must ask, can music really be separated from politics? The artists we have profiled below would disagree.

Meet the female rappers in the Middle East who have transformed the hip-hop scene in the region. These women, whether advertently or inadvertently, are changing perceptions around the region as well as internationally with their music. 

Soultana

This Moroccan emcee is not only the first female rapper in Morocco, she’s also a staunch supporter for women’s rights and an activist that uses her lyrical prowess to tackle social issues in Morocco. Her international hit, “Sawt Nssa” or “The Voice of Women,” is an effort to combat sexual harassment in Morocco. The no-nonsense attitude she projects with her flow perfectly aligns with her fearless lyrics. 

Check out her Facebook page to become acquainted with her music.

Malikah

Self-proclaimed as the “Queen of Arabic hip-hop,” Lynn Fattouh, commonly known as Malikah has made a name for herself as one of the most important musicians in Lebanon. Her hard-hitting rhymes coupled with her serious lyricism have propelled her to the forefront of the rap scene in the Middle East whereby she was featured in several publications (notably Vogue Arabia and the LA Times), appeared in multiple shows, and even opened for Snoop Dog in Abu Dhabi in 2011! 

Visit her Facebook profile for more info.

Shadia Mansour

“The first lady of hip-hop,” as she is self-dubbed is a British-Palestinian rapper considers herself as a part of a “musical intifada” and uses her platform to shed light on the Palestinian struggle. For Shadia, music is her way of showing dissent. She has collaborated with London-based rapper Lowkey, as well as Dead Prez’s M1. 

Make sure to check her Facebook page for more details. 

Mayam Mahmoud

In addition to being the first Egyptian female rapper, Mayam is a women’s rights activist and a model. She has been featured on CNN, the BBC, and the Guardian for her effort to further women’s rights in Egypt as well as combat sexual harassment. She won the Index Art Award in London in 2014. 

Follow her on Facebook and Soundcloud.

Meryem Saci

This is a Montreal-based songwriter and hip-hop artist who escaped Algeria to Montreal during the civil war. Her music ranges from soulful R&B, jazz, reggae, as well as hip-hop. Her newest mixtape, On My Way, is a perfect introduction to her eclectic sound. Her music was used on Netflix's Iron Fist. 

Check her Facebook profile for more details.