In our current technologically-driven world, the very nature of music has transformed from a predominantly auditory experience to an artistic feast that needs to be consumed visually as well. Yet, too often do we consume this visual content without taking a beat to appreciate the level of dedication, hard-work and sheer talent that's involved in the making of the final product. Rarely do we wonder about the cinematographers, gaffers, producers, those BEHIND the camera, perfectly curating the visuals to match the artist's vision, while also ensuring the non-stop engagement of eager fans.
That's why we want to shed some strobing lights on the unsung heroes that wear capes on set, as we present you with our list of music videos of the year.
Here are our picks for best music videos of 2023:
Shobee feat. Laylow - Train De Vie
Helmed by dynamic duo Lisa Nadir and Kamil Tahiri, and shaped by the imaginative vision of creative director Mohamed Sqalli, Shobee's 'Train de Vie' unfolds as a visually mesmerising motion picture. Set against the backdrop of a moving train traversing a desolate landscape, the visual composition of 'Train de Vie' strategically situates its vocalists both inside and atop the train, crafting a dynamic and vibrant spectacle. Earthy tones permeate the video, evident in the costumes and chosen locations. Much like the rhythmic motion of the train, Shobee's lyrics intricately weave an enchanting and captivating narrative, beckoning the audience to embark on a journey alongside the artists themselves.
Acid Arab - Habaytak (R3HAB Remix) feat. Ghizlane Melih
Directed by the esteemed French film director Jean-Charles Charavin, R3HAB's remix of Acid Arab's ‘Habaytak’ unfolds as a dark and punky visual interpretation of the dance club hit. At the forefront of this cinematic experience are a girl and a boy, immersed in a passionate and mysterious love story that leaves us wanting to know more. Infused with dynamic visual intricacies, including expertly executed cuts, pulsating strobe lighting, and eccentric choreography, the video's visuals seamlessly mirror the energy and dynamics of the audio, resulting in an incredibly cathartic and immersive experience.
Moayad x The Synaptik - Mashi El Hal
In the whimsical realm where absurdity and extravagance unite, one need look no further than Moayad's 'Mashi El Hal’, directed by Chndy, and taken above and beyond with VFX courtesy of Turki Almuhsin. The former comedian, now a rap virtuoso, exerts a profound influence on his creative trajectory, seamlessly interweaving burlesque elements into the very fabric of his music and visuals. Moayad, the maestro of eccentricity, takes centre stage in a teacup, donning flamboyant wigs, orchestrating an ethereal symphony, and engaging in a myriad of playful antics..
Furelise - Akhennouch
If one were to encapsulate the essence of the psychedelic journey in visual form, it would undoubtedly resemble Furelise's ‘Akhennouch’. Through an all-encompassing first-person narrative, director Dosei Trissinti employs a fusion of fish-eye lenses, jump-cuts, velocity swings, and seamless zooms. The visual language orchestrates a kaleidoscopic spectacle, drenched in overwhelmingly warm tones. The video recurrently echoes the theme of fire, serving as both a backdrop and a thematic motif. This fiery backdrop elevates Furelise's lyrics to new heights, creating a visual and auditory synergy that is nothing short of thrilling.
Abo El Anwar x Husayn - Blanco
Being the epitome of a trap anthem, Blanco's infectious rhythms and unforgettable refrain demand nothing short of an equally captivating visual narrative. Abo El Anwar and the accompanied featured artist, Husayn, are depicted as they commandeer Cairo in the music video directed by Khalid Ibrahim, making a vibrant impact as they navigate through the streets, cruise along the Nile, and explore the bustling shopping scenes. Their presence is not just felt but radiates with an energy that mirrors the irresistible allure of Blanco.
Nour - Wana
In the realm of worldbuilding, few artists achieve it as masterfully as groundbreaking Egyptian talent, Nour. Set against a minimalistic white backdrop, director and producer Mazen Bayoumy along with co-producer Zeyad Yasser skillfully draw the audience into Nour's universe, whereby her enchanting vocals and hypnotic gaze take centre stage. Nour's world unfolds as a delicate balance between dreamy innocence and the perpetual tug-of-war between childhood and adulthood. Amidst a tableau of children's toys, the jungle-infused track seamlessly melds diverse genres, resulting in a visually distinct and harmoniously matched video that complements the auditory experience.
Alsarah - Farasha Ft. Flipper, Sufyvn
Looking to both traditional and contemporary Sudanese and Egyptian influences, director Mai Elgizouli, along with assistant director Mazin Cheese, deliver a stunning representation of both the track’s earthiness, conveyed through Mawada El Tohamey’s tree-like hairdressing, and its vibrance, brought to life by Ahmed Sorour, Monny and Enas Gad’s colourful choice of outfits. The video is also produced by Ahmed Abuzaid and Alsarah herself.
Ktyb x Don Pac - MESTWI
Tunisian artist Ktyb delivers a charismatic performance as he takes centre stage in the artfully presented music video, directed by Oussama Hamrouni. The video doubles down on Ktyb’s natural camera presence, as he holds viewer’s attention with his infectious feel-good energy and eye-catching outfits, framed among breathtaking scenery and symmetrical architecture, with art direction and styling courtesy of Ines Germain.
El Sawareekh x Abo El Anwar - Mesh Hategy
Pioneering Mahraganat duo El Sawareekh teamed up with Egyptian rap star Abo El Anwar earlier this year for a spectacular video, directed by Yousseff Mahrous and produced by Code Media Production, set in an unsettling circus where carefully coordinated stunts and state-of-the-art VFX, courtesy of With a Twist Studios, take us on a thrill ride, as we see the artists being shot out of a cannon, trapped in a spherical cage with a motorcyclist, and getting within hair’s length of a living breathing lion.
Beykay - Figures
Taking a more down-to-earth approach, the music video for Beykay’s ‘Figures’, co-directed by Maimana El Hassan and Yahya Ibrahim, creates a polished final product out of humble resources, where the team, along with art director Ali Ammar, make use of everyday object such as mirrors, tea cups, and a vibrant orange mattress which they deploy creatively to add a touch of inventiveness to the video. Beykay’s emotive acting also serves to convey the melancholic undertones of the track, while presented in vibrant outfits provided by Ali Ammar and Abdullah Obaid to contrast with the rapper’s visible grief.
Dafencii - Dopamine
Making his return from a brief hiatus, Dafencii re-entered the regional music scene with a music video directed and edited by Ibraheem Bin Taleb, and creative directed by 24fever, which took us through a late-night stroll through the city of Jeddah, where the empty streets and spotlit building walls set the scene for the track’s moody themes and nonchalant delivery.
Abyusif x Desso x Abo El Anwar x Ahmed Santa - Wo Wo
Members of El Mexic crew Abyusif, Desso, Abo El Anwar, and Ahmed Santa joined forces in this video which represented their internal conflicts. Director Ahmed Gad, alongside art director May Othman and stylists Yara Aboslima and Yara El Bargasy, decided to take a metaphorical approach by presenting the rappers in a psychiatric hospital to exaggerate their struggles. Gad also prioritised storytelling and narrative over flashy imagery, which resulted in the rappers giving heartfelt performances all-round.
Saint Levant - Nails
After a massively successful year in 2022, Palestinian artist Saint Levant doesn’t shy away from going over the top in his 2023 video for ‘Nails’, directed by Mattias Russo-Larsson, and produced by the production company Coming of Age. In the video, Saint Levant shows off his lavish lifestyle, along with the video's co-star, Mia Khalifa, who makes a lengthy cameo in the clip. The video also carries hints of film-noir, specifically in the scenes where two detectives are surveilling the duo, but breaks that tension during the recurring dance scenes, meticulously choreographed by Tarek Ramy.
MOUSV x GELBA - NASINY
Earlier this year, fan-favorite Egyptian rapper Mousv dropped a video for his collaboration with Gelba on the track ‘Nasiny’, where director Yasmine Abuzeid, production company B62, and production house Cult showed the rapper in a new light, making use of long and brooding shots of Mousv in a dissociative state, as he dangles from a car window, meditates in solitude, and absently raps with his cousins and family members gathered in the background.
Blu Fiefer - Nazele Big Champagne
Lebanese Indie Pop artist Blu Fiefer shines in her latest music video, 'Nazele Big Champagne', co-directed by herself and Georges Matar, and produced by Lebanese production company Mafi Budget. Right from the start, the video manages to capture the thrills and chaos of Beirut’s night life, as Fiefer takes us around the city in limousine rides, celebratory dinners, and hazy recollections of parties around the city.
Afroto - TA TA TA
In the vibrant music video for 'TA TA TA', directed by Omar Donga and produced by KN Production House, rapper Afroto relives his childhood through a playful visit to an elementary school, as he takes a moment to show gratitude for the success he’s found along the way, by recounting the accomplishments he’s achieved over the years to the class.
Salem Aya & Lemhllwess - Qandïsha
Moroccan-American rapper Salem Aya and Morroco's Lemhllwess join forces in an electrifying drill track and music video titled 'Qandïsha'. Inspired by the mythical character Aicha Qandïsha from Moroccan folklore, the song and video draw parallels between Aya and the seductive figure known for her beauty and dangerous allure. With Taha Aziz at the helm of direction, the music video takes us on a journey through the streets of Casablanca, featuring shots of Aya riding a horse reminiscent of Qandïsha's mythological portrayal blending dreary drill-style visuals with mythological undertones.
Karim Osama X ELWaili - Nazlet Seman
Karim Osama and El Waili’s 2023 electro-shaabi/rap hit 'Nazlet Seman’ is described as a project aimed at deconstructing urban noises. With this vision in mind, director Marwan Tarek naturally looks to Egypt's neighbourhoods to contextualise the message of the track, while he manages to portray the duo in a visual style that is both artful and quirky.
Ana w Zmely - Double Zuksh ft. Arsenik
Earlier this year Egyptian duo Double Zuksh and rapper Arsenik delivered their latest collaboration, 'Ana W Zmely', in which the three artists tackle themes of originality and self-reliance. Directed by Zeyad Abas and executive produced by Khaled Nojara, the music video takes us through an abandoned power plant, as the videography team takes full advantage of the location’s dystopian aesthetic and industrial imagery to double down on the track's intensity.
Ziad Zaza - Basha
Known for his energetic rap style and engaging camera presence, Egyptian artist Ziad Zaza’s ‘Basha’ stands as his most approachable music video to date. While Zaza’s previous music videos leaned on a more aggressive and chaotic visual style, ‘Basha’ carries a whimsical tone that has taken the rapper’s image from one adorned by fire and destruction into one that looks to subtle comedy and fashion instead. Directed by Mohsen El Sherif and produced by Cinerama and Beatroot, the aesthetic of ‘Basha’ is one that looks to architecture, symmetry and French cinema to create its distinct visual style, and while the majority of the cast is presented in trench coats and faded colour palettes, Zaza himself is styled in lively and saturated outfits that clearly set him apart as the star of the video.
Wegz - 7elwa Menak (prod. Sintax)
In his latest release, ‘Helwa Menak’, the official song for Egyptian drama film ‘Voy! Voy! Voy!’, Egyptian superstar Wegz is seen soaring above the bustling buildings of Cairo along with the film’s cast in its cathartic climax. Directed by Omar Hilal, and featuring Egyptian star Muhammad Farrag in the lead role, the dramatic black and white video is laced with scenes from the movie, showcasing a frustrated Mohamed Farrag in moments of desperation that tie back into the film’s plot.
Xander Ghost Ft. Marwan Pablo - Ogra
Known for his striking visuals, Xander Ghost teams up with Egyptian trap star Marwan Pablo in this abstract yet atmospheric release, which Ghost, a Cairo-born artist, creative director, designer and musician, has also directed himself. Having collaborated with the likes of beloved Egyptian producer El Waili in the past, Ghost has been making a name for himself in the Egyptian rap scene, and this time, he crosses paths with one of Egypt’s most pioneering artists in a music video where the duo embrace themes of gore in a minimalistic, sci-fi inspired visual style.
Draganov - 3DABI
Directed by Jamal Hakkou, top-charting Moroccan musician Draganov delivers a dreamy short-film/music video for ‘3dabi’, featuring renowned Moroccan actor Rafik Boubker, who seems to be stuck in a loop inside his own head, reliving moments of tragedy. The video comes to a peak as the camera dramatically rotates in place, and Boubker’s internal conflict is amplified as he is seen talking to himself.
Daboor - Fi Ta5
Shot and Edited by Aram Sabbah, the video for Daboor’s video for ‘Fi ta5’, with music produced by Al Nather, makes use of long and eerie shots that zoom in from across the neighbourhood into Daboor looking out from his window-sill. The video then continues to follow Daboor around the city in a fly-on-the-wall visual style that adds to the suspense of the clip.
