While 2024 has been a year of impressive albums, genre-bending EPs and awe-inspiring music videos, it has also been defined by massive hits that have spread across the region, with earworm melodies that continue to resonate with listeners long after their release.
The hits of this year reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving sounds of the MENA region, where artists blend traditional influences with bold, contemporary styles. From forward-thinking experimental tracks to anthems of personal expression, 2024 has witnessed a wave of powerful music that speaks to diverse audiences.
These songs not only define the soundtrack of the year but also showcase the growing innovation within Arabic pop, hip-hop and beyond. In this list, we celebrate the standout hits that have captured the imagination of the region’s music scene, marking them as some of the most memorable tracks of 2024.
Note: This list is organized alphabetically, not ranked, to highlight the diversity of outstanding releases from across the region.
3ala Wara2a - Mared, Nubi & Big Moe
In ‘3ala Wara2a’, Egyptian producer Big Moe layers a sample of traditional Nubian music, reminiscent of the style of Mohamed Mounir, over aggressive trap textures. The track’s intricate and gripping beat allows the two rappers to trade verses back and forth seamlessly, mediating on heartbreak in a more light-hearted vibe with smooth vocal delivery.
3adi Jidan - DADA
The track’s melodic production - courtesy of YAN, DADA’s long-time collaborator - incorporates mellow percussion and warm accordion chords with glitchy sample chops, crafting a captivating noisy aesthetic that contrasts with DADA’s nonchalant delivery and laid-back flows.
7ob Bas Eh - Lella Fadda
Released as the fourth single from her highly anticipated album ‘MAGNÜN’, ‘7ob Bas Eh’ by Lella Fadda is a powerful and defiant track that blends mahraganat-inspired beats with distorted, bass-heavy production, courtesy of Egyptian rap star and producer Abyusif. In the track, Lella showcases her confident vocals as she addresses copycats and doubters, further establishing her as a bold and innovative force in the alternative music scene.
Aal Doghrey - Reda El Bahrawy
With one of the biggest Egyptian pop hits of the year, Reda El Bahrawy’s ‘Aal Doghrey’ blends tried-and-true Egyptian shaabi rhythms with modern pop sensibilities, showcasing his unique ability to fuse cultural authenticity with a fresh take on the genre. Released in 2024 as part of his album ‘Ehna Fein’, the track’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics have made it one of the standout hits of the year, resonating with a wide audience across the region.
Ana Meen - Zad
‘Ana Meen’ by the elusive artist زاد (Zad) has captivated listeners since its release earlier this year, blending electronic beats with emotive vocals to create a hauntingly introspective atmosphere. As Zad’s only track to date, the song’s mystery deepens with her sudden disappearance after its release, leaving audiences intrigued by her unique sound and wondering if more is to come.
Asef - Bu Kolthoum
Syrian producer Bu Kolthoum’s ‘Asef’ is a refined take on his signature melancholic songwriting, presented over a dreamy instrumental that intensifies with thick drums and anthemic synth lines. The track veers away from Bu Kolthoum’s straightforward rapping style, and gives Bu Kolthoum’s melodic ear the spotlight to shine through his raspy voice and vulnerable lyricism.
Cabaret - Manal
Moroccan pop sensation Manal has always had recurring themes arise in her songwriting. Among these themes is her fierce love for her husband, who in ‘Cabaret’ takes centre stage in the slow and sultry track’s music video. Driven by a spacious, pounding beat, Manal’s use of traditional Arabic musical elements shines on this track, which simultaneously sounds like something out of a time capsule, as well as a fresh interpretation of traditional Arabic songwriting.
Deira - Saint Levant & MC Abdul
Amidst the many tragedies taking place in Gaza throughout the year, two Gazan artists, Saint Levant and MC Abdul, came together in a celebration of heritage and culture on ‘Deira’. Blending Levant’s smooth, melodic delivery with MC Abdul's incisive, socially conscious lyricism, the track takes influence from Algerian instrumentation, as its minimal arrangement and simple sonic palette leave the vocals front and center, while the artists tackle themes of displacement and resilience.
GABOLNA HKOMA - ZIAD ZAZA, Zien4l
The intro track to ZIAD ZAZA’s 2024 EP ‘525, ‘GABOLNA HKOMA’, produced by Le Zuz and 5mstashr, features a unique blend of boom bap, rage rap and grime, decorated with a repeating melodic synth sample. In the track, ZIAD ZAZA delivers razor-sharp bars that are complemented by Zien4al’s clever wordplay and smooth flow.
GANENI - Elyanna
With ‘GANENI’, Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna delivers one of 2024’s most viral hits, blending Egyptian Arabic pop with contemporary electronics to showcase her soulful vocals and familiar melodies. The track’s rhythmic production makes a nod to her cultural roots, and the success of the track solidifies Elyanna’s role as a rising star with international appeal, further bridging Arabic music to a global audience.
Habibi - Kozbara
‘Habibi’ by Kozbara blends Egyptian shaabi-pop sonics with lighthearted, charismatic lyricism. Capturing the easy-going essence of Egyptian pop, the track’s tongue-in-cheek songwriting and driving beats reflect Kozbara’s modern yet authentic approach to the genre, as the artist continues to make his mark on the music scene.
Kebda - Afroto & Onuy
Seen as an underdog track off of Egyptian rapper Afroto’s debut full-length studio album ‘Best Songs of 2024’, ‘Kebda’, produced by Wezza Mostaser and featuring Onuy, slowly but surely propelled itself into the playlists of fans around the region, as the slow, ballad-like track rose up the charts. Reflecting on bittersweet memories from his childhood and adolescence, ‘Kebda’ sees Afroto taking on a more mature shade of songwriting, while still retaining his signature charm and liveliness.
London - Soulja & Montiyago
In ‘London’, Sudanese hip-hop heavyweights Soulja and Montiyago scrutinise the intersection of their artistry, lifestyle and fame. The duo skillfully embrace London’s signature drill beats, delivering them flawlessly with subtle vocal performances and melodic flows that are smooth yet assertive.
MATEEGY A3ADY ALEIKY - Tul8te
Featured on his standout album ‘Cocktail Ghana’s’, Egyptian poster Tul8te’s ‘MATEEGY A3ADY ALEIKY’ emerged as the undeniable song of the summer, and one of the year's biggest hits. Blending contemporary lyricism with production that nods to the golden era of '90s Egyptian pop, the track’s extensive use of classical guitar adds a timeless warmth to its infectious sound.
Ma Bansak - Zeyne
Produced by Nasir AlBashir, ‘Ma Bansak’ employs minimal percussion instruments and violin inserts that perfectly complement Palestinian/Jordanian artist Zeyne’s hauntingly soft vocals. The collaborative songwriting effort featured Zeyne herself working alongside Saif Batienah, Saif Sharoof and Nasir Al Bashir.
Nefsak Fi A - Wegz
While originally released as an advertisement for Samsung’s A-Series line of smartphones, the track ‘Nefsak Fi A’ marked Egyptian superstar Wegz’s long awaited return to a sound similar to his early work. In recent years, the artist has ventured more into pop and dance music, however, with the release of ‘Nefsak Fi A’, Wegz proved that he still has what it takes to be considered one of the top rappers coming out of Egypt today.
Nomad - Bedouin Burger
A collaboration between Lebanese multi-instrumentalist Zeid Hamdan and Syrian singer Lynn Adib, Bedouin Burger has emerged as one of the MENA region's most exciting groups. Their 2024 release ‘Nomad’ offers a captivating narrative, exploring themes of displacement and migration through the lens of a nomad, for whom constant relocation is a way of life. With its haunting blend of intricate guitar work and soulful vocals, the track’s melancholic and introspective atmosphere rightfully earns its place on our list as an evergreen release that tugs at the heartstrings.
Staline - ElGrandeToto
‘Staline’ by Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto, from his 2024 album ‘SALGOAT’, highlights his signature blend of Arabic and French lyrics over slick, contemporary hip-hop production. While released only a few months before the end of the year, the track is already rising among the megastar’s most streamed releases, reinforcing ElGrandeToto's status as a leader in the North African rap scene.
Tal Abib - Shabjdeed & Al Nather
Off of their highly praised 2024 album ‘Sultan’, Palestinian rapper producer duo Shabjdeed and Al Nather delivered multiple hits that have been in our rotation since their release. Amongst them, ‘Tal Abib’ shines with its confrontational lyrics, in which Shabjdeed recounts the ails of Middle Eastern nations around him. The instrumental also offers a fresh take on the duo’s signature sound, in which they venture into fast-paced drum n’ bass style rhythms for Shabjdeed’s assertive flow to bounce over.
Ya Njoom - Hleem Taj Alser
Sudanese rap icon Hleem Taj Alser’s ‘Ya Njoom’ from his 2024 album ‘HEPTA’, is a melancholic take on afrobeat-inspired production that demonstrates the artist's dynamic sound and catchy hooks. Produced by DJ ALOO and complemented by a sleek music video directed by Assel Egdhara, the song stands out as one of the year's most memorable hits, capturing a fresh and captivating vibe within the contemporary Arabic rap scene.
