We picked the best new releases that came out from across the MENA region and beyond over the past fortnight, featuring fresh tunes from the likes of Nxdia, Tamtam, Rasha Nahas, and El Sawareekh.

Scene Noise

Jun 25, 2025

In this edition of our bi-weekly cocktail playlist, ‘Shuffle’, the SceneNoise went down the rabbit hole to handpick the best releases that came out from across the region over the past fortnight. The playlist features new music from the likes of Tamtam, El Sawareekh, Nxdia, Rasha Nahas and more.

LA-based Saudi indie artist Tamtam dropped a new single from the vault, ‘Begin Again’, which appears to be an outtake that didn’t make it to her latest album. Through contemplative yet hope-filled lyrics, Tamtam chronicles her journey of self-discovery and new beginnings, highlighting the serenity and beauty that comes with starting afresh. She offers a new perspective to view the world, one that surpasses the fear that comes with swimming against the current, but rather focuses on the beauty of staying present and the promise of clarity and serenity.

Next up, we have Manchester-based Egyptian-Sudanese alt-pop star Nxdia with ‘Body On Me’, from her brand-new fearless mixtape, ‘I Promise No One’s Watching’, a compelling coming-of-age diary of the chaos that comes from trying to be everything and nothing at once.

Meanwhile, Egyptian electronic duo Husa & Zeyada come in with ‘Kelmetein’, a beautifully unhinged psychedelic electro cut, blending gypsy grooves, retro Egyptian pop and rababa arrangements with psych synths and bold brass hits.

The playlist also features Bitter Mouthfeel with ‘Ebki’, Rasha Nahas’ ‘Ghanneli’, along with Inji’s brat-coded dance banger ‘Good Time Girl’ and Musiqar Fantazia with glitch-hop ‘Motarbike’.

TRACKLIST:

Tamtam - Begin Again