Rising Stars: 7 Middle Eastern Musicians to Follow
The Middle East has long been a cradle of culture, innovation, and art. In recent years, its music scene has gained incredible momentum, thanks to the key contributions of rising musicians.
Artists like Saint Levant, Elyanna, Zeyne, Nemahsis, Felukah, Lana Lubany, and Tul8te are breaking barriers, blending genres, and redefining how Middle Eastern music interacts with global audiences. This article dives deep into the lives, works, and impact of these talented performers, highlighting their contributions to the evolving landscape of music..
Saint Levant: Bridging Cultures Through Smooth Verses
Saint Levant, a multilingual artist, has earned significant attention for his ability to blend English, French, and Arabic lyrics. His smooth, poetic verses create an atmosphere of intimacy and introspection, resonating deeply with listeners. Songs like "Very Few Friends" showcase his mastery of lyricism, as he explores themes like love, identity, and diaspora experience.
Raised in Gaza, Saint Levant’s multicultural background shapes his artistry. He uses music to connect with the Arab diaspora, articulating shared experiences and cultural struggles. His success on platforms like TikTok further underscores how artists are leveraging social media to amplify their reach. With millions of streams on Spotify and emotionally charged live performances, Saint Levant embodies the emerging potential of Middle Eastern music in modern pop culture.
Elyanna: The Star Icon of Modern Arab Music
Elyanna, a Palestinian-Chilean singer, has become one of the most exciting names in Middle Eastern music. Combining Arabic pop with Western mainstream influences, Elyanna creates a distinct sound that resonates across continents. Her breakout single "Ala Bali" introduced audiences to her heartfelt lyrics and stunning vocal control, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.
Her performances frequently feature intricate vocal patterns and captivating visuals, earning her a loyal fan base. Elyanna’s songs delve into themes like love, heartbreak, and empowerment, making them relatable yet unpredictable. As her popularity grows, so does her ability to break down cultural barriers and redefine the image of Arab women in music.
Zeyne: Infusing Personal Struggles into Music
Zeyne is another artist making waves in the Middle Eastern music scene. Known for her honest storytelling and raw emotional delivery, Zeyne crafts songs that connect deeply with her audience. Her lyrics often tackle personal battles, self-discovery, and resilience, themes exemplified in tracks like “For This Love.”
Raised in Amman, Jordan, in a musically inclined family, she began learning piano at age three and joined a dabke dance troupe at five.
Zeyne gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing cover songs on Instagram, leading to her debut single "Minni Ana" in 2021. She has since released several singles, including "Balak" featuring Saint Levant, and participated in the collaborative track "Rajieen" to raise awareness for Palestine. Beyond her music, Zeyne is known for her advocacy and representation of Palestinian identity.
Nemahsis: Vocalizing Diaspora Experiences
Nemahsis, born Nemah Hasan, is a Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter from Milton, Ontario, known for her emotive alternative pop that explores identity, faith, and resilience. She first gained attention in 2021 with her debut single, “What If I Took It Off for You?”, a powerful commentary on the exploitation of Muslim women in media.
Her 2022 EP eleven achers and 2024 debut album Verbathim—which won her the 2025 Juno Awards for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative Album of the Year—solidified her as a bold voice in contemporary music. Despite industry setbacks due to her outspoken support for Palestine, Nemahsis continues to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Felukah: Revolutionizing Hip-Hop from Cairo
Felukah, born Sara Elmessiry, is an Egyptian-American artist whose work seamlessly blends neo-soul, hip-hop, and R&B, infused with poetic lyricism. Raised in Cairo and later relocating to New York City in 2017 to study creative writing, she draws inspiration from both cultures, crafting music that resonates with a diverse audience. Her stage name, inspired by the traditional Nile sailboat 'felucca,' symbolizes her fluid artistic journey. Felukah's discography includes albums like Acid Battery (2018), Citadel (2019), The Love Serum (2023), and Qabl El Shams (2024), each exploring themes of identity, womanhood, and cultural duality.
Lana Lubany: Syncing Tradition with Modern Rhythms
Lana Lubany is a Palestinian-American alt-pop singer-songwriter known for her bilingual blend of Arabic and English lyrics, seamlessly fusing Middle Eastern melodies with contemporary Western pop.
Born in Jaffa and now based in London, she gained international attention with her viral debut single "THE SNAKE," which amassed millions of streams and showcased her unique cultural fusion. Her subsequent EPs, The Holy Land and YAFA, delve into themes of identity, heritage, and self-expression, solidifying her as a rising voice in global pop music.
Tul8te: Innovating with Electronic Beats and Authentic Themes
Tul8te (pronounced "too late") is an Egyptian singer, songwriter, and producer who has rapidly become a standout figure in the Arabic music scene. Known for his signature white knit mask and enigmatic persona, he invites listeners to focus on the music rather than the man behind it.
Debuting in 2023 with the EP Maghool, Tul8te gained widespread recognition with his 2024 album Cocktail Ghena’y. This project blends indie pop, hip-hop, Latin rhythms, and psychedelic rock, drawing comparisons to icons like Amr Diab and Hamid El Shaeri. Tracks such as “Habiby Leh” and “Mateegy A3ady Aleiky” have amassed millions of streams and trended on TikTok, propelling him to the top of Spotify charts across the Arab world.
Breaking Boundaries: The Future of Middle Eastern Music
As artists like Saint Levant and Nemahsis continue to push boundaries, the future of Middle Eastern music appears limitless. By successfully blending tradition with contemporary influences, these musicians prove the power of adaptability, creating art that speaks to global audiences without losing its cultural authenticity.
As the world continues to celebrate art from diverse cultures, we can expect to see even more names emerging from the Middle East, redefining global standards through music.
This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here