In a momentous stride, this summer saw Times Square, the bustling heart of New York City, illuminate with the luminescence of Spotify’s tribute to Palestinian-Jordanian singer Zeyne on a towering billboard. Simultaneously, across continents, Egypt’s Laura Mekhail enraptured a captivated Jeddah audience, etching her name in history as the inaugural Arab woman to receive the esteemed Bocelli-Jameel scholarship in 2021. March witnessed Saudi Arabia’s pioneering DJ Cosmicat electrifying the stage at Ultra Miami, marking her groundbreaking US debut in one of the globe’s most acclaimed electronic music festivals.
These monumental instances signify an epochal chapter for Arab musicians transcending diverse musical landscapes. Across decades, the Middle East has resonated with the brilliance of iconic female musicians like Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Warda, and Sabah, who defied societal norms and indelibly shaped the regional music tapestry.
Navigating societal norms and challenging stigmas once enshrouding the music industry, these trailblazing artists paved the way for a new generation. “Being a female Arab artist presents daily challenges as one feels the weight of judgment. Navigating unique cultural and religious contexts shapes how our community views women,” reflects Moroccan songstress Manal Benchlikha, whose Instagram following surpasses an impressive four million.
Today heralds a new wave of artists reshaping the Middle East’s musical narrative, crafting an unprecedented zeitgeist. Cosmicat’s triumph mirrors Saudi Arabia’s evolution, while Emirati rapper and singer Almas embodies the metamorphosis of Khaleeji pop music. “In recent years, a notable surge in female Arab artists, particularly in alternative music, starkly contrasts the sparse presence a decade ago,” emphasizes Zeyne.
Zeyne underscores the pivotal role of social media, bridging the chasm between artists and their followers, revolutionizing the way people engage and follow their favorite talents online. Furthermore, streaming platforms like Spotify champion the cause of female Arab artists. Their Sawtik initiative, launched in 2020, offers educational, networking, and marketing support, amplifying voices and extending reach.
From melodious pop harmonies to the echoes of western classical symphonies and the pulsating rhythms of electronic beats, Vogue Arabia delves into the captivating narratives of nine Arab female artists reshaping the very essence of the Middle East’s musical landscape.
