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With the implementation of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s music scene is growing at an exponential rate. The Saudi Arabian Entertainment Authority is creating many events such as MDL Beast and the XP Conference, to showcase and invest in local music talent and improve the business infrastructure of the music industry in Saudi Arabia. With this focus on the music industry, many music artists in the country are working to become part of this historical growth. We put together a list of 10 up-and-coming Saudi musicians you should keep your eyes on.
Saüd
Saud Al Turki aka Saüd, is a Saudi music producer and founder of music label, Brij Entertainment. He started producing music while studying in LA and ended up producing records for American and Saudi artists. Later on, in 2017, he founded Brij Entertainment, through which he aims to connect Saudi musicians with fans and talents from the region and around the globe, creating a bridge between local Saudi talent and global music infrastructure, hence the name Bridge. Aside from his important work as a label head, he also produced many Hip hop and R&B records for renowned artists, from both the region and abroad, including Zii, Pre Kairo, PRZNT, and Shilo.
Jeed
Jeed is one of Saudi Arabia’s most talented rappers. Signed to Empire MENA and being one-third of the HRMNY collective, alongside Mohflow and AY, he’s been making music since 2014. Since the release of his debut project “Tomato Soup,” he’s been consistently growing his music catalog, working with artists and producers such as Ntitled, Ay, Saud, and Kali-B. Jeed recently touched the Balad Beast stage in Jeddah late last year, delivering an electrifying performance alongside Saud. His most notable songs include “Deuce”, “From The Sand” and “Price.”
Jara
Jara is a Saudi rapper, who’s been taking the Saudi music scene by storm. Her unique style and powerful voice, allowed her to create several songs that turned into fanfares such as “irrelevant” and “966,” which was released and went viral on Saudi national day. She decided to pursue music when she moved to Sweden to study international relations and psychology a few years ago. After spending a few years abroad, she came back and quickly joined the ranks of the trail-blazing female rappers that are paving the way for women in music, alongside artists like Felukah, Khtek, and N1yah.
Mishaal Tamer
The 22-year-old Mishaal Tamer is a Saudi pop star who has been making a great impact on the Saudi music scene with his hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. The half Saudi half Ecuadorian artist is set to be Saudi’s next Gen-z superstar, he recently signed to a major label, RCA Records, the same label that has DJ Khalid, Miley Cyrus, and A$AP Rocky, becoming one of the first Saudi artists to do so. He began his musical journey at a young age after he discovered the guitar and started writing songs, from there he kept on working on his craft, becoming one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising up-and-coming talents. His most notable songs include “Run Baby,” “Mister Mister” and “Arabian Knights.”
Omar Basaad
Omar Basaad is a Saudi DJ, Record Producer, and label owner. Born in Jeddah, he spent his teenage years, learning how to DJ and honed his skills by performing sets in Saudi, Turkey, and England. He released his first mixtape in 2008 and he has not stopped since. Having an immense passion for dance music, he pioneered the Arabic Dubstep sound and kept on releasing singles and EPs such as “Dichotomy” and “Vega”. Later on, he founded his label Coexist and was chosen as the best Saudi DJ by Saudi Gazette and became the first Saudi artist to perform in Tomorrow Land.
Tamtam
Reem Altamimi AKA Tamtam, is a Saudi artist who is pioneering an eclectic style of indie-pop, R&B, distinctive vocals, and socially conscious music. She was heavily influenced by Western pop music after moving from Riyadh to Los Angeles at a young age. She’s now mixing between the inspirations she gets from her native Saudi culture and Western influences to create a new unique sound. She debuted in 2012 with her music video for “Little Girl”, a project that placed her on the map, resonating with Saudi youth. Throughout the next decade, Tamtam kept her foot on the peddle, dropping numerous hits, including ‘Gender Game’, ‘We’ve Got Wings’, ‘Blue’, ‘Drive’ and EP Ismak. She released her first Arabic single ‘Insak’ earlier this year.
Ntitled
Coming straight out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nawaf AKA Ntitled, is a rapper, producer, and songwriter working hard to create a unique sound for the emerging Saudi music scene. influenced by the culture and art around him, He tells stories through his versatile, unique production style. Growing up listening to lyricists such as Kendrick Lamar, Dr.Dre, J DIlla, and 9th Wonder to name a few, he is working to create a unique fusion between the inspirations he got from the legends he grew up on and his Saudi roots. Ntitled has released several projects including “Can I Get a Minute,” “Xtra Crispy,” and “Adan,” as well as numerous singles in collaboration with artists such as Jeed, Saud, Kali-B, and many more.
Loulwa Al-Sharif
Loulwa Al-Shairf is Saudi Arabia’s first female blues singer. Inspired by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Santana, Al-Sharif started his music career a few years back and was lucky enough to be allowed by the Saudi General Authority of Entertainment to sing at public concerts. Since then, she hasn’t stopped, rocking stages around the country with her amazing voice. Al-Sharif performs covers of iconic songs, most notably Nat King Cole’s “LOVE” and Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.” If you ever find yourself in Jeddah, make sure to catch one of Al-Sharif’s amazing performances when your in town.
Lil Eazy
Abubakar Al Jilany, a.k.a Lil Eazy, is a Saudi/Somalian Hip Hop artist raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Since his debut in 2007, Eazy has become one of the big rap stars in the region, releasing several hit songs such as “Millionaire,” “Mathaher,” and “Dripping.” The rising star built popularity with his unique style, cutting through a dense market of Saudi-based rappers and standing out. It is also worth mentioning that he was chosen to feature on the KSA version of the official anthem of the 2018 World Cup titled “Colors,” alongside Jason Derulo and Aseel Omran, getting him massive media attention from TV, radio, and print outlets. The young, hungry artist has signed deals with Jeddah Legends and Bahrain-based label, Outlaw Productions and there is no sigh that Eazy will slow down anytime soon.
Aziz.Wav
Aziz.Wav is the latest artist to join list of musicians that are trailblazing the kingdom’s music scene. Born and raised in Riyadh, Aziz was exposed to a variety of different music genres, which led to him partaking in music as a hobby and eventually releasing his own track. His debut single, Wave Tide was released in September 2021 and made a buzz around the world. Since then, Aziz has an affiliation with Swizz Beat’s Good Intentions label and released several singles in collaboration with producer Jbmadeit, who worked with Drake and French Montana and Saudi artist Kali-B. As well as, an EP by the name of “Oceana” with Saudi producer NBL, who worked with some of the best artists in the region.
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