North Africa

You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration
Music

You Need to Watch This Cinematic Exploration of Immigration

DJ Snake’s striking seven-minute video for “Patience” features actor Omar Sy and is fueled by a classic Amadou & Mariam song.

On NAFIDA, Moroccan Rapper Small X Rises Above the Noise and Into Underexplored Musical Territory
Music

On NAFIDA, Moroccan Rapper Small X Rises Above the Noise and Into Underexplored Musical Territory

Getting signed to Mass Appeal is only the beginning for the Moroccan powerhouse.

The Best North African Songs Right Now
Songs You Need To Hear

The Best North African Songs Right Now

In May, music releases were less energetic and more introspective, powerful in their minimalism, and stepping stones towards bigger releases and projects awaiting us in the summer.

On “The Man Who Lost His Heart,” Marwan Moussa Maps a Pathway Through Grief
Latest

On “The Man Who Lost His Heart,” Marwan Moussa Maps a Pathway Through Grief

The 23-track, deeply personal album confronts the death of the rapper’s mother, embedding the experience of depression and loss in an Egyptian cultural context.

MENA is the World’s Fastest Growing Music Industry: What Comes Next?
Latest

MENA is the World’s Fastest Growing Music Industry: What Comes Next?

Two music journalists look deeper into the Middle East and North Africa being named the world’s fastest growing music industry region by the IFPI’s Global Music Report.

Ahmed Basyoni, wearing purple flowy pants, a turquoise jacket and shirt, is standing on a muddy field with Hussein Gamal, wearing a grey tracksuit.
Latest

The Best North African Songs Right Now

Featuring the hottest raï, rap, house, and dance music from Morocco to Sudan—and a few introspective ones, too.

​The Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum greeting her public during her concert at The Olympia, on Nov.14, 1967.
Latest

Legends: Umm Kulthum’s Legacy Lives in the Emotion of Younger Generations

The Egyptian government announced 2025 to be the “Year of Umm Kulthum.” Egyptians of different generations share what it takes to really appreciate the icon’s music.

The Best North African Songs of 2024
Latest

The Best North African Songs of 2024

OkayAfrica’s North Africa correspondent shares the region’s most celebrated and underrated songs of the year — from Libya’s electronic Touareg music to Sudan’s rap revolution, and more.

Sudanese British musician Elmiene stands in front of a burgundy background, wearing an elaborate red and white kaftan, silver rings and red glasses.
Music

Elmiene’s ‘For The Deported’ is a Love Letter to Sudan

“Sudan is the reason I’m here right now,” says British Sudanese rising star Elmiene about his fourth EP, which marks a full circle moment since his breakout song “Golden.”

Sudanese rapper Montiyago.
Music

Is the Rise of Sudanese Rap Breaking Down Racist Stereotypes?

Sudanese rap is having a fantastic year, introducing the North African region to its unique sound and dialect, but are non-Sudanese really listening?

Egyptian rappers gathered in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one masked man is holding a microphone to a young woman rapping in the middle of the group.
North Africa

Sudanese and Egyptian Rappers Battle in the Latest ‘Rap Shar3’

In a friendly rap battle, the two rap scenes show off their artistry and respect for each other’s cultures. Watch Part 2 here to decide for yourself who won.

Egyptian French musician Ash standing knee deep in the sea, wearing a white shirt and white pants.
Latest

For Ash, Performing at The Pyramids of Giza Marks a Full Circle Moment

The independent artist will be playing live next to the Pyramids of Giza, proving the ability of grassroots art to take over world stages.

Moroccan pop singer Manal Benchlikha performs in a vegan fur coat in traditional Moroccan jewelry in front of a burgundy background at COLORSxSTUDIOS Berlin.
Latest

The Best North African COLORS Performances

The Berlin-based platform’s music archive features a variety of hip-hop, soul, rap and instrumental performances from North African artists.

Soulja standing inside a green door frame, rapping. To his left and right are colorful walls with flower print.
Latest

The 13 Best North African Songs Right Now

The soundtrack of North African summer is filled with melancholy, R&B, rap and electronic music.

Moroccan rapper Stormy rides a motorbike in his music video for “POPO.”
Latest

The Best North African Songs of 2024 So Far

The best songs to come out of Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya this year so far.

Sudanese musician Nadine El Roubi posing in front of a burgundy background.
Latest

Nadine El Roubi is at Her Most Confident and Vulnerable in ‘Freestyles Pt. 2 Mixtape’

The rapper, Nadine El Roubi, is back with more sociopolitical commentary, elegant empowerment, and a plea to keep #EyesOnSudan, her home country.

Libyan musician Amaka Jaji.
Latest

Amaka Jaji’s Debut Album, ‘TIDET,’ Fuses Tuareg Tradition With Modernity

In Amaka Jaji’s own words, TIDET mixes spiritual vibes with trap music, creating a sound that neither his community, nor the world, have heard before.

EMEL Summons Action and Resistance on Fifth Studio Album ‘MRA’
Latest

EMEL Summons Action and Resistance on Fifth Studio Album ‘MRA’

Tunisian singer EMEL continues her musical exploration, as well as her fight for freedom through an explicitly feminist lens on MRA.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

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