Arabic Rock Playlist
Even though not many in the international population are aware of it, there's a growing community of underground bands in the middle east playing a distinct hybrid of rock with Arabic lyrics. Not all attempts are good, but some are truly brilliant and worthy of more exposure than the local media companies provide. Here are some of the best...
Tinariwen - Cler Achel
The rebel Bedouin boys make it sound like there should be guitars growing in the desert; blissful grooves and hypnotic chants.
Akher Zapheer - Ta7t el ba7r el mayet
Jordanian band boast their hard-hitting
original lyrics on this moody rock piece.![]()
CairoKee - Kol El Nas
Byte 1010 - West El Zeham
Local group shows a lot of promise on this
great fusion track that's unique in that it uses a darker, mellower rock sound
featuring a female vocal that adds a cool touch. ![]()

Saif Shaheen - Marat Sana
A brilliant track with some especially elevating guitar moments from the legendary Iraqi musician\poet\director.
Jadal - Salma
Jordanian pioneers introduce an excellent
rattling riff that pulls you into the alternate take on a love song; fun and
very much ready for radio. ![]()
Nagham Masry - Istanbul
One of our own guitar virtuoso Ousso's
musical projects, Nagham Masry, performs a mind blowing rendition that features
an especially awesome solo by the man himself! ![]()
Souad Massi - Bladi
The music doesn't get much cooler than this and the fusion can never manage to strike such a perfect balance as Algerian Souad Massi simply does.