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.