5 Arab artists or groups to follow in 2020

1 – Sobhhï

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hi.

A post shared by SOBHHÏ (@sobhhi) on Jan 20, 2019 at 10:19am PST

A young R&B phenomenon based in Dubai, Sobhhï made his big debut in 2019. He mixes Arabic and English in a languorous style, with soul influences, on very modern instruments, almost like trap. He himself describes his music as “Soultrap Nocturne”. To be followed closely, as he is likely to make a lot of noise in 2020.

2 – Cairokee

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MEME//11.01/2020 جمهور_كايروكي_العظيم# في_القمه_و_قاعدين_شويه# Credits to: @the.migz

A post shared by Cairokee (@cairokee) on Jan 12, 2020 at 8:38am PST

The five Cairo musicians, independent symbols of the revolution, released their sixth studio album last year, still in their hyper-personal style. On “The Ugly Ducklings”, they mix rock with committed lyrics, with more and more electronic sounds, for a captivating musical experience.

3 – Shkoon

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We always try to stay dynamic in our working roles, but of course everyone brings his unique style and character to the band. Maher with his classical background is our melody freak, he cannot stop adding melodies on top. If you ever meet him, try to show him some music and observe what’s gonna happen. Find us upcoming weekend here: 27.07 – SOLD OUT: The Monastery Festival Experience 2019 28.07 – @zugvoegelfestival #shkoon #ontour #themonasteryfestival #zugvögelfestival #live #falafel

A post shared by Shkoon (@_shkoon) on Jul 24, 2019 at 8:11am PDT

This German-Syrian trio of musicians, born of a chance meeting in Hamburg, export their sound with multiple influences all over the world, making them difficult to categorize. They produce a clever mix of electronic music and Arab sounds. Their latest album, “Rima”, is quite simply a delight.

4 – Galaxy juice

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🧬PURPLE JUICY DREAM🧬

A post shared by Galaxy Juice (@galaxyjuiceband) on Jan 2, 2020 at 1:36am PST

The least that can be said of this group of four Kuwaitis, self-proclaimed “aliens who came to earth to save the human race”, is that it has its own identity, its own universe. Their futuristic music is vibrant, dreamy, lively and inspiring.

5 – Emel Mathlouthi

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A few 2019 live highlights with "Everywhere We Looked Was Burning" Here it's taken @lprnyc wearing my favorite red dress, designed and hand made by me I can't wait to be on stage again ♥️🌹💃 The full album is now available for streaming on Spotify ++ Love you

A post shared by E M E L آمال مثلوثي (@emelmathlouthi) on Dec 30, 2019 at 7:25am PST

This Tunisian singer and guitarist with a magnificent voice already enjoys great fame, with a career spanning ten years. In 2019, the release of the song “Everywhere we looked was burning” clearly confirmed her talent on the international scene. She produces a unique mix of electronic music and North African-inspired sounds, and it works wonders!