Key Players at Azimuth 2025 Event
In the realm of music, the Middle East is witnessing a renaissance, with a host of talented artists blending traditional sounds with contemporary beats. Here are some of the notable acts that are making waves across the globe.
Shkoon, a collaboration between Syrian vocalist Ameen Khayer and German musician Thorben Diekmann, was formed in 2015. The duo's music seamlessly blends traditional Arabic sounds with electronica, piano, violin, and percussion. Ameen Khayer arrived as a refugee in Hamburg, Germany, where he met Thorben Diekmann and formed this unique musical partnership. Shkoon's mission is to prove there are no borders in music, regardless of where one comes from.
Another duo making a mark is Bedouin Burger, consisting of Syrian singer Lynn Adib and Lebanese musician Zeid Hamdan. Known for blending classical Arabic poetry, Egyptian pop, analog synths, acoustic recordings, and drum machines, Bedouin Burger's tracks like "Taht El Wared," "Nomad," and "Ya Man Hawa" are gaining popularity. Zeid Hamdan, one half of the trip-hop duo Soapkills, is one of the most influential figures in Arabic alternative music. Lynn Adib and Zeid Hamdan met in 2020, with Adib stating she needed someone who knows what they want to say in music and can help put her ideas into a more readable form.
Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter Nemah Hassan first gained fame as a beauty and fashion influencer before turning to writing her own material. Her 2024 debut album "Verbathim" won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year. Zeyne, a Jordanian-Palestinian indie-pop star, started her YouTube channel during the COVID-19 lockdowns and has established herself as a leading light in the Middle East's independent scene. Zeyne lists Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Rosalia among her musical influences.
The UK indie-pop band London Grammar was founded by Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman, and Dominic Major in the late Noughties. The band won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically & Lyrically in 2014 for "Strong" and Independent Breakthrough of the Year and Most Played New Independent Act at the AIM Independent Music Awards in 2014.
Saudi DJs and music producers Dish Dash, brothers Hassan and Abbas Ghazzawi, are pioneers in the Kingdom's electronic music scene. Dish Dash embraces the freedom to explore different styles in their music, making them stand out in the scene.
Mind Against, the Berlin-based EDM duo associated with the city's vibrant electronic music scene, is composed of brothers Alessandro and Federico Fognini. The pair approached their live shows without much planning but with a focus on creating moments during a set. Their joint DJ sets have made them popular worldwide.
In the realm of Arabic alternative music, Zeid Hamdan stands as one of the most influential figures. As one half of the trip-hop duo Soapkills, he has been a trailblazer, pushing boundaries and encouraging others to do the same. Zeyne aims to be unapologetic in showcasing her identity as an Arab female artist, further enriching the diverse tapestry of music in the Middle East.
These artists, among others, are proof that music knows no borders. They are breaking down barriers, challenging conventions, and creating a vibrant, diverse, and exciting musical landscape that is captivating audiences around the world.
