Latest news with #BillboardArabia
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marwan Moussa: The Egyptian Rapper Who Lost His Heart and Found His Voice
In a studio hangar just outside Cairo, weeks before the release of his new album The Man Who Lost His Heart, Marwan Moussa sits with a resolve that only grief teaches. The kind shaped by someone who's been to the depths of loss and carried back not just a song, but 23. The album wasn't built overnight, Marwan Moussa explains to Billboard Arabia in his exclusive May cover interview. It was carved out of grief and shaped with intention. Each track, he says, was sculpted from the turbulent, shifting emotions he experienced during the long and winding journey of healing after the heartbreak of losing his mother two years ago. The album, he says, was 'a kind of therapy.' Like writing a journal, sleeping on it, then reading it with fresh eyes to look at his life from a different perspective. More from Billboard Jessie J Reveals 'Early Breast Cancer' Diagnosis: 'Cancer Sucks in Any Form' Big Thief Announce New Album, 'Double Infinity' Neil Young Invites Donald Trump to Summer Tour 'If There Is Not Martial Law by Then' The Man Who Lost His Heart doesn't open with a bang; it opens like a dream taking shape. 'Try to remember' is the first line we hear, fighting its way through an ethereal sound design. Structured in five parts, the album mirrors the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance – but more than that, it charts the long, slow work of survival. Moussa doesn't just document his pain; he invites you into it, offering a guide and companionship with each track. 'It isn't a linear journey, of course,' he explains. 'You could be angry, then suddenly find yourself depressed, and then all the way back in the denial stage.' But the album isn't merely a chronicle of grief. It's a sonic deconstruction of Moussa's process. Blending trap-shaabi (a genre he helped popularize that combines trap beats with various textures found within Egypt's popular folk music), heavy synths, tender melodies and deeply personal sound bites – including audio lifted from childhood VHS tapes of him and his family – he crafts a layered, emotional landscape. The Man Who Lost His Heart isn't just a collection of songs. It's a reckoning. Take his track 'BOSAKBER,' which spirals through memory and misfire. His flow isn't clean; it's distorted and fractured like a freshly broken heart. In the accompanying video, directed by Youssef Haridy, Moussa appears alone beneath a wide, empty sky. He fights his own reflection. The imagery is both surreal and stark, but not hopeless. It's not the portrait of someone broken – it's the portrait of an artist in the whirlwind of putting themselves back together, even if the pieces no longer fit the way they once did. 'We wanted to create a surreal imagery that feels deeply rooted in oriental aesthetics; something distinct,' Moussa says. Moussa is not new to transformation. Over the last several years, he's become one of the most influential voices in Arabic hip-hop – not only as a rapper, but as the producer behind dozens of hits, including 'Brazil,' and more recently 'Kebda' for longtime collaborator Afroto. He's also been a constant on Billboard Arabia's Artist 100 chart for over 55 consecutive weeks. Moussa first set foot on Egypt's hip-hop scene in 2016, releasing his early tracks on SoundCloud. The following year, his collaborations with Abyusif on 'La2 Mafeesh' (No, There Isn't) and 'Zaghzaghto' (Tickling) brought him into the spotlight, and his skills as both rapper and producer began to further solidify. In 2018, he released his first music video for 'Kiki,' which marked his production breakthrough. Then came 'Fr3on' (Pharaoh) in 2019, with its unpredictable rhymes and sharp wordplay over a solid beat and advanced production techniques. After experimenting with several genres, Moussa's 2019 track 'El Bosla Da3et' (The Compass Is Lost) marked a turning point not only for his career, but for Egyptian trap as a whole. It was one of the first tracks to experiment with fusing shaabi and trap, paving the way for the rise of trap-shaabi, as it became known subsequently. His 2021 album Florida cemented his reputation as an innovator, blending regional rhythms with experimental production in a way few dared to. From songs like 'Tesla' and 'Sheraton' to shaping his own catalog to producing for Egypt and North Africa's most respected MCs, Moussa has always known how to bend sound to feeling. But The Man Who Lost His Heart, released in full on May 5, is different. If Florida was Moussa pushing his craft's limits, this album is what remains when all else falls away – just music, message and the strength found in the breaking. That strength is amplified by a slate of carefully chosen collaborators. The album features standout moments with producer El Waili on 'Yamma' and Afroto, as well as verses from Lege-Cy on 'Klameny Belel.' But it's Donia Wael's contribution that Moussa calls essential to the record's emotional core. 'I want Donia Wael's voice on the album to be interpreted by each listener in his or her own way—as a girlfriend, friend or therapist,' he says. 'The reason the album came out this way,' says Moussa, 'is that I thought if I give through the five stages of grief, maybe it helps you get through what you're dealing with or get past a tough time in your life or your current period of depression.' In that way, The Man Who Lost His Heart is more than an act of expression. It's an offering. A hand on your shoulder there to remind you that no stage of sadness lasts forever, even when it feels like it might. For Moussa, producing an album this emotional, meant risking everything: the cool detachment of a hardened rapper. What he's delivered instead is something harder, and far more lasting. A document of heartbreak. And perhaps, in doing so, he has found his heart again, and his voice. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Arab News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
TikTok and SRMG join forces to back local talent, drive MENA media innovation
RIYADH: Leading media group SRMG has announced a strategic partnership with TikTok to empower the next generation of content creators in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region, while also driving commercial growth through a series of innovative initiatives. The partnership will leverage TikTok's expertise in amplifying content reach, unlocking monetization opportunities, and fostering deeper connections with the region's digitally native audience. It also aims to expand TikTok's footprint through integration into SRMG's flagship events and diverse media platforms, particularly in the fields of entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. A key initiative under the partnership was the launch of #TikTokAcademy, a local program tailored for Saudi Arabia and developed in conjunction with SRMG Academy. This initiative invites aspiring digital storytellers to submit original content across lifestyle, fashion, film and entertainment, news, and sports. Selected creators will gain exclusive training across SRMG's media brands, gaining firsthand experience alongside editors, journalists, and producers. As part of the partnership, SRMG's cultural and entertainment events such as the Billboard Arabia Music Awards and Hia Hub, will provide a prominent platform to spotlight TikTok creators and raise their profile. SRMG will also activate its extensive media network, including, Hia Magazine, Sayidaty, Arriyadiyah, and Billboard Arabia to amplify content and showcase creators through editorial and digital platforms. This aligns with broader industry momentum, as the media sector added SAR 14.5 billion ($3.86 billion) to the GDP in 2023, with ambitions to more than triple that by 2030 and generate 67,000 jobs by 2024. The entertainment sector is booming as well, bringing in over SAR 1 billion in revenue and engaging more than 75 million people in the past five years. Social media is a major driving force behind this surge, with Saudi Arabia ranked among the top countries for usage, fuelling a new era of content creation, digital storytelling, and influencer-led innovation. Commenting on the partnership, Bassil Al Mouallimi Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer at SRMG, said: 'We believe in the power of community and in the influential role the new generation plays in shaping the future of media in our region.' He noted that 'the region's creative economy is witnessing remarkable and rapid growth, particularly across the media, entertainment, and social platform sectors.' Al Mouallimi added: 'Our strategic partnership with TikTok marks a significant step in solidifying our presence at the heart of this creative movement. We are working to connect talented creators with global platforms and foster an environment that empowers them to thrive and make a meaningful impact.' He emphasized that 'this goes beyond simply producing trend-driven content — it's about building sustainable career paths, amplifying authentic voices, and driving growth in the content economy.' Kinda Ibrahim, TikTok's General Manager of Content Operations in MEA, South and Central Asia said 'At TikTok, we are committed to empowering a new generation of storytellers by giving them the tools, platform, and global stage to express themselves and shape culture. Saudi Arabia is home to an incredibly engaged and creative community. Through this partnership with SRMG, we are doubling down on our efforts to nurture local talent, fuel the region's creative economy, and help creators thrive, not just in the Kingdom, but across the world.' This strategic partnership builds on the momentum of earlier joint initiatives, including the launch of the Billboard Arabia TikTok Music Charts, a first-of-its-kind platform spotlighting the most streamed and culturally influential songs in the Arab world. It also follows the rollout of SRMG Academy's first technology journalism course, powered by TikTok, designed to train the next wave of Saudi storytellers in navigating and reporting on the fast-evolving tech landscape.
Cosmopolitan ME
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
We're screaming! Elyanna joins Abu Dhabi F1 line-up
If you thought Elyanna's moment with Coldplay was iconic… you're absolutely right. After stealing the spotlight during their Abu Dhabi show – vocals on point, visuals unforgettable she didn't just perform, she made history. And now, she's coming back. But this time? It's all her. She's taking the spotlight solo at one of the biggest stages of the year: the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.. And yes, the vibes will be immaculate. It's a full-circle moment for the Palestinian-Chilean singer, who's been carving her own path from day one. Elyanna's not your typical pop artist. At just 22, she was the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at Coachella, blending her unique fusion of Arabic lyrics, Latin rhythms, and dreamy pop energy has carved out a space in global music that feels fresh and deeply rooted at the same time. Whether it's Ghareeb Alay to the emotional pull of her unreleased tracks, she brings depth, soul, and serious stage presence – and F1 is about to get all of it.. This isn't just another gig – it's a full-on glow-up. She went from sharing the stage with Coldplay to now owning one of the biggest weekends in the region. Elyanna is making it clear: she's not the future of Arabic pop, she's the now. So if you're heading to F1, don't just go for the race. Go for Elyanna. She's bringing the vocals, the visuals, and the energy. And something tells us this is just the beginning. Did you know – Elyanna landed a spot on Billboard Arabia's Top 5 female artists?
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dystinct's ‘Ya Baba' Featuring French Montana Lights A Cultural Bridge in Arabic
When Moroccan-Belgian artist Dystinct announced his upcoming third album with a debut single featuring French Montana, the moment didn't just mark a major milestone in his career—it signaled his arrival on a much broader stage. The single, titled 'Ya Baba' and released on April 18, should be seen as a high-profile collaboration that reflects the convergence of languages, identities and sonic worlds. It's also a meeting point for two diasporic stories: French Montana was born in Casablanca and grew up in the Bronx; Belgium-born Dystinct also traces his roots to the same Moroccan coastal city. More from Billboard Charting the Global Musical Map in Morocco: Dystinct's Quest for Love and Arabic Music P1Harmony, SEVENTEEN's HxW & More Among KCON Los Angeles 2025 Performers How to Watch the 2025 Tony Nominations Announcement Livestream With 18 Billboard Hot 100 hits over the past decade-plus (including standouts like 'Unforgettable' and 'Pop That'), French Montana has cemented his status as a powerhouse in U.S. hip-hop and pop. In 'Ya Baba,' however, we hear French Montana rapping in Moroccan Darija (Moroccan vernacular Arabic) for the first time. It's a full circle moment for an artist who left Morocco at age 13 but never lost touch with his roots. For Dystinct, this collaboration marks a major milestone in his global rise—joining forces with a U.S. pop heavyweight signals a new level of international recognition and reach. Shot in Morocco, the music video for 'Ya Baba' combines the celebratory and the sobering: children playing in the alleyway, elders sipping tea, the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its combination of Moroccan textures with Afropop grooves, and lyrics that toggle between English and Moroccan Darija, illustrates Dystinct's ethos of musical diversity. 'More money, more problems, ya habibi,' he sings—echoing one of the most iconic lines in hip-hop history, while capturing the emotional paradox of success and the generational weight that comes with it. But Dystinct's journey to this moment didn't happen overnight. Born and raised in Belgium to Moroccan immigrant parents, Dystinct has long been immersed in Arabic music, as Billboard Arabia wrote in its cover story last year. Yet his ascent to stardom started first through Dutch-language tracks before making his mark in Arabic. That moment arrived in 2023 with LAYALI, an album that passed 500 million streams and supported a sold-out world tour. Songs like 'Tek Tek' with MHD and 'Y Dor' with Soolking positioned him at the heart of the MENA Afropop wave. The viral success of 'La'—which soared to No. 1 on Billboard Arabia's Hot 100—and the hit 'Wala 5,7,10' cemented his status as a chart-topper, propelling him to No. 2 on Billboard Arabia's Artist 100. Meanwhile, his track 'Spider,' with French artist GIMS, reached new heights, earning multiple Diamond certifications, and is currently approaching 200 million streams. The versatility in dialects in these tracks—from Moroccan to Khaleeji Arabic—reflects his fluency, not just linguistically but musically, across several continents. French Montana's career paved the way for this kind of ambition, though from a different era and scale of global success. From his breakout mixtapes in the late 2000s to major label success, Montana represents an earlier wave of diasporic success—one that had to Americanize first, then reconnect with its roots. With 'Ya Baba,' the script flips: Dystinct doesn't compromise his sound for global appeal; he elevates it on his own terms, and French Montana meets him there. In a world where music is increasingly borderless, this collaboration signifies more than a co-sign—it's a recognition that cultural identity, when channeled authentically, has the power to travel. As French Montana raps in Darija and Dystinct carries Arabic textures across languages and platforms, 'Ya Baba' becomes a symbol of the present moment: one in which artists don't have to choose between global and local but can be both. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How the Holy Month of Ramadan Became a Musical Phenomenon: The Rise of TV Intro Songs, Viral Ads & Pop Anthems
Once considered a quiet season for the music industry, Ramadan is now a full-blown musical phenomenon. As Firas Abou Fakher, the vp of audience growth and strategy at Universal Music Middle East, puts it, 'Ramadan is no longer a 'break period' for the music scene like it used to be.' In recent years, Ramadan has become a prime time for music releases, fueled by the rise of TV series, commercial campaigns and a growing appetite for nostalgia. But music has always been an essential part of Ramadan's artistic memory. From the golden voices of Ammar El Sherei and Sayed Mekawy to legendary lyricists like Salah Jaheen, Sayed Hegab and Abdelrahman El-Abnoudi, paired with artistic talents like Nelly and Sherihan, Ali Al Hajjar and Assala, music has long set the stage for unforgettable Ramadan moments. More from Billboard Ariana Grande Welcomes 'Brighter Days Ahead' With 'Eternal Sunshine' Deluxe Album: Stream It Now Lil Durk Releases 'Deep Thoughts' Album From Behind Bars: Stream It Now Bachman-Turner Overdrive Make a Grand Return With Neil Young Collab '60 Years Ago': 'There Was No Great Plan for This Song' However, nothing compares to today's musical boom, where TV series soundtracks and brand-backed anthems dominate streaming charts, transforming the Holy Month into a dynamic season for artists and production houses alike. So, how did we get here? Billboard Arabia sat down with top industry insiders and traced the evolution of Ramadan's soundscape since the '80s. More Than Just TV Soundtracks: Music as Part of the Storyline Lately, Ramadan has become a launchpad for hit songs, with artists strategically linking their releases to trending TV series. According to Wissam Chartouni, co-founder of Glava Holding (home to Watary and Music Is My Life), 'artists now have a higher chance of success when their songs are tied to popular TV shows. Additionally, old classics are getting a fresh revival when featured in pivotal scenes.' A perfect example? This year, Sherine Abdel Wahab's 2018 album Nassay saw a massive resurgence after its tracks were featured in the Ramadan series Ekhawati (My Sisters), propelling her back to the top of the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 chart. Karima Damir, the vp of artist development and repertoire growth at Universal Music Middle East, also notes a shift in how artists engage with Ramadan series: 'Singers are becoming integral to the storyline itself. We're even seeing rappers take on acting roles.' Take, for example, Abyusif, who joined Ahmed Mekky in El Ghaoui during the current season, or Shahin, who starred in Lunchbox last year. Arabic music and drama have never been more intertwined. From Fawazeer to Viral Ads For decades, Ramadan's 'fawazeer' (riddle-based variety shows) ruled the entertainment scene, with stars like Nelly and Sherihan leading the stage. Nelly dazzled audiences with standout performances in works like Al Khatba (The Matchmaker) and Arousati (My Doll), where she collaborated with iconic poet, lyricist and playwright Salah Jahin. Meanwhile, Samir Ghanem brought to life the beloved character Fatoota, accompanied by a long, comedic opening theme composed by Sayed Mekawy—one that still lingers in memory today. In the '90s, Sherihan reigned supreme with productions like 'Hagat W Mehtagat' (Needs and Wants), penned by Egyptian songwriter Sayed Hegab and set to music by composer Moudy El Imam, who blended fast-paced rhythms with vibrant orchestral arrangements. These productions were packed with elaborate song-and-dance numbers composed by musical giants. But as the 2000s rolled in, fawazeer faded, making room for a new powerhouse: Ramadan commercials. In recent years, brands have gone beyond simple jingles. Instead, they have invested in cinematic-style music videos with chart-topping stars, sometimes downplaying their product's presence to ensure the song has standalone appeal. Some of these ad songs have become cultural hits, such as 'Asmar Oyonoh Samrah' (Brown-skinned, brown-eyed) and 'Ramadan Fi Masr Haga Tanya' (Ramadan in Egypt is something else), performed by Hussein Al Jassmi, a staple on Billboard Arabia's charts. This year alone, A-list artists like Al Jassmi, Sherine, Elissa, Tamer Hosny, Angham, Wegz and Ahmed Saad (who led an impressive seven different ad campaigns) dominated Ramadan's musical space. Mohamed Jaber, vice president of Mazzika Group, explains this shift: 'Brands are now creating songs that can live beyond Ramadan. The goal is for people to play these tracks at gatherings and celebrations, making them more than just an ad—they become part of our culture.' The Soundtrack Lives On Despite all these shifts, one thing remains unchanged—TV series intro songs still reign supreme. Since the 1980s, Ramadan drama intros have been a gateway for timeless hits. Legendary collaborations like Sayed Hegab and Ammar El Sherei set the foundation for this genre, creating unforgettable classics. This is evident in the iconic Layali El Helmeya (Al-Hilmiya Nights) theme song, written by Hegab, composed by Michel El Masry and performed by Mohamed El Helou in 1987. The 1990s ushered in the golden era of intro soundtracks in both Egyptian and Syrian drama. In Egypt, poets like Ahmed Fouad Negm in Zizinia and Abdelrahman El Abnoudi with Ze'ab El Gabal penned lyrics for TV dramas, while Ali El Haggar's performances of the songs 'Bawabat El Halawani' and 'El Mal wel Banoon' became iconic. Meanwhile, in Syria, the 1994 series Nihayat Rajol Shujaa (The End of a Brave Man) marked a turning point. Featuring a fully composed original score by Tarek Al Nasser, its theme, 'Ya Rouh La Tahzani,' became an integral part of the show's identity. Syrian drama also saw a flourishing partnership between director Hatem Ali and composer Taher Mamelli, who infused an epic musical approach into productions like 'Al Fosoul Al Arbaa,' 'Boqaat Daw' and 'Thikrayat Az Zaman Al Qaadem.' Mamelli often unearthed local voices, adding authenticity to his scores. The Rise of Pop Stars and the Evolution of Ramadan's TV Theme Songs TV series like Salah Ad Din Al Ayyubi (2002), Qasim Amin (2003) and Nizar Qabbani (2005) marked a turning point. Following their success, production companies began recruiting top pop stars for theme songs. Pop star Assala lent her voice to all three, bringing celebrated poets' words to life and leaving a deep impression on Arab audiences. These songs transcended their series, taking on national and emotional significance. During this era, Egypt's Ramadan TV season changed, with more channels and bigger productions. Some lyricists preserved the '90s spirit, like Ayman Bahgat Kamar's 'Abbas Al-Abyad fi Al-Yawm Al-Aswad' (2004), composed by Mahmoud Talaat and performed by Medhat Saleh. However, commercial pressures meant lyricists often wrote intros based solely on show titles, leading to more generic hooks, as seen in the show El Kaboos. New voices emerged in theme songs. Hisham Abbas performed 'Yetrebba Fi Ezo' (2007), composed by Talaat. In 2010, Ahmed Mekky broke new ground by writing and performing his own hip-hop intro, a massive success in rural Egyptian dialect. In the Gulf, Nawal Al Kuwaitia became a staple Ramadan drama voice, singing for Al Raha, Al Dereesha and Damat Omr, while Asma Lamnawar mastered Khaleeji music with Oyun Al Hob, Sara and Ahbabtak Mundhu Al Sighar. Meanwhile, historical Syrian dramas grew in popularity. The iconic show Bab Al Hara (2006–2017) featured a legendary theme song, 'Elli Beddo Yetahadda,' performed by Adnan Al Hallaq with lyrics by Osama Al Saud and music by Saad Al Husseini. Pop stars continue to shape TV intros, making them more like standalone hits designed for viral success. This year, Syrian dramas introduced fresh voices like Ziad Bourji, Nassif Zeytoun, Rahma Riad and Abir Nehme. Rising star Al Shami debuted with Taht Sabe' Ard, marking a strategic shift as producers capitalized on his recent fame. The Rise of Shaabi and Mahraganat Music By the mid-2010s, Ramadan's musical landscape had expanded beyond traditional soundtracks. Enter the street anthems: Mahraganat and traditional hip-hop-infused tracks became regulars in TV series intros, performed by artists such as Hassan Shakosh and Bousy. In 2020, Bi 100 Wish (With a Hundred Faces) became the first show to feature a Mahragan intro song, Millionaire, performed by El Madfaagya and famed actress Nelly Karim. Fast forward to Ramadan 2024 and 2025. Mahraganat star Essam Sasa achieved record-breaking success with his intro songs, ranking among the few to reach the Billboard Arabia charts. His track 'Etnen Be Maqam Malayin' (Two Are Worth Millions), from the series Massar Egbari, landed in the Hot 100's top 10 last year. With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
