Spotify Unwrapped
Spotify Unwrapped: On The Search for A Better Streaming Deal in MENA
As streaming becomes a catch-all for industry woes, Spotify MENAP looks for better terms with Arab artists on visibility, royalties, and AI.
MUSIC
sound politics
Heba Kadry Hears Dead Frequencies: On Curating Sounds and Amplifying Voices
Mastering engineer Heba Kadry on listening to noise, curating sound, and amplifying voices across music, cities, and politics.
Calm Before Storm
A Cornerstone of Arab Alternative: Houdou Nisbi by Ziad Rahbani Revisited
How Ziad Rahbani’s Houdou Nisbi blended jazz, satire, and Lebanese reality to lay the groundwork for Arab indie and alternative music.
Palestinian Princesshood
Amira Jazeera and The Politics of Just Making Pop
A self-proclaimed Pop Princess, Amira Jazeera places Palestine at the center of her life – though not necessarily her music.
Bar-by-Bar Breakdown
‘Youmi’ Dissected: A Breakdown of A West Bank Groundhog Day
On Fawzi, Shabjdeed and Al Nather’s “Youmi,” a song that turns routine into ritual, and repetition into resistance.
Damascus Revisited
Gorillaz’s ‘Damascus’ Ventures in Syrian Shaabi Rough Terrains
Gorillaz venture into Levantine shaabi with Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey on ‘Damascus,’ meeting Syrian music on its own terms.
MDLBEAST Architect
MDLBEAST’s Ramadan Alharatani Is Redefining Saudi Music Culture
Inside MDLBEAST’s long game: CEO Ramadan Alharatani on building infrastructure, developing talent, and reshaping Saudi Arabia’s music future.
In Bad Taste
Why Column? Why Opinion? Why Bite?
Why cultural writing lost its bite, and why criticism with teeth still matters. Introducing Rolling Stone MENA’s new column: In Bad Taste.
Silent Shifts
Souad Massi’s ‘Samt’ Bridges Tradition and Modernity
With “Samt,” Souad Massi leans into a fresher, groovier sound while preserving the intimacy and depth that define her artistry.
Cultural Bridge
Arabiano: 5 Iconic Performances by African Artists on Arab Stages
From Burna Boy to Tyla, five performances that chart the deepening musical exchange between Africa and the Arab world.
Sole Searching
The Music We’re Looking Forward to Hearing At Dubai’s Sole DXB
Rolling Stone MENA’s top recommended musical performances to catch at this year’s Sole DXB in Dubai.
Remembering Rim
Lullabies of Resistance: Remembering Rim Banna
Maram Khenissi remembers Rim Banna on her 59th birthday and celebrates her defiant legacy of sound, resistance and memory.
