A new partnership between two industry heavyweights aims to shine a spotlight on exploding Arab music talent. Billboard Arabia, a collaboration between Saudi’s SRMG and Billboard powerhouse, launched this week to elevate Middle Eastern and North African artists to worldwide prominence.
At the heart of the initiative are compelling weekly chart rankings that immerse fans in the diverse sounds coming out of the region. Billboard Arabia’s Hot 100 counts down the most streamed Arabic songs globally via leading platforms like Spotify, YouTube and more. Similarly, the Artist 100 spotlights the popularity of performers across over 200 worldwide territories.
Current chart-toppers show the prominence of stars like Sherine Abdel Wahab, ElGrandeToto and Amr Diab, yet also herald the next generation of rising voices poised for mainstream success. The charts provide a valuable barometer for the industry, giving established and emerging names alike a platform to connect with new fans internationally.
In addition to real-time rankings, Billboard Arabia launched an encompassing digital media hub. Here, music lovers can explore artist profiles, concert highlights, vibrant photography and exclusive interviews. Readers are immersed in the heritage and evolution of genres from Khaleeji to Egyptian sounds.
The announcement comes at the perfect time as, according to IFPI data, MENA has exploded into one of the fastest growing music markets globally. Arab pop revenues are projected to reach $670 million by 2027, driven largely by the homeland, Saudi Arabia.
For SRMG managing director Rami Zeidan, the venture signifies “an exciting new chapter in the region’s music infrastructure..” With the tools now in place to celebrate both icons and new talent, Arab artists have gained an important vehicle for taking their music world-stage.
As Billboard president Mike Van affirmed, “Our commitment to ensuring artists have a platform to resonate and engage with music fans has always defined Billboard, and we look forward to bringing this same passion to Billboard Arabia.”
