Arab Alternative

Arab Alternative is a vibrant music genre characterized by its fusion of traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation and rhythms with modern, Western-influenced rock and electronic elements. Emerging in the early 2000s, this genre was shaped by the cultural and social upheavals of the Arab Spring, reflecting the region's desire for creative expression and change. Arab Alternative's distinctive sound often features the oud, qraqeb, and darbuka alongside electric guitars and synthesizers, creating a rich, eclectic texture. Vocals frequently blend Arabic lyrics with English and French, mirroring the genre's cosmopolitan spirit. With its roots in Arabic folk and shaabi music, Arab Alternative has also drawn from global styles like indie rock, electronic, and worldbeat, making it a unique and captivating fusion. Notable for its energetic live performances and socially conscious lyrics, Arab Alternative has become a powerful voice for the Arab youth, tackling topics like identity, freedom, and social justice.

Latest Arab Alternative Release
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Orchestra Sessions (with Firdaus Orchestra)
Album - 15 Tracks - Released June 20, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Gaidaa
Ghaliaa
Sharmoofers
Mashrou' Leila
Emel
Dina El Wedidi
Top Playlists
The Sound of Jordanian Alternative 7 Arab Alternative artists
The Sound of Lebanese Indie 6 Arab Alternative artists
World Music 🌍 2 Arab Alternative artists
The Sound of Syrian Pop 2 Arab Alternative artists
The Sound of Chip Hop 1 Arab Alternative artist
The Needle / Iraq - Current 1 Arab Alternative artist

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  1. June 20, 2025
  2. June 11
  3. May 2
  4. April 11
  5. February 21
  6. January 31
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    Zahra
    1 tracks
  7. January 31
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    Zahra
    1 tracks
  8. January 24
  9. January 24
  10. January 17
  11. January 17
  12. January 10
  13. December 6, 2024
  14. December 1
  15. November 22
  16. November 14
  17. November 11
  18. November 8
  19. November 3
  20. November 1
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    Ferda
    1 tracks
  21. October 31
  22. October 23
  23. October 14
  24. October 11
  25. October 4
  26. September 28
  27. September 24
  28. September 18
  29. August 28
  30. August 13
  31. August 2
  32. August 2
  33. August 2
  34. July 24
  35. July 23
  36. July 19
  37. July 13
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    LONDON
    1 tracks
  38. July 12
  39. July 12
  40. June 28
  1. June 20, 2025
  2. January 17
  3. November 11, 2024
  4. November 8
  5. September 18
  6. August 28
  7. August 2
  8. May 2
  9. April 19
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    MRA
    12 tracks
  10. February 27
  11. February 23
  12. February 14
  13. November 30, 2023
  14. September 29
  15. September 8
  16. July 21
  17. June 23
  18. June 2
  19. May 5
  20. April 27
  1. June 11, 2025
  2. May 2
  3. April 11
  4. February 21
  5. January 31
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    Zahra
    1 tracks
  6. January 31
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    Zahra
    1 tracks
  7. January 24
  8. January 24
  9. January 17
  10. January 10
  11. December 6, 2024
  12. December 1
  13. November 22
  14. November 14
  15. November 3
  16. November 1
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    Ferda
    1 tracks
  17. October 31
  18. October 23
  19. October 14
  20. October 11