The Sudanese music scene has recently flourished, embracing a vibrant blend of new and modern genres as many artists modernise traditional sounds to resonate with younger generations both within Sudan and around the world. This musical renaissance blends classic Sudanese melodies with international genres such as jazz, hip hop, and rap, creating a fresh, dynamic sound embraced by solo artists and bands alike.
Here are Sudanese music bands based around the world, sharing the Sudanese sound globally through their instruments and vocals:
ADIGA
ADIGA is a Sudanese music group based Dubai, the UAE. Formed in 2016, the all-male trio group consists of musicians who play guitar, bass, and percussion. Sidahmed Zaki is the dual-threat guitarist and keyboardist, Ibrahim Altijani is the master of both classical and electric guitar, and Hassan Aljaily is the producer, bassist, and guitarist. They often collaborate with other music artists, both Sudanese and non-Sudanese, such as Sammany Hajo.
Aimming to revive and reinvent Sudanese heritage through their unique sound, ADIGA’s music blends lend traditional Sudanese sounds with modern experimental twists. They have performed at various venues in Dubai, including The Fridge and Sole DXB. The band has also participated in events such as Vinyl Souk at Manarat Al Saadiya
Social media: linktr.ee/soundofadiga
Alsarah and the Nubatones
Alsarah and the Nubatones is Afro-pop group based in Brooklyn, New York created (2010-2011) and led by Sudanese-American singer, songwriter, and ethnomusicologist, Alsarah. With Alsarah as bandleader and lead vocals, the group consists of members Nahid with backing vocals (and also Alsarah’s sister); Rami El Aasser with backing vocals and playing percussion; Mawuena Kodjovi with backing vocals and playing bass; and Brandon Terzic playing the oud. Signed to Wonderwheel Recordings, the group’s sound grew into what they have dubbed ‘East-African Retro-Pop’. The band blends original music and traditional Nubian “songs of return” with influences from 1960s and 70s East African music, utilising a pentatonic scale. Their work explores themes of migration, diaspora, and the cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt. In 2016, the band performed on the highly-acclaimed NPR Music Tiny Desk. The band recently released their third album, Seasons of the Road, after a five-year hiatus.
Social media: YouTube youtube.com/channel, Facebook facebook.com/alsarahandthenubatones
Aswat Almadina
Aswat Almadina is a modern Sudanese music band founded in Sudan in 2016. Currently based in the UAE, it is considered as the first underground music band with six members – originally Ibrahem Ahmed, lead vocalist and guitarist; Mohamed Ahmed, Timon and bass player; Mujtaba Alseddig, keyboard player; Mohammed Bairam, guitarist; and Hossam Mosa, drummer. It was originally an all-male band, but has recently included a female member, after the departure of lead vocalist and guitarist Mohamed Hamid, who is now pursuing a solo music career. Their original songs are influenced both by Sudanese urban music of the 21st century as well as by international pop music styles, singing lyrics in Sudanese Arabic, accompanied by electric guitars, percussion and keyboards. Due to their involvement as active part of the civil society, the band was selected as National Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP in Sudan.
Website: aswatalmadina.com
Social media: YouTube youtube.com/channel, Facebook facebook.com/Almadina.Aswat, Instagram @aswat_almadina_band
Karet Safar
Karet Safar is a four-member Sudanese band based in Doha, Qatar, formed in 2015 with Rashid Omer, oud, keyboardist and composer; Ahmed Shashoug, lead guitarist, and composer, Abduallah Marouf, bass guitarist, keyboardist, and mixing/mastering; and Hisham Marouf, drummer and rhythm guitarist. With each member contributing distinct musical styles, they are known for their unique blend of multi-instrumental music. Their music, often described as experimental, incorporates elements of various genres and has garnered attention both locally and internationally. Some members of the group also form Rejam Band, a smaller music band that covers hip hop, R&B, reggae, Afrobeat and pop songs.
Social media: linktr.ee/Karetsafar
Marsimba – MazMars and SeidoSimba (MS)
Marsimba is not a typical Sudanese band and definitely stands out in this list of Sudanese music groups. Unlike traditional bands known for their use of musical instruments, Marsimba is a vocal duo consisting of Mazen Awad (known as MazMars) and Sedeeg Hassan (known as SeidoSimba). Their unique name, distinctive vocals, and fusion of Sudanese sounds with Afrobeat set them apart. Formed in 2019, Marsimba quickly rose to fame with hit songs such as “Kandaka,” “MaMuhim,” and “KaifwKaif.” In addition to their work as a duo, both artists pursue solo projects and frequently collaborate with other musicians.
Social media: marsimba.com, YouTube youtube.com/@Marsimba, Instagram @marsimbamusic, X (formerly Twitter) @MarsimbaMusic
Noori and His Dorpa Band
Noori and His Dorpa Band are a Beja band from Port Sudan, led by musician Noori Jaber who formed the band in late 2021. Their debut album Beja Power! Electric Soul & Brass From Sudan’s Red Sea Coast was released on Ostinato Records in 2022 and is believed to be the Beja people’s first international musical encounter. It is dubbed as “a powerful act of defiance, an acclamation and testament of devotion for Beja culture and a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience,” and “a moving, necessary archive of the radiance in resistance.” Noori has used his electrified tambo-guitar to uplift the ever-resilient Beja community, whose long history is rife with oppression from the Sudanese government.
Social media: YouTube youtube.com/channel
Salute Yal Bannot
Salute Yal Bannot is an all-female Sudanese music band formed in 2015 during a workshop organized by the urban arts initiative Yalla Khartoum. The group includes nine members—lead vocalists, guitarists, and keyboardists—from diverse regions across Sudan. Embracing themes of unity, womanhood, and empowerment, their music tackles critical social issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), racism, love, and freedom of expression, with songs that they write and compose collaboratively. Salute Yal Bannot performs both nationally and internationally, blending English and Sudanese lyrics to reach a wide audience. They made history as the first Sudanese band to compete on a music competition show when they appeared on Arabs Got Talent in 2017. Their performance of the original song “African Girl” carried them through to the semi-finals, where they ultimately exited due to insufficient votes. Currently on hiatus, some members like lead vocalist Tahleel continue to perform at intimate concerts hosted by Contraband Events, a social enterprise that promotes Sudanese and Afro-Arab cultural fusion.
Social media: YouTube youtube.com/channel, Instagram @saluteyal, Facebook facebook.com/saluteyal
Honourable mentions:
- Sudan Roots: Facebook facebook.com/sudanrootsofficial
- Sahara Trio: Instagram instagram.com/sahara.trio
