In recent years, the Sudanese music scene has flourished, with new musicians and fresh sounds emerging so quickly that it’s almost hard to keep track. Today’s scene embraces a vibrant mix of genres, as many artists modernise traditional sounds to resonate with younger generations both in Sudan and abroad.
In this monthly series, New Sounds of Sudan, we highlight new Sudanese songs from traditional to contemporary, celebrating the evolution of Sudan’s rapidly growing music scene.
After January recorded the highest number of new releases since our series began — highlighted by projects such as Hleem Taj Alser’s Mission Impossible — February saw a noticeable slowdown in music output. However, singer Ahmed Amin stood out, dropping at least five releases in a single day on 19 February 2026, while rapper Kay’O released the EP Ma Zoal 3adi with four tracks on 5 February 2026.
“Maryom” – Mazin Hamid and Sulaf
Release date: 20 February 2026
In a long awaited collaboration, Mazin Hamid and Sulaf join hands in their latest track, “Maryom,” displaying the softer influences of Sudanese music, with a very traditional percussion and a rich oud melody and their melodic voices weaving between each other to create what can only be described as a transformative sound, taking the listener on a journey of Sudanese culture.
“Youm Alforqan” – Ahmed Amin
Release date: 19 February 2026
“Youm Al Forqan” (“Day of Separation”) is the most popular of the five songs Ahmed Amin released on 19 February 2026. The soft track, sung in Modern Standard Arabic, centres on the emotional aftermath of a breakup.
On 19 February 2026, in collaboration with Nilos Record Label, Ahmed Amin released a series of new songs, each featuring different beats but all performed in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
- Da3yat Assalam https://www.youtube.com/watch
- Faris Bani Aabs https://www.youtube.com/watch
- Filnafs 7ajat https://www.youtube.com/watch
- Qeyam w mothol https://www.youtube.com/watch
“Death Note” – Montiyago
Release date: 14 February 2026
Recognised as a diss track by @249rapscene on Instagram, “Death Note” is Montiyago latest single with his unique flow over a track produced by 77.
“Don’t Worry” – RoTation (Produced Mshakil)
Release date: 11 February 2026
After a long hiatus, Rotation returns to the scene with an Afrobeat track produced by Mshakil, the first track off his upcoming debut album Jamdean Vol. 1. The song has Afrobeat influences and transports the listener, with waves of energetic melodies and rich percussions, bringing good vibes all around.
“DAFTAR” [Freestyle] – 249lil.t
Release date: 10 February 2026
Rising rapper 249lil.t has released “DAFTAR” (“Notebook”), a slow-flow rap track driven by a two-step, syncopated rhythm and an unexpectedly fast tempo. The song is accompanied by an old-school–style video clip that complements its nostalgic aesthetic.
“DAKWA” – POUND X ARAKY
Release date: 5 February 2026
New Sudanese rapper Pound has released his first single, “DAKWA”, named after the staple traditional peanut paste. The track features a slow yet impressive flow, packed with references to traditional Sudanese culture. The accompanying music video is self-made, and intentionally so.
“Ma Zoal 3adi EP” – Kay’O
Release date: 5 February 2026
Rapper Kay’O released an EP, “Ma Zoal 3adi” (“Not A Normal Person”), with four tracks, all with chill, smooth sounds. With a “Tageel” (“Heavy”) feature on the EP and the smooth sounds on every track, the EP is set to move the waves of the Sudanese rap scene in a new direction.
“Sudanair” – Eman Elshareef
Release date: 5 February 2026
Following the recent soft reopening of Khartoum International Airport in February 2026 — after its destruction during the April 2023 conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — Eman Elshareef released a track titled “Sudanair” as an ode to the return of Sudan Airways, also known as Sudanair, and its first flight since the airport’s reopening.
“Inta Al Habeeb Al Mukhtalif” – Samira Donuia
Release date: 3 February 2026
In her new track “Inta Al Habeeb Al Mukhtalif” (“You Are a Different Kind of Love”), traditional Sudanese singer Samira Donia delivers a heartfelt love song dedicated to someone whose love is unlike any other.
“Ana Sheikhtom” – JVBVLIYA (Asha Al Jabal)
Release date: 2 February 2026
In a bold attempt to revive electronic dance music (EDM), Asha Al Jabal, now known as Jvbvliya, fused EDM with zanig, a percussion-rich Sudanese genre. As part of her new persona, Jvbvliya is experimenting with various aspects of genre-blending, the newest of which is Ana Sheikhtom (“I’m Their Queen”).
“Kef ‘Amel“ – Eyad Jinedaby
Release date: 2 February 2026
In this upbeat track, “Kef ‘Amel” (“How Are You Doing”), singer Eyad Jinedaby takes a playful approach to love and longing. The track is perfect for a party, with its energetic horns and rich percussion.
“Geboo” – MaMan (Official Live Performance)
Release date: 2 February 2026
After delivering a live performance of Garmboza in January 2026, MaMan returns with another special live session infused with Afrobeat and Afro fusion sounds. Joined by a group of talented women – Anda, Noya, Ruba, and Shayma – she performs “Geboo” (2025), a track from her 2025 album Garmboza. The title “Geboo” translates to “bring it.”
“System” – Mahib Sleat X @ta8eel
Release date: 1 February 2026
Produced by Mahib Sleat himself, this track features a quick rap flow over a drill-influenced beat. The production is vastly different from the Sudanese rap scene, bringing its own unique sound to the scene.
“Sahbaty” – Elaf Abdalazeez
Release date: 1 February 2026
This new song, “Sahbaty” (“My Friend”) by traditional singer Elaf Abdelaziz is a tender and heartfelt tribute to a best friend. With soft melodies and emotional lyrics, it celebrates an irreplaceable bond, one that feels more like a soulmate or family than friendship, honouring the kind of person who is always there through every high and low.
“3adeela” – EZ9 (feat. FLAC)
Release date: 1 February 2026
“3adeela,” a traditional colloquial Sudanese word meaning “straight” or “good,” is a self-promotional, upbeat, and catchy rap track by EZ9 that blends traditional rhythms with contemporary production. The song also features Nubian vocals by FLAC, adding a distinctive cultural layer to its modern sound.
Follow our series New Sounds of Sudan to stay up to date with the latest from Sudan’s ever-evolving and versatile music scene.
Samar Bengawi is a medical student by day, and a literature and music enthusiast by night. She was born and raised in the UAE and is now based in Georgia. She is never without a cup of coffee in hand, and is always “on the go,” chasing after one hobby or another. Passion in Sudanese politics runs in her blood and she considers herself a patriot who hopes to leave a memorable mark in the world.
