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 series, New Sounds of Sudan, we highlight new Sudanese songs from traditional to contemporary, celebrating the evolution of Sudan’s rapidly growing music scene.
Leading Sudanese music in May were Soulja and Huda Arabi’s hit song “15 Hikaya” and EZ9’s “Romana“. The month also saw new releases from emerging artists Costaa, Sane and Elduragi.
“24 Karat” – A.O.A
Release date: 27 May 2026
In a style reminiscent of early 2000s Sudanese hip hop, A.O.A leans away from the fun, energetic style he has been pursuing into a more serious and cutting style in his latest track. His vocals are aggressive and lyrics are sharp, perfectly matching the intensity of the beat.
“Gooli Wa Tamineeni Alaik” – Ahmed Saif
Release date: 27 May 2026
In a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary sound, Ahmed Saif brings his soft vocals to a track that very much resembles the early 2000s music by Hybrid Band, a Sudanese band that introduced the fusion of contemporary and traditional to the Sudanese music scene.
“Hardcore” – Costaa
Release date: 27 May 2026
In a blend of melodic rap and Brazilian-inspired production, Costaa brings heat to the scene with his latest track. His unique flow and his ability to land his words effortlessly on every beat can easily bring him to the top of the rap scene.
“Igd Al Farajalla” – Huda Arabi
Release date: 27 May 2026
In this latest traditional track, Huda Arabi sings of wedding vibes and excitement. Coupled with the innovative upbeat feel of the track and lyrics filled with praise for grooms and brides, the song is perfect for wedding season.
“Simsim Algadarif” – Azza
Release date: 26 May 2026
In a rendition of the classic Sudanese song, iconic masked singer Azza delivers a powerful performance that draws influence from contemporary sound to bring the classic to life. The track production leans on modern influences, with Afrobeat inspired percussion and special vocal effects that add energy to the track.
“Ma Btalhagannaha” – Azeez Al Hadi
Release date: 18 May 2026
In this traditional track, Azeez Al Hadi sings in a way reminiscent of Sudanese folk music, with flirtatious and playful lyrics. The song’s percussion and melodies are rooted in traditional sound, the musician paying homage to classic Sudanese music.
“Al Loam” – Taghreed Al Oshara
Release date: 14 May 2026
On a track with a melancholic feel, Taghreed Al Oshara brings out a softer side of her vocals, singing emotional lyrics. The track is defined by its slow melodies and percussion, complementing the soul-stirring lyrics.
“Badla” – Santo
Release date: 14 May 2026
Up and coming rapper Santo released another potential hit, making this the second month in a row with a song in the music scene. The track features sampled vocals and along with his unique, rapid-fire flow, they bring the song together.
“SEED AL ESIM” – 3CAPITAL
Release date: 14 May 2026
In this track by new musician trio 3Capital, traditional influences and contemporary sounds come together in a perfect blend. Contrary to most hits across the Sudanese rap scene, 7amadok (Hamadok), 3badi (Abadi), and Rvhman (Rahman) explore a vulnerability and romantic feel that goes straight from the listener’s ear to their heart.
“Kabasayba” – Kordofani
Release track: 13 May 2026
Typically known for his energetic, light-hearted tracks, Kordofani leans into a slightly menacing persona for his latest track. The rapper delivers sharp lines claiming the crown of the Sudanese rap scene, all while flowing smoothly over a rapid beat.
“SONAR” – KANASHI
Release date: 13 May 2026
In a new approach to Sudanese rap, rapper Kanashi releases a song that transports the listener. When he talks about the track, the rapper describes it as “a balance between confidence vs self-conflict, dreams vs destruction, loyalty vs deception, awakening vs madness.”
“KADI O KADI” – Elduragi
Release date: 12 May 2026
Rapper Elduragi releases a new track blending traditional elements with a modern, melodic flow that leans into traditional sound. A track that makes one want to dance with their neck, or al ragaba, as Sudanese people call it, Kadi O Kadi (Like This and That) adds a new, unique element to the Sudanese rap scene, referred to by the rapper himself as “a cinematic Sudanese rap experience”.
“Gool Lai Ana” – Sami Izzeldin and Ahmed Jeddo
Release date: 11 May 2026
Sami Izzeldin and Ahmed Jeddo, who are both known for headlining parties, collaborate to bring us a production filled with energy and rooted in heavy percussion. The track is produced in a way that is sure to make a listener jump to their feet and dance.
“Al Mehaira” – Wejdan Al Mulazmeen
Release date: 9 May 2026
In this festive track, Wejdan Al Mulazmeen sings a compilation of wedding songs revolving around praise for the bride, much like Huda Arabi’s Karnaval Al Aroos (The Bride Carnival) released in 2024.
“TALATA” – SANE
Release date: 9 May 2026
As part of his EP Adghal (Jungles), rapper Sane releases his latest track, a blend of modern Western hip hop, synthetic melodies and melodic rap. The track has quite the atmospheric feel, with his lyrics bringing a melancholic touch to the song.
“15 Hikaya” – Soulja and Huda Arabi
Release date: 7 May 2026
In this surprising collaboration, internationally known rapper Soulja delivers rap verses complimented by the vocals of traditional music icon Huda Arabi in 15 Hikaya (Stories). The track is sampled from Huda Arabi’s song Al Ban Al Mal, which is one of her biggest hits to date. Featured in Billboard Arabia and Rolling Stone MENA and reaching over 1 million views in less than two weeks, the collaboration shook the music scene in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, opening doors for new approaches to genre fusion in the Sudanese soundscape.
“ROMANA” – EZ9
Release date: 7 May 2026
Full of energy and driven by an upbeat production, the latest track from EZ9, or Ezzo, draws influence from Khaleeji sounds to bring listeners to their feet. EZ9’s flow is equally energetic with light-hearted background vocals to match the energy.
“Al Zaman Al Sa’ab” – Eman Al Shareef
Release date: 6 May 2026
Returning to the traditional scene with a new track, traditional music icon Eman Al Shareef releases an upbeat track with cutting lyrics, singing about people of ill intentions in day-to-day life. The beat of the song is strongly influenced by traditional sound, but the production features piano and guitar melodies that add a contemporary touch to the track.
“Double” – Black Gak
Release date: 1 May 2026
In a tribute to classic Hip Hop, Black Gak releases a lyrically sharp track with a rich beat, strongly influenced by the 90s Western Hip Hop scene. Black Gak’s flow is smooth over the track, his cutting lyrics landing on every beat.
