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.
August breathed new life into Sudan’s music scene, with a diverse range of releases spanning traditional music, Afrobeats and hip hop. Eman Al Shareef and Huda Arabi once again led the traditional side of the scene, while singer Omer Elamin experimented with Afrobeats alongside MoTo on “Al-Laila Eid”. Singer 3loosh made his debut with “Sit Al Nas”, while Sudan’s hip hop scene continued to flourish with new releases from leading rappers Colo, EZ9 and Hleem Taj Alser.
“Samha Jinis Samaha” – Aamir Babiker
Release date: 29 August 2026
In an energetic blend of traditional and modern, Aamir Babiker sings with his raspy vocals over a track filled with soft melodies. While the simplicity of the production is contemporary, the traditional influences are maintained in the percussion style, the occasional melody breaks, and the call-and-response style of singing.
“Al-Laila Eid” – MoTo & Omer Elamin
Release: 28 August 2026
After a long hiatus, Omer Elamin returns to the music scene on this latest collaboration with Moto. The production of the track leans away from Omer Elamin’s expected style of music – modern traditional – and into Afrobeats and Island music. The song is romantic and its lyrics are celebratory, revolving around love and wedding vibes.
“JAWAHER” – Alkhal Osman
Release date: 28 August 2026
Over an ominous beat, rapper Alkhal Osman spits rapid-fire bars reflecting confidence. The track production resembles British drill, a genre known for bass-driven beats, with background vocals weaving in and out of the rapper’s flow.
“Mafi Minnaha Itnain” – Ali Alsheikh
Release date: 28 August 2026
Known for his romantic traditional songs, Ali Alsheikh returns to the scene again with his latest song, Mafi Minnaha Itnain (There’s No One Like Her). The song is rooted in rich percussion and traditional melodies, with Ali’s unique voice shining through the production. The song is said to be written two years ago about a dentist named Dr Mai Alzain, and its lyrics are rooted in appreciation and admiration for her and her family.
“Barja3 Leek (EP)” – 249CVRTI
Release date: 27 August 2026
On his latest EP, 249Cvrti (Carti) released two-tracks: 3ebaya and Ghana. Both songs are upbeat, leaning on Afrobeats. Carti’s flow is rapid and melodic at the same time, drawing from the energy of the beats on the songs. While the lyrics are playful, this EP displays a mature side of Carti’s rapping career, as he really leans into his sound.
“Van Cleef” – Hleem Taj Alser
Release date: 27 August 2026
Leaning away from his upbeat tracks, rapper Hleem Taj Alser explores softer hip hop with his latest track. While the production qualifies as chill, however, his unwavering confidence cuts through in his lyrics.
“Bailar” – Kordofani
Release date: 20 August 2026
Back with yet another fusion of dance and hip hop, Kordofani shines on his latest track with his melodic flow and energetic productions. As usual, the rapper lands on every beat with cutting lyrics, confidence pouring out through every word.
“Belzzat” – Jafar Amin
Release date: 20 August 2026
With a powerful bassline and a gripping beat, Jafar Amin introduces the Sudanese soundscape to pop soul. His emotive delivery in both Arabic and English combined with his powerful and unique vocals stands to add a unique sound to Sudan’s music scene.
“SAMHA” – Halfa & Fadwa Fareed
Release date: 20 August 2026
In an effortless blend of traditional Nubian influences, soul and contemporary sounds, rapper Halfa collaborates with Fadwa Fareed to bring us a track filled with raw emotion, smooth melodies and voices and words that touch the listener’s heart.
“SIT ALNAS” – 3LOOSH
Release date: 20 August 2026
In a style reminiscent of Sammany Hajo’s Briefcase production, Instagram musician 3loosh (Aloosh) debuts his first single, which is already cementing his place in the music scene by becoming a hit on social media. Produced by singer and musician Jafar Amin, the song is an effortless blend of traditional and contemporary. Without the use of traditional instruments, Jafar Amin created a sound that is unarguably Sudanese, and the whole track is tied together by Aloosh’s vocal power, with his voice weaving in and out of runs.
“Jo Jo” – Huda Arabi
Release date: 16 August 2026
One of the queens of traditional music returns again this month with her latest track Jo Jo (They Came, They Came). The track is heavily influenced by traditional sounds, from percussion to melodies to Huda’s call-and-response style of singing. While it is not one of her most upbeat tracks, the song still has a catchy rhythm, likely to bring listeners to their feet.
“Al5am” – Hyper & Cymona
Release date: 13 August 2026
In this refreshing new release, Hyper and producer Cymona collaborate to bring authentic Sudanese sound to the spotlight by sampling Al Tair Al Muhajer (The Migrating Bird) by the late Mohammed Wardi, Sudan’s iconic musician of the revolution. While the track itself pays homage to Wardi’s song, highlighting Sudan’s music culture, Hyper’s flow remains contemporary, creating a smooth fusion of the genres.
“Gafalat” – Eman Al Shareef
Release date: 12 August 2026
In her latest song, Eman Al Shareef pays a tribute to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), singing with energy and enthusiasm over a track filled with rich percussion and melodies resembling military trumpets used in marching songs. The song is filled with praise for the SAF soldiers who are at the frontlines of the war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023.
“Monopoly” – Santo
Release date: 12 August 2026
Drawing influence from Sudan’s percussion rich genre, Santo flows smoothly over his latest zanig-inspired track. The production features rich electric guitar melodies that complement Santo’s laidback flow.
“SAMARA” – TURK & Montiyago
Release date: 12 August 2026
In a fresh new sound, Sudanese rapper Montiyago collaborates with Egypt’s iconic masked rapper and director, Turk. The track draws strong influences from Egyptian sound, with a classic Egyptian-style percussion, with Montiyago’s flow adding Sudanese elements to the song.
“Aleaib Ma Eaib” – Eman Al Shareef
Release date: 9 August 2026
Upbeat percussion and trumpet melodies seem to be Eman Al Shareef’s speciality, and she shines as always on this track, with her raspy vocals, traditional melodies, a beat change, and a call-and-response that makes the song even more fun to listen to, or perhaps, dance to.
“7ADRAN” – Colo & EZ9
Release date: 6 August 2026
With hints of Khaleeji influences and Sudanese sound, Colo and EZ9 (Ezzo) collaborate on this latest track to bring heat and energy to the Sudanese rap scene. From the rich beat to the playful lyrics, the track is perfect for the dance floor.
“Al Ushra Ma Bithoon” – Samah
Release date: 3 August 2026
In a soundscape of wedding music and upbeat trendy songs, it is rare to see a musician approach traditional music with the style of the 1990s to early 2000s. Singer Samah sings over a carefully composed track, with her emotive delivery complimenting the track’s rich melodies.
“Allaila Maalak” – Osman Abbas
Release date: 2 August 2026
On the traditional side of the Sudanese music scene, Osman Abbas sings this resentful song about not hearing from his loved one, but the track’s upbeat production and Osman’s soft and smooth singing style make the song sound playful, rather than gloomy.
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.
