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.
September was a rich, vibrant month for the Sudanese music scene, with releases from traditional music icons such as Nada Al Galaa and Eman El Shareef to Sulaf’s fusions of contemporary and traditional sound. The rap scene also flourished with several tracks and EPs from Soulja, Hleem Taj Alser, Kay’O and Rana.
“4 The Culture/Adeeni Haggi” – Kay’O
Release date: 29 September 2026
After releasing his EP, Kay’O follows it up with this latest track, with sharp lyrics and a haunting, powerful production. Kay’O displays an aggressive side of him that rarely gets reflected in his music, all while landing every line like a knife on the beat.
“Nihna Al Saada” – Nada Al Galaa
Release date: 25 September 2026
In this energetic, vibrant song, Nada Al Galaa showcases her patriotism, singing in admiration about Sudan and its current leader Sudanese Armed Forces General Abdulfattah Al Burhan. The song is filled with love for Sudan, and it translates in its production that draws from traditional sound.
“Fog Akhooy” – Mohammed Dabdoub
Release date: 25 September 2026
Singer Mohammed Dabdoub sings words of respect and appreciation to brothers. The song is filled with traditional influences, from the call-and-response style of singing to the melodies that complement the lines and the instrumentals after each verse. While the song begins in a slower percussion, it transitions into a quicker, more energetic beat, while still preserving the traditional element through its melodies and style of percussion.
“MaZoal3adi ii (EP)” – Kay’O
Release date: 25 September 2026
As a follow up to his previous EP, Ma Zoal 3adi, Kay’O releases a second part with three tracks. Where the first EP is chill and laid back, this second instalment is more energetic, with Kay’O displaying a faster, more playful and melodic flow. Even in terms of lyrics, the latest EP is more sharp and cutting, showing Kay’O’s versatility.
“SADA LON KHAMRI” – Hleem Taj Alser, Esaam Satti and Ali Naseraldeen
Release date: 25 September 2026
Following the release of his EP Mackintosh’s, Hleem Taj Alser collaborates with Esaam Satti and Ali Naseraldeen on this latest track. With the rapid percussion, joyful melodies, Naseraldeen’s vocals and the contrasting flows of Satti and Taj Alser, the song is filled with unmatched energy. The blend of traditional and contemporary sounds is so smooth, it is sure to become a hit.
“Ameer Al Rooh” – Taghred Al Oshra
Release date: 24 September 2026
In this track, Taghred Al Oshra sings with her raspy, deep voice in appreciation for Ameer Al Rooh (The Prince of The Soul), the lyrics are filled with romance and admiration, and the production balances the emotion through its energetic percussion and rich melodies.
“Ana Al Malka” – Nada Al Galaa
Release date: 24 September 2026
In her latest song, Nada Al Galaa cements her place in the music scene by singing Ana Al Malka (I’m The Queen). The song, produced by Ahmed Amin, draws most of its sound from traditional music, but leans towards contemporary influences, creating a fusion of sounds that complements with Nada Al Galaa’s vocals smoothly.
“Kharej Al Netaq” – Kordofani
Release date: 24 September 2026
After months of releasing upbeat, energetic music, Kordofani leans back into his sharp, rapid flow. The track starts off with a rich beat and Kordofani’s speed rapping, and transitions into a more laid back production while he settles into a slower flow.
“MATTIK” – VETO and EZ9
Release date: 24 September 2026
Leaning on the influence of Sudan’s high-energy, percussion-rich genre, Veto and EZ9 (Ezo) collaborate on this latest zanig-inspired track. Much like zanig music, the production is based on a looped percussion that is complemented by organ melodies in different tones. Both Veto and Ezo rap melodically, landing their sharp lyrics on every beat, with Ezo even quoting a lyric from the Sudanese classic Allayla Musafer (Tonight, I’m Travelling).
“MSTR” – MONTIYAGO
Release date: 24 September 2026
Montiyago shocks listeners on his latest track, leaning into an energetic flow he does not often explore. Almost angry, Montiyago delivers cutting lyrics over this ominous Khayyat production. Being known for his laid-back, chill rap, this is far from Montiyago’s usual style.
“SAMURAI” – SANE and NINJA249
Release date: 24 September 2026
In this latest single, rapper Sane showcases his cutting side, rapping sharp lyrics over an ominous beat. With lyrics filled with confidence and a laid back flow, Sane is on his way to cementing his place in the Sudanese hip hop scene.
“YOSI YA YOSI” – Jabaliya
Release date: 24 September 2026
After a short hiatus, Jabaliya, who was more widely known as Asha Al Jabal, returns to the scene with this latest track. With its melodious production, Jabaliya’s raspy vocals and the rich percussion throughout the song, the song is sure to bring listeners to their feet. The song begins with a more reserved production and transitions into a more energetic track halfway through, almost making it irresistible to dance.
“Al Salam Kan Ja” (When Peace Comes) – Wad Abbo
Release date: 21 September 2026
On International Day of Peace, observed annually on 21 September, Wd Abbo released his song “Al Salam Kan Ja” (When Peace Comes) to mark the occasion and draw attention to Sudan’s ongoing war as the country continues its search for peace.
“Shoba Shoba” – Mohammed Bashir
Release date: 19 September 2026
If anyone can make a hit out of Sudan’s traditional celebratory percussion style, saira, it is definitely Mohammed Bashir. Known for making saira music, he continues to release music in that style, making his songs perfect for weddings and parties.
محمد بشير الدولي – شوبه شوبه || New 2026 || أغاني سودانية 2026 – Mohammed Bashir
“Mackintosh’s” (EP) – Hleem Taj Alser
Release date: 18 September 2026
Following up on his latest single Van Cleef, rapper Hleem Taj Alser released a four-track EP featuring Sudanese music icon Rotation and rapper Kay’O. The EP leans into contemporary hip hop, with looped beats and haunting melodies making up the composition. Never straying from his usual sound, Hleem’s flow is smooth over the chill tracks, landing his sharp lyrics right on every beat.
“Baraha” – Ahmed Fathallah
Release date: 18 September 2026
Known as one of the best traditional musicians in modern times, Ahmed Fathallah returns to the music scene with this vibrant song, filled with lyrics of appreciation and admiration. While Fathallah’s voice is passionate and soft, the song’s melodies and rapid percussion, that almost sounds Khaleeji, add a hint of playfulness and energy to it.
“Tanabil” – Esaam Satti and Ali Naseraldeen
Release date: 18 September 2026
The iconic duo returns to Sudan’s rap scene with another smooth fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. While their last track Bit Al Nabi was softer, this latest track leans into energetic vibes with a faster percussion and more intense, intricate melodies tying the track together. Satti’s flow is more rapid on this track, with Naseraldeen’s vocals complementing the rap verses perfectly.
“ALHEMEENY” – EYASS
Release date: 17 September 2026
In this soulful track, musician Eyass delivers an emotive performance, filled with lyrics of love and longing, bringing a touch of romance back to Sudan’s contemporary music scene. Producer MIXEDBYSYDE also shines on the song, adding touches of old soul to an otherwise modern track.
“Fawadta Lillah Al Amur” – Hamada Abassiya
Release date: 17 September 2026
One of the icons of 2010s traditional music returns with a new track, leaning into a softer style of music. While the production has an energetic percussion, it is quite subtle, and his emotive vocals and the soft melodies are at the forefront, making the whole song softer.
“0 Views” (EP) – Soulja
Release date: 16 September 2026
In his latest EP, Soulja strays away from his recent sound and leans back into his older influences of soul, fusing it with a contemporary hip hop sound. Producers Mshakil, 77, and Khayyat collaborate on this project, and while production is a combined effort, the whole EP is cohesive and the soul feel is relayed through every track. From the transportive music to the short film accompanying the tracks, this EP transcends music and gives the audience a whole experience.
“Al Weleed Gazab” – Eman El Shareef
Release date: 15 September 2026
In her latest track, traditional music icon Eman El Shareef showcases her playful, flirty side. With the energetic percussion, call-and-response vocals, and subtle melodies complementing her raspy vocals, the track makes for a perfect traditional song, suitable for wedding celebrations and parties.
“Al Asoola” – Ezzo Cairo
Release date: 12 September 2026
In this upbeat traditional track, Ezzo Cairo delivers lyrics of romance and passion, singing over a composition of traditional percussion and vibrant melodies. Listening to the song makes the audience want to get on their feet and dance.
“Jeebo Lai Khabaro” – Huda Arabi
Release date: 11 September 2026
Modern-day icon of traditional music, Huda Arabi, returns to the scene with this melancholic but energetic track. While the lyrics speak of missing a loved one and the ache of distance, the production of the track keeps it energetic, adding a little hope to the song.
“ASLAN (EP)” – RANA
Release date: 10 September 2026
Being one of the few female rappers in Sudan’s music scene, rapper Rana leaves a mark with her latest EP. With powerful production and lyrics that call out people who have underestimated her, Rana uses this EP to show the Sudanese rap audience that she is here to stay. The EP, while versatile in terms of sound, is cohesive in its message and flow.
“I Wonder/Al Saa’a Itnain” – 7EVEN & AH-METHIST
Release date: 10 September 2026
In his latest release and first track off his upcoming EP Rah Al Nom, young rapper 7even raps melodically over an intricate production. The rapper leans into his emotions, delivering bars filled with passion over a track that brings emotions to the surface through its melancholic electric guitar melodies.
“Ma Bankasir” – Mohammed Alkinani
Release date: 9 September 2026
In a style reminiscent of 2000s contemporary Sudanese music, which draws mainly from Arab influences, Mohammed Alkinani sings about persevering through tough times, the song reflecting that smoothly with his emotive delivery, slowed percussion and melancholic melodies.
“Saint” – RedB and XOB
Release date: 8 September 2026
In this ominous production, rapper RedB raps with confidence and a smooth flow, his slight melodic tone flowing in and out of the haunting melodies of the beat. Although the production leans into modern Western hip hop influence, RedB’s flow brings the touch of Sudanese hip hop to the song.
“Sameen” – Sulaf
Release date: 4 September 2026
Of all the present day music icons, Sulaf is single handedly fusing the experience of traditional music with the sound of today in her latest singles from her upcoming album ABA. Her most recent track is no different, the percussion and her vocals take on a trip to Sudan, while the production remains contemporary, grounding the song in the present day.
“HAYATY HAYATY” – ZIAD ZAZA and Soulja
Release date: 3 September 2026
Leaning far from his usual blend of Sudanese traditional and hip hop, Soulja collaborates with Egyptian musical artist Ziad Zaza, displaying his fluidity by flowing smoothly over Egyptian percussion for a change. This blend of cultures may be another door opening for Sudanese music on the path to globalisation.
“SEED ALGEEZ” (EP) – Wad Anwar
Release date: 3 September 2026
To fire off a month filled with EPs, rapper Wad Anwar lights the first spark with this five track EP. The EP is a cohesive experience of melodic rap and soul influences that blends contemporary hip hop with notes of Western funk and old soul. Wad Anwar smoothly utilises sampled sounds to create a blend of sounds that is entirely unique.
“AHDI” – Maman and Basyoni
Release date: 2 September 2026
In his latest track, Maman leans into his Afrobeat persona, adding a touch of jazz. The track is groovy, with melodious saxophones complimenting the heavy percussion. Flirtatious and playful, the lyrics make the song catchy. The collaboration with Egyptian singer Ahmed Basyoni takes the song to another level.
“Madrasa” – Santo
Release date: 2 September 2026
Young rapper Santo has been contributing to the scene almost on a monthly basis, releasing song after song, each with their own unique identity. This month, Santo raps over an Afrobeat style track, showcasing his fresh take on melodic rap.
SAR7A – COLO and 3loosh
Release date: 2 September 2026
After his recent debut which became a quick hit, 3loosh collaborates with rapper Colo on his latest blend of hip hop and soul. While profoundly different from his debut, 3loosh shines equally as bright, displaying versatility. Both musicians bring their own sound to the track, making it a collaboration that is sure to become a hit.
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.
