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.
Headlining April’s music releases are the reimagined “Khawatir Fiil” and Sulaf’s debut song “Naada.” The month also saw a strong wave of new music from artists including VETO, MOSAUCE, Connan, and Jafar Amin, contributing to a vibrant and diverse release schedule.
“Uzi” – VETO and MOSAUCE
Release date: 30 April 2026
While previously known for his traditional touches to his tracks, Veto released his latest track with a Western influenced production. “Uzi” is one of three tracks the rapper has released from his upcoming album “Sound Storm”.
“Ellela” – Kordofani featuring Monzer Ramadan
Release date: 29 April 2026
In a collaboration with traditional singer Monzer Ramadan, Kordofani draws influence from traditional sound by sampling one of the biggest classic traditional songs Ellela Ellela (Tonight, Tonight). The song is a nod to Sudanese culture, preserving it while staying connected to today’s music needs. With Monzer’s vocals and Kordofani’s vibrant flow, the song is sure to become a hit.
“Naada” – Sulaf
Release date: 29 April 2026
In her latest track from her upcoming album “ABA”, which will be released in October 2026, Sulaf leans into Nubian and traditional rhythms, giving it a feel that blends atmospheric and ancestral tones.
“Ya Najma” – Mustafa Al Barbari
Release date: 27 April 2026
Party songs icon Mustafa Al Barbari explores a completely new direction in “Ya Najma” (You Star”), his smooth vocals gliding over a beat influenced by Afrobeats. In today’s music scene, Al Barbari is slowly becoming one of the leading forces of change, unafraid to lean into new influences.
“Al Haraaba” – Ahmed Fathallah
Release date: 25 April 2026
A soulful piano intro with Ahmed Fathallah’s strong vocals takes us straight into an upbeat traditionally influenced track. The percussion is predominantly saira-inspired, a genre of Sudanese music typically played during weddings. The energetic beat is tied with rich, melodic horns and an electric guitar, making the listener want to spring to their feet and dance. Meaning of Al Haraaba?
“Jowanna” – Veto and Mosauce
Release date: 23 April 2026
From his upcoming album Sound Storm, Veto releases a melancholic song, “Jowanna” (“Inside Us”), showcasing a vulnerable side of his rap persona. While the track production is influenced mainly by Western hip hop, it reflects the emotional nature of the lyrics perfectly.
“Spread Peace” – Wd Abbo
Release date: 23 April 2026
Released as a resilient response after the April 2023 war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Spread Peace is a track embodying just that. A song that is filled with hopeful melodies, a composition and soft vocals that instill warmth and comfort within the listener.
“Niso Al Ushra” – Mohamed Bashir
Release date: 22 April 2026
Never disappointing with party music, Mohamed Bashir’s latest track “Niso Al Ushra” (“They Forgot the Companionship”) displays upbeat traditional influences, making it perfect for a wedding party.
“Sit Al Kul” – Ameer Halfa
Release date: 21 April 2026
Nothing warms the heart like a traditional Sudanese love song, “Sit Al Kul” (“The Lady of All”). Ameer Halfa releases a song with passionate lyrics and a heartfelt melodic feel to bring it all together.
“Kdmoul” – Wishe
Note: The video is no longer available due to a copyright claim
Release date: 18 April 2026
In his latest track, Wishe delivers a brutal wordplay, directing lyrics of rage towards the leader of the RSF, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The track carries heat and anger over the resulting circumstances of the April 2023 war between the RSF and the SAF.
“8899” – Msh3al and Bani Jr
Release date: 17 April 2026
In a fusion of rap and trap, rappers Msh3al and Bani Jr. collaborate in this effortless delivery of melodic rap. The track is haunting, with the rappers’ vocals smoothing over the beat. While predominantly influenced by Western production, the flow of both rappers has the distinct mark of Sudanese hip hop.
“Asyad Al Lwari” – Walgz
Release date: 16 April 2026
In a track produced by Tmsa7, Walgz samples Asyad Al Lwari (“Masters of Big Trucks”), a 2020 track by Rouaa Mohamed Naeem. The track leans heavily on authentic zanig influences, a somewhat new style for Walgz, who typically releases quieter, Western-inspired tracks.
“Ma Mjbour” – Veto and Mosauce
Release date: 16 April 2026
In a track inspired by Western hip hop, rapper Veto released a track, “Ma Mjabour” (“I’m Not Obligated/Forced”) from his upcoming album “Sound Storm”, featuring producer MOSAUCE. The rapper maintains a smooth delivery throughout the track, effortlessly landing each line.
“Gang Gang” – Connan
Release date: 15 April 2026
In a sound that resembles a fusion of contemporary and Khaleeji or Gulf-driven influences, Connan releases a track that leans on a slightly more upbeat vibe than his latest songs.
“Khawatir Fiil” – Reimagined (Originally by Nour Al Jailani)
Release date: 15 April 2026
This reimagined cover of the late Nour Al Jailani’s “Khawatir Fiil” stands out as a powerful and emotive production, accompanied by a highly creative music video. The project brings together a diverse collective of Sudanese artists, including Rimaz Mirghani, Zolo, Ustaz Awad Ehmoody, Nadir Talsam, Ustaza Hayatt Talsam, Mutasim (of Dr Abuzar elKoda Choir), Idreesy, Yusra, MaMan, Ali Naseraldeen, and Ustaza Zikrayat Shamseldin, and was produced by XAIN. The video not only reflects the emotional depth of the song but also speaks to the lived realities of Sudan and its people.
The original song, “Thoughts of an Elephant,” written by Hassan Baara, composed by Suleyman Zeyn al-’Abdeen, and performed by Nour Al Jailani, is considered one of the earliest Sudanese works addressing animal rights, focusing on a baby elephant held in captivity at Khartoum Zoo. The music video was produced by Collective Sudan (formerly the Cash Consortium of Sudan), a partnership of 19 NGOs delivering humanitarian assistance across the country, and aims to highlight locally led, coordinated, and context-driven responses to crisis-affected communities.
“Aniseeni” – Jafar Amin
Release date: 14 April 2026
From hit to hit, Jafar Amin is bringing a fresh contemporary sound to the Sudanese soundscape, and his latest track is no different. In the track, “Aniseeni” (“Be My Comfort”), Amin puts his soft side on display, singing about the vulnerability and pain experienced in love.
“ASM3” – Bani Jr
Release date: 9 April 2026
Influenced by Western hip hop, “ASM3” (“Listen”) is a track that flows in a monotonous, but catchy style. Rapper Bani’s vocals sit comfortably at the front of the track, becoming the main focus of the song as the production of the track is relatively stripped down.
“Jabra” – 249CVRTI and Soulja
Release date: 9 April 2026
Despite the track being leaked before its release, 249CVRTI and Soulja deliver an impeccable performance on their latest song, “Jabra”, one of the most loved neighbourhoods of Khartoum, located in the southern side of the capital city. Following in his recent path of traditionally-influenced music and a lean into zanig, Sudan’s highly rhythmic genre, the song features elements of traditional sounds.
“KHALANI” – COLO and Jafar Amin
Release date: 9 April 2026
In his latest track, “Khalani” (“She Left Me”), rapper Colo collaborates with Jafar Amin, bringing a much needed traditional sound, slightly leaning on Khaleeji influences, to the Sudanese rap scene. From an energetic production, to Amin’s soft vocals and Colo’s unique flow, the song is sure to become a hit.
“ONE OF A KIND” – Ahmed Amin
Release date: 9 April 2026
In a romantic dedication to his new wife, Ahmed Amin explores a musical direction that is new for him: singing in English. The song is soulful, filled with moving melodies and rich background vocals, and Amin’s passionate delivery brings it all together.
“Judo” – Kordofani
Release date: 8 April 2026
In his latest release, rapper Kordofani delivers an energetic performance over a track that draws influence from Afrobeats. While the lyrics are sharp and cutting, the
“BANK” – Santo
Release date: 7 April 2026
In a fusion of hip hop and dance music, young rapper Santo cements his place in the Sudanese rap scene with his latest track. From his unique flow to a bold production and a fresh sound, Santo can stand to challenge other major rappers in the scene.
“Tani” – Connan
Release date: 4 April 2026
Connan has always brought a fresh sound to Sudan’s rap scene, and this track, “Tani” (“Again”) challenges all other attempts at modernisation. Connan takes the mic with melodic rap, displaying vulnerability, over a beat that is atmospheric and draws influence from house music.
