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.
The month of July brought us a diverse range of new music from traditional music icons Huda Arabi and Mohamed Bashir to energetic sounds in the contemporary scene from Montiyago and Kordofani. Whether it’s traditional, rap, or fusion, July offered a tune for every ear.
“Al Mahalny Fe Sahaly” – Huda Arabi
Release date: 29 July 2026
One of the queens of traditional Sudanese music returns this month with a new track, filled with traditional elements, from a saira percussion, the style used for celebratory songs, to melodies of oud and flute and Huda Arabi’s rich, deep vocals to compliment the production.
“Suwagat Al Khala” – Osama Jinkeez
Release date: 28 July 2026
Bringing back the hard-hitting beats and aggressive rapping style of Sudan’s early rap scene in the 2000s, Osama Jinkeez releases this political track, disparaging Sudan’s governing parties and discussing the reality of life in Sudan after the start of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
“Awlady Najaho” – Nahid Mahjoub
Release date: 26 July 2026
In this celebratory track, Nahid Mahjoub sings for her children, singing about their success in Sudan’s standardised school exams and about the future hopes she has for them, giving all mothers a song to celebrate their children’s success with.
“Al Azaby” – Wad Almzad
Release date: 25 July 2026
Returning to the scene with a hard-hitting single, iconic rapper Wad Almzad, who was one of the first rappers in the Sudanese scene, releases a track filled with zanig influences, Sudan’s percussion-rich genre. The track is energetic throughout, described by Wad Almzad himself as “hard-hitting 808s paired with melodies rooted in home.”
“LA3AB” – Alkhal OSMAN
Release date: 24 July 2026
In an attempt to take genre fusion to another level, Ahmed Osman or Alkhal Osman blends subtle samples of traditional sound into production while adding elements of Sudanese sound to his flow, rapping with a slight melody reminiscent of traditional singing.
“WALA LA?” – HAVEN
Release date: 24 July 2026
Produced and mastered by HAVEN himself, the rapper releases his latest track with a style that draws influence from soul and jazz. His smooth delivery takes the track to another level, adding a laid back element to the song that suits its soulful production.
“Kawkab” – Kordofani
Release date: 23 July 2026
Continuing with his new sound, Kordofani releases yet another energetic track, rapping rapidly over a percussion-rich track. His enunciation and sharp lyrics all while maintaining a rapid-fire flow is one of the unique features of Kordofani’s rap image.
“PHONIX” – IBRAHIM ALDAW
Release date: 23 July 2026
Blending traditional and contemporary sound, rapper Ibrahim Aldaw samples the classic Allaila Lageto (Tonight, I Met Him) by the late Ibrahim Al Kashif, one of Sudan’s first mainstream singers. The sample shines through the production of the song, while Aldaw’s delivery remains laid back and relaxed.
“Ishy Aleh” – DJ Teddy Jam & Ensaf Medani
Release date: 19 July 2026
In a striking collaboration, traditional music icon Ensaf Medani joins UAE-based DJ Teddy Jam in this upbeat track that draws influence from Khaleeji music and zanig, which is vastly different from her typical style. In a music scene where musicians constantly experiment and evolve, Ensaf leans into an entirely new direction with this latest collaboration.
“Mursal” – Momen Abu Al Azaem
Release date: 18 July 2026
This latest track by Momen Abu Al Azaem brings the scene back to traditional elements, with its playful fun melodies and soft percussion, both resembling Western Sudanese music. His gentle vocals compliment the production, adding to its flirty, playful energy.
“Sallemo Lai Aleho” – Mohamed Bashir
Release date: 17 July 2026
Bringing traditional sounds to the scene as always, Mohamed Bashir releases this playful, fun track. With his raspy vocals and the sounds of dalouka, Sudan’s percussion instrument, the song breathes Sudanese sound.
“CULTURE (EP)” – Tageel & Mvndila
Release date: 16 July 2026
After several successful collaborations, rappers Tageel and Mvndila (Mandila) reunite to release their EP Culture. Each of the five tracks has its own unique feel, but they come together in a seamless experience of Sudanese rap at its finest. From their smooth melodic flows, to the rich production, the EP is set to become a classic in the hip hop scene.
“SHIFT” – Connan & Hleem Taj Alser
Release date: 10 July 2026
In this first-ever collaboration between the two rappers, Connan and Hleem Taj Alser bring heat to the Sudanese rap scene with their latest release. With the slightest influence of Khaleeji percussion, the track is energetic and is sure to bring listeners to their feet.
“Kambala” – 249CVRTI
Release date: 9 July 2026
Zanig, Sudan’s percussion-rich genre, continues to make appearances in the Sudanese rap scene. Rapper 249CVRTI is no different, coming to the scene with a fresh new hit, filled with elements of zanig and party music. He brought the energy to the scene, urging listeners to get on their feet and dance.
“Al Nairy” – Adnan Al Ameer
Release date: 5 July 2026
Brass melodies, snaps and a contemporary percussion fill this traditional track in a unique attempt of experimentation. Adnan Ameer’s soft voice compliments the production, with both elements giving us a fresh take on traditional music.
“DAG NADEEF” – Mova
Release date: 2 July 2026
With a fresh, smooth flow over a menacing beat produced by Vido, Mova raps sharp and cutting lyrics on his latest track. The track flows consistently, with Mova barely taking a minute to take a breath, rapping in a smooth, consistent flow throughout the song.
“Fumbled” – Santana
Release date: 2 July 2026
Bringing a fresh new sound to the Sudanese contemporary music scene, female rapper Santana explores a melodic rap approach over a dancehall production. The lyrics are cutting, with her smooth delivery reflecting her confidence.
“JUST WANNA ROCK” – MONTIYAGO
Release date: 2 July 2026
Produced by 77, Montiyago explores a new direction with his latest track. Displaying a new sound, both in production and lyrical flow, the rapper shines once again with a laid-back track, mixing Arabic and English in smooth bars.
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.
