MENA TikTok-Famous Musicians You Should Have on Your Radar

Over the past few years, or technically since the COVID pandemic hit, TikTok has grown into a go-to platform for music discovery and a formidable launching pad for independent emerging artists across the region and beyond. More and more Arab talents found in it a welcoming and supportive space to share their crafts and music, for how the platform bypassed traditional music and industry gatekeepers, providing an opportunity for musicians from different backgrounds across all genres to gain exposure, build communities, and even launch careers based on their contents popularity and reach.

We´ve compiled a roster of some of the region´s most promising TikTok musicians and music creators who you should keep on your radar.

Raed Khairallah - Drummer

Lebanon

Raed Khairallah is a Lebanese musician whose versatile drumming videos have garnered thousands of views across both TikTok and Instagram, attracting an audience primarily from the Middle East, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Besides his solo content, Khairallah also contributes to other musical projects, such as providing drum arrangements for artists like Luay Hijazeen.

Fouad Ahmed - Guitarist

Morocco

Hailing from Morocco, Fouad Ait Ahmad is a guitarist who has amassed over 100,000 followers and millions of likes on his cover videos. His content often features emotive guitar solos of popular hits, including iconic Algerian Rai tracks by artists like Cheb Hasni and Cheb Nasro, as well as Western classics like Radiohead's ‘Creep’ and James Blunt's ‘You're Beautiful.’ His playing style is noted for its ability to infuse new life into existing melodies, showcasing a versatile approach that blends North African influences with contemporary guitar techniques.

Tawfik Khaled - Drummer

Egypt

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Tawfik Khaled is a professionally trained drummer with a charismatic stage presence, who capitulated to stardom with his distinctive drum covers. He delivers energetic interpretations of both Arabic and international hits, and is particularly recognized for his instrumental renditions of popular Egyptian artists like Amr Diab and Sherine. Beyond his prolific solo work on TikTok, Tawfik Khaled is also a filmmaker and a music influencer who maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he shares more of his creative endeavours.

M. Alaa - Pianist

Egypt

Egyptian pianist Mohamed Alaa Elghoul has established a notable online presence, with his distinctive style, frequently involving improvisations of Arabic piano renditions. With a penchant for experimentation, Alaa also flips colloquial sayings into wholly unique compositions.

Tarneem Etman - Multi-Instrumentalist

Egypt

Tarneem Etman is a highly versatile Egyptian multi-instrumentalist and music producer whose work includes covers of both popular Arabic and international tracks, alongside original compositions. She frequently shares educational insights into music production and the nuances of different instruments, demonstrating her expertise in blending traditional Oriental sounds with contemporary styles. Besides her solo work, Tarneem is also known contributions in several musical projects, including being part of bands where she plays multiple instruments including the cello.
@tarneemetman

Tariq Alhawy - Guitarist

Sudan

Tariq Alhawy is a guitar virtuoso hailing from Sudan, who not only composes original tunes and renditions but also shares videos, showcasing his passion for the instrument, such as sound tests of popular guitars like the Fender Stratocaster.

Essam Faisl - Guitarist

Egypt Essam Faisal, an accomplished Egyptian guitarist, has cultivated a loyal following with his diverse range of guitar-focused content. His videos frequently feature compelling solos from popular songs by artists like Muslim and Lege-Cy, showcasing his ability to deliver powerful and emotive performances. Beyond covers, Essam also delves into technical aspects of guitar playing, sharing insights on topics such as diminished arpeggios and exercises to improve left-hand strength.
@essamfaisal2

James Massi - Guitarist

Egypt

James Massi is a rocker from Cairo whose career as a guitarist began professionally in 2004, after graduating from Helwan University's Faculty of Music Education. With a background playing guitar since 1999, Massi has established himself as a versatile musician, performing as a solo artist, a session musician, and a member of various bands. On TikTok, where he maintains an active presence, he shares content that reflects his deep musical knowledge, including guitar-focused videos and discussions, engaging with a broad audience interested in his rock and diverse musical stylings. His discography includes several solo albums and singles, showcasing his range as a composer and performer in the rock genre, with a string of official releases available on streaming platforms.