Jazz, with its fluid melodies and rhythms, has always been a genre shaped by diversity and innovation. Today, the genre has blossomed globally, with musicians from the Arab world and North Africa contributing their unique voices to its evolution.
Their compositions offer a fresh blend of traditional sounds, modern jazz, and personal identity, forming a captivating journey through rhythm and culture.
Here are five standout jazz tracks composed by musicians of Arab or North African descent, each reflecting the spirit of the diaspora and the power of cultural fusion.
“Egypt Strut” by Salah Ragab and The Cairo Jazz Band
“Egypt Strut” by Salah Ragab and the Cairo Jazz Band is an upbeat and mesmerizing jazz piece from the 70s, celebrated for blending Egyptian folk rhythms with jazz improvisation in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Ragab, a pioneering drummer, layered bold brass fanfare and syncopated beats to evoke both desert warmth and urban Cairo vibes. The track stands out on Egyptian Jazz, a globally recognized album that appeals to fans of world music and Middle Eastern jazz fusion.
“Bizakker Bil Khareef” (Les Feuilles Mortes) by Fairuz
“Bizakker Bil Khareef” by Fairuz is a melancholic and hauntingly beautiful song from 2002, capturing the nostalgia and bittersweetness of autumn.
Though Fairuz is known for her Arabic classical and folk-inspired music, this track has a jazzy cinematic quality, blending subtle jazz influences with Arabic orchestration.
Fairuz’s emotive voice, combined with a soft, slow melody, evokes a deep sense of longing and reflection, making it a timeless piece in her vast repertoire.
“Beirut” by Ibrahim Maalouf
“Beirut” by Ibrahim Maalouf is a powerful 2011 jazz track that captures the complexity and spirit of the Lebanese capital. Blending Maalouf’s signature trumpet with jazz, classical, and Arabic influences, the piece evokes both the beauty and resilience of Beirut.
Its haunting, cinematic soundscapes combine Eastern and Western elements, with Maalouf’s trumpet leading the way in a lyrical, almost vocal style.
The track serves as a poignant tribute to the city’s vibrant culture, capturing its history, turbulence, and enduring spirit. Watch the official music video here.
“Khalas” by Ziad Rahbani
“Khalas” by Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, from his 80s album Hodou’ Nisbi (Relative Calm), featuring vocals by Monica, is a smooth fusion of Lebanese pop and jazz. With its laid-back groove, syncopated beats, and catchy piano melodies, the track exudes effortless sophistication.
The rhythmic pulse brings a sense of optimism, while the lyrics—touching on emotional closure (“Khalas,” meaning “enough”)—add a wistful layer. The instrumentation evokes romantic nostalgia, all while keeping the mood fresh and inviting.
“Ma Mneeha El Risali” by Salma Musaffa & Ziad Rahbani
“Ma Mneeha El-Risali” by Salma Musaffa and Ziad Rahbani, from the 2001 album Monodose, effortlessly blends traditional Arabic pop with traditional jazz. Rahbani’s masterful composition and lyrical storytelling come to life through Musaffa’s soulful vocals, adding a playful and pop-infused energy.
The smooth, laid-back groove and jazz elements create a reflective yet upbeat vibe, making the track a fun listen. This song is another example of Rahbani’s talent for marrying Eastern sensibilities with Western influences, crafting a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
This curated list offers a glimpse into the vibrant contributions of Arab and North African musicians to the jazz genre, highlighting their ability to blend cultural traditions and innovate within the musical landscape.
Each composition reflects the artists’ unique backgrounds and experiences, evoking a range of feelings and moods and inviting listeners to explore the rich tapestry of sounds that emerge from the Arab diaspora.
We Also Said: Don’t Miss It…Echoes of Identity: 10 Artists Shaping Sudan’s Generational Voices
