Arabic music

The sound of the Arab world

Arabic music is built on the maqam, a family of melodic modes whose notes fall between those of Western scales. These quarter tones give it its unmistakable colour. Each maqam carries its own mood, from the confidence of Rast to the longing of Hijaz and the sorrow of Saba, and musicians improvise within it, so a melody can feel ancient and alive at the same time.

Rhythm matters just as much. The darbuka and riq drive everything from Egyptian baladi to Levantine dabke, while the oud, qanun and ney carry the melody. Every part of the region has its own accent: the tarab of Cairo, the dabke of the Levant, the Khaleeji rhythms of the Gulf, and the chaabi and gnawa of the Maghreb.

Today, producers across the region blend these traditions with electronic beats, orchestral strings and pop production. That modern Arabic sound is what brands, broadcasters and filmmakers reach for, in Ramadan and Eid campaigns, tourism films, documentaries and drama.

The albums on this page cover that range: up-tempo Arabic beats, Middle Eastern drama and tension, world-fusion crossovers and contemporary themes with traditional percussion, some featuring Arab musicians such as the Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy. Preview any track here and license it through us, Audio Network's representative across the 22 Arab countries.