[custom_adv] Al-Nahlah Market in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is one of the main centers for women and girls who want to buy musical instruments. [custom_adv] Music has a very special place within our collective lives as Arabs. Ever since the beginning of our cultural heritage, we have placed the art of music and song on the highest pedestal. Throughout the years we have admired, as listeners, the work of singers and composers from all corners of the Arab world. [custom_adv] In the past century some, Arab women were at the forefront of the region's music scene, matching talent with - if not surpassing - their male peers. Some homegirls even went on to reach super international stardom, most notably Om Kulthum and Fairouz, without selling out on their art. Even today, Arab female singers continue to move audiences without forfeiting their integrity. This International Women's Day, we salute these 13 female singers from all over the Arab world. [custom_adv] Asia Moussa Abdallah (aka Asia Madani) is much more than meets the eye. Born and raised in the Sudanese town of Wad Madani before moving to Egypt in 2000, she brought us her sweet vocals and original Sudanese ballads along with her brilliant percussion performances. Playing all over Egypt’s art spaces from Room to the now discontinued Oshtoora festival, she’s an irreplaceable asset to our music scene. [custom_adv] A Lebanese underground sensation turned international phenomenon, Yasmine Hamdan’s career spans nearly two decades. The Paris-based songstress’ extensive catalog includes three albums, as part of the Soap Kills band; the Arabology album under the moniker Y.A.S, a hit solo album titled Ya Nass, and, last but not least, an appearance in the Jim Jarmusch movie Only Lovers Left Alive. [custom_adv] Saudi pop singer? You heard that right. Riyadh-born and LA-based artist Tamtam is one of a kind. Gaining the people’s attention in 2013 with her song Little Girl and continuing to deliver heartfelt and purposed songs to a wide audience and finding success with them - notably Old Soul which became a hit of sorts last year.
