Arab musicians have been stepping onto the global stage alongside international artists as collaborators, creating sounds that blend global beats with familiar, homegrown influences. What once felt like rare crossover moments is now becoming a defining feature of modern music, with Arab and international collaborations shaping the sound of pop, dance, and hip-hop today.
So, here’s a look at the collaborations that have stayed with us over the years and still live in our heads.
Liela – Hakim & James Brown
2004
Back in 2004, Egyptian star Hakim teamed up with none other than the legendary “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, for the track Leila. At the time, James Brown wasn’t just a Western icon; he was already a familiar name across Middle Eastern audiences, too, thanks to timeless hits like I Feel Good that had everyone dancing across generations.
So when these two powerhouse performers came together, it wasn’t just a collab; it was a full-on musical crossover moment. East met West on a beat that felt bold, unexpected, and way ahead of its time, making Leila one of those tracks that still hits differently years later.
Smile – Tamer Hosny & Shaggy
2012
In 2012, Egypt’s pop powerhouse Tamer Hosny teamed up with the one and only Mr. “Boombastic” himself, Shaggy, for the track Smile.
At the time, Shaggy was still riding high on decades of global hits like Boombastic, and Tamer clearly saw the moment, bringing him on board for a collab that mixed smooth Arab pop flair with Shaggy’s unmistakable reggae groove. What came out of it was one of those unexpected pairings that just works: playful, catchy, and effortlessly global.
Si Al Sayed – Tamer Hosny & Snoop Dogg
2013
In 2013, Egyptian pop star Tamer Hosny doubled down on his global crossover moment, this time teaming up with none other than hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg.
The collaboration instantly made waves: two completely different worlds colliding in one track, blending Tamer’s signature Arabic pop sound with Snoop’s laid-back West Coast rap style. But it also sparked conversation at the time, with some pushing back on themes tied to traditional ideas of masculinity and the term “Si El Sayed.”
Bayen Habeit – Amr Diab & Marshmello
2018
Bayen Habeit brought together Egypt’s superstar Amr Diab and global DJ powerhouse Marshmello, creating a crossover that blended Diab’s unmistakable Mediterranean pop sound with Marshmello’s signature electronic beats.
The result was pure summer magic: a track that felt both familiar and futuristic at the same time. Diab’s iconic voice floated over the production like it was made for it, while Marshmello’s touch gave it that festival-ready energy.
Sah Sah – Nancy Ajram & Marshmello
2022
In 2022, Lebanese pop icon Nancy Ajram dropped her single Sah Sah. The track came as a major global collaboration with US EDM heavyweight Marshmello, blending Nancy’s instantly recognizable, soft and angelic vocals with Marshmello’s bright, upbeat production style.
The result was a flirty, feel-good anthem that sits right between pop and dance music. It quickly stood out as one of those cross-cultural tracks that didn’t just mix two styles, but made them feel naturally made for each other.
Tukoh Taka – Myriam Fares, Maluma & Nicki Minaj
2022
Lebanese star Myriam Fares teamed up with Trinidadian rap queen Nicki Minaj and Colombian hitmaker Maluma for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival anthem.
The track was a full-on global mashup, blending Arabic-inspired rhythms, Latin energy, and high-energy pop and rap into one explosive celebration of music and culture. It wasn’t just a song for the tournament; it felt like the soundtrack of the entire event, capturing that euphoric, borderless spirit the World Cup is known for.
Allah Yihmeeki – Saint Levant & Kehlani
2024
In 2024, Palestinian-Algerian artist Saint Levant joined forces with American R&B star Kehlani for the romantic-pop track Allah Yihmeeki, featured on his album DEIRA.
The song is a smooth blend of Arabic and English lyrics, weaving together themes of love, longing, and pride in Palestinian identity. Built on a moody, Mediterranean-influenced production, it feels intimate yet cinematic, like something drifting between two worlds at once.
Illuminate – Elyanna & Jessie Reyez
2026
Illuminate from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album is a standout cross-cultural collaboration between Canadian R&B artist Jessie Reyez and Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna.
The track blends Alternative R&B with Middle Eastern, Latin, and global pop influences, creating a sound that feels both intimate and stadium-ready. Elyanna’s Arabic vocals add a deeply personal layer rooted in her heritage, while Jessie Reyez brings raw emotional texture, making the collaboration feel like a conversation between worlds rather than just a feature.
Over the years, these collaborations have been so much more than just musical moments; they’ve been cultural bridges wrapped in melodies. Each track didn’t just top charts; it brought worlds closer, blending Arab sounds with global rhythms in a way that felt fresh, bold, and unforgettable.
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