Every year, Coachella brings a mix of global sounds, and this time, the lineup has a special thread running through it: artists with roots in the Middle East and North Africa. Some were born there, others carry family heritage that sneaks into their art in surprising ways. From bass-shaking DJs to indie storytellers, here’s a closer look at the MENA voices bringing their own flavor to Coachella 2026.
Hamdi: Tunisian-British
Hamdi, half Tunisian and half British, is one of the UK’s fastest-rising producers. He carries North African roots into a sound that blends dubstep, garage, and grime. His tracks are gritty, danceable, and already turning heads on festival stages around the world.
Bedouin: Jordanian/Egyptian-American
Bedouin is the partnership of Tamer Malki, born in Jordan, and Rami Abousabe, born in the U.S. to Egyptian parents. Together they’ve built a sound that fuses melodic house with touches of Middle Eastern instrumentation and atmosphere. Their sets are soulful, hypnotic, and have landed them at some of the most sought-after stages, from Burning Man to Ibiza.
Samia: Lebanese-American
Samia (Samia Najimy Finnerty) grew up in New York, but her roots trace back to Lebanon through her mother, actress Kathy Najimy. Her music sits in the sweet spot between indie-pop and alt-rock, built around heartfelt lyrics and intimate vocals. She’s been steadily growing a devoted fanbase and carving out her own space in the indie scene.
Boys Noize: Iraqi-German
Alexander Ridha, better known as Boys Noize, was born in Germany to an Iraqi father. His career has spanned more than two decades, delivering explosive techno and electro both as a solo act and in collaborations with the likes of Skrillex. He’s a true festival veteran with underground cred and mainstream pull.
REZZ: Iranian/Ukrainian-Canadian
Isabelle Rezazadeh, the force behind REZZ, was born in Ukraine to an Iranian father and Ukrainian mother before growing up in Canada. Her music is instantly recognizable: dark, hypnotic, bass-heavy electronic that has made her one of the most talked-about DJs on the circuit. She’s also built a cult-like following with her distinctive “space mom” persona.
Conclusion
From Tunis to Istanbul, Baghdad to Beirut, the Coachella lineup carries threads of MENA heritage across its stages this year. These artists may not all wear their roots on their sleeves, but their backgrounds add depth to their stories — and sometimes even to their sound. In a festival defined by diversity and discovery, their presence reminds us how global music truly is.
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