Best Romantic Moroccan Songs: A Journey Through Sound and Emotion

There is more that unites Moroccans and Algerians than what sets them apart, whether it’s regarding cuisine, traditions, dialect, or ethnicities- even with the political or economic conflicts that come up from time to time. In this blog, I want to show an aspect that brings the two countries together, which is music.

In Algeria, it is unlikely you’ll attend a wedding or a special occasion without playing and dancing to Moroccan Chaabi music, because why not? Chaabi has got the rhythm to make you move and show off your skills! In Morocco, for many historical reasons, Algerian Rai music is the most listened to by Moroccans, in addition to some other genres. Here are the most well-known songs that you will hear on a radio or a TV station while you are in Morocco.

Moroccan music has taken the Arab world by storm, with artists like Saad Lamjarred and Zouhair Bahaoui dominating YouTube charts. From traditional Reggada rhythms to modern pop fusion, these songs showcase the diverse and vibrant Moroccan music scene.

You can find a playlist with these songs on our Spotify!

Timeless Classics and Contemporary Hits

Here are some of the most beloved songs that resonate deeply with Moroccan audiences:

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1. “A Vava Inouva” by Idir

Idir is an Amazigh singer who is an icon and a symbol of the Kabayle people and their music. He left Alegria in the 70s and settled down in France. His shows always had thousands of attendees. He recently passed away. “A Vava Inouva” is probably his most famous song which tells a story that you can find out after listening and reading the subtitles.

2. “Zina” by Babeloune

Babeloune’s “Zina” song is easy to memorize and catchy. That’s one of the reasons why students always add it to their playlists and use it as a background for their videos. When you are by the Oudays in Rabat and see a bunch of young boys playing guitar, you can be sure this song is one of the ones they are playing.

3. “Didi” and “Aicha” Cheb Khaled

Everyone in Morocco knows Cheb Khaled, that’s a fact! And people from all different ages enjoy his music. His audience counts in the hundreds of thousands at every one of his shows that take place in the cities of Morocco.

Also check out “Abdelkader” by Cheb Khaled, Faudel, and Rachid Taha.

4. “Ya Rayeh” by Rachid Taha

Rachid Taha’s “Ya Rayeh” is mostly played in the background of Moroccan movies, shows, and videos.

Read also: Morocco's Blue Pearl

5. “Tonton Du Bled” by 113

113 is an Algerian band based in France and most of their songs are a mixture of French and Arabic. Most Moroccans love it, even though they don’t memorize the lyrics except the “lla lla lla” chorus that they enjoy.

6. “Tal Ghyabek ya Ghzali” by Cheb Hasni

This song is full of hope, romance, suffering and caring. Maybe that’s why it touches the hearts of Moroccans before their ears. Cheb Hasni could have had a great career as a singer, if he wasn’t killed during the civil war in Algeria in the 90s.

7. “Ghir Enta” by Souad Massi

Another romantic singer, Souad Massi, is based in France but sings in Arabic. I was amazed by her voice when I attended one of her shows in Rabat during the Mawazine festival.

8. “Ya Zina” by Raina Rai

Raina Rai is a music band that was formed in the 70s and “Ya Zina Diri Latay” is their most famous song.

9. “Chriki” Cheb Bilal

In addition to Cheb Khaled, Cheb Bilal is a very well-known singer in Morocco. It is rare to find a young person who doesn’t know him. He is also always hosted on Moroccan TV stations. This is one of his songs, but he has others that are also famous.

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The Reign of Saad Lamjarred and Other Chart-Toppers

It’s particularly noteworthy that Saad Lamjarred overwhelmingly dominates this Top 20, claiming an impressive 11 spots on the list.

The ranking is based on the total amount of views on 19 August 2024.

1. Topping the chart is Saad Lamjarred’s smash hit “Lm3allem,” released in May 2015. It has become the most viewed Arabic song on YouTube of all time.
2. “Décapotable,” released in August 2018, is Zouhair Bahaoui’s biggest hit to date.
3. This romantic duet with Lebanese singer Elissa, sung in Egyptian dialect and released in May 2022, demonstrates Lamjarred’s versatility and appeal across the Arab world.
4. This July 2019 collaboration between Moroccan star Saad Lamjarred and Egyptian artist Mohamed Ramadan became the most viewed Arabic song of that year.
5. “Ghaltana” (Wrong), released in August 2016, explores themes of remorse and second chances.
6. This July 2023 duet with Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal became a massive hit in both the Arab world and India.
7. Zouhair Bahaoui ft. “Hasta Luego,” released in July 2017, was one of the biggest Moroccan hits of that summer.
8. This collaboration between two of Morocco’s biggest stars, released on January 1, 2021, was an instant hit.
9. One of Lamjarred’s earlier hits, “Mal Hbibi Malou” was released in December 2013 from his album “Wala 3alik”.
10. Lamjarred showcased his linguistic versatility with “Casablanca,” a song performed entirely in French and released in July 2018.
11. The music video for “Ana Machi Sahel,” released in July 2016, features Lamjarred’s fans, several Moroccan celebrities, and his mother.
12. “Ghazali,” released in March 2018, quickly became one of the most viewed Arabic songs of the year.
13. Jamila’s breakthrough hit “Blach Blach,” released in October 2015, catapulted her into the Arab music world.
14. Saad Lamjarred, a dominant force in Moroccan music, delivered “Adda ElKalam” in Egyptian dialect in July 2020.
15. Aymane Serhani ft. Aymane Serhani returned with this traditional Moroccan Raggada-style song featuring Cheikh Mokhtar El Berkani in July 2020.
16. Abdel Fattah Grini bridged Moroccan and Indian cultures with this Arabic version of the theme song for the Bollywood movie “Fan” in March 2016.
17. Salma Rachid, who rose to fame after participating in Arab Idol’s second season, scored her first major hit with “Sama3ni Nabdak” in May 2015.
18. TiiwTiiw ft. TiiwTiiw, a Moroccan singer and former comedian from Brussels, delivered a catchy tune with “Dawdaw” in October 2016.
19. Aymane Serhani, hailing from Lille, France, proved that high production values aren’t necessary for a hit with this July 2017 release.
20. L7OR, a Moroccan rapper known for his socially conscious lyrics, blends traditional Moroccan music with contemporary hip hop in “Hes Biya,” released in August 2020.

The Music Scene in 2025: Fresh Sounds and Rising Talents

The music scene in the Arab world is as dynamic as ever. From pop stars to indie artists, spanning Morocco to Saudi Arabia, it continues to inspire, challenge and showcase the evolving sound of the region.

With that in mind, The National will be regularly updating this list of the best songs of 2025, highlighting the freshest sounds from rising talents and established stars.

1. Fealan Mabyetneseesh by Tamer Hosny and Ramy Sabry (January 6)

Elissa and Saad Lamjarred's 2022 hit Min Awel Dekika demonstrated that Arab pop collaborations can work, despite their relative rarity. Perhaps the solid partnership between Egyptian pop titans Tamer Hosny and Ramy Sabry will inspire more artists to join forces in the studio. This lush ballad fully capitalises on their respective strengths. Trading verses, both singers navigate the emotional spectrum of heartbreak, from isolation to denial, adding extra dynamism to a song that might have felt standard if recorded solo.

2. Exile by Saint Levant (January 14)

Personal identity and homeland continue to be key themes in Saint Levant’s increasingly salient body of work. Both strands feature in this pulsating single, as the Palestinian-Algerian artist strips away the anguish of being away from home and compares the predicament to a tumultuous relationship. He sings: “So tell me, where did the time go? Do you ever think of me?” Such searching questions are tempered by winningly nonchalant vocals and muted dance beats that make Exile all sound so current and cool.

3. Counting Two Lives by Faraj Suleiman (January 17)

A key piece in Palestinian singer-songwriter’s album Maryam, the plaintive track about seeking permanence in a war-torn land is especially poignant. The focus on everyday domestic comforts we often take for granted, from the scent of cooking to “the stillness of the carpet” makes this ballad even more heartbreaking.

4. Ma Nasaitak by Othman Sharari (January 20)

Saudi sheilat music has been having a moment over the past three years. These folk songs, characterised by autotuned vocals and extended verses delivered in a form of sung poetry, have amassed billions of views on YouTube. The genre thrives on themes of celebration, from weddings and mass gatherings to tribal pride, to the occasional love song. Ma Nasaitak by Othman Sharari falls into the latter category, though it steers clear of the excessive lovesick regret typical of Arab pop ballads. Instead, Sharari delivers a more resolute perspective on a fading relationship: “I've had enough of love. Oh, the misery of my heart, where is the cure?”

5. Barki Byesmaani by Ghaliaa (January 24)

After building a regional cult following with a series of beautiful stand-alone singles and last year’s Le’beh EP, Syrian singer and Abu Dhabi resident Ghaliaa is set to raise expectations even further with her coming debut album, Nafsi El Oula. Even though the lead single, Barky Byesmaani, is only two minutes long, it captures her intimate, hushed singer-songwriter style while expanding her sound with bright arrangements. An ode to personal freedom, it’s another confident step forward for the talented artist.

6. Tarat Tarat Tat by Lella Fadda (January 25)

This striking track by the Egyptian-Italian singer is a searing critique of the challenges Arab women face - whether in oppressive relationships, societal expectations or rigid gender roles. “If he hits me, it's for my own good. If he hits me, it's normal - he’s my friend,” Fadda raps in a hushed monotone, underscoring how such disturbing realities are normalised. Backed by a minimal yet hypnotic beat, with down-tuned acoustic guitar and bass, Tarat Tarat Tat is a compelling statement and an introduction to a bold new voice in the Arab indie music scene.

7. Wayak by Nada Nader and Lemhallwess (February 5)

Moroccan trap-hip-hop meets Egyptian RnB in this standout pairing between rapper Lemhallwess and singer Nada Nader. His deep, gruff raps dovetail into Nader’s sweet vocals, creating a vibe-heavy track that will have you nodding along in no time.

8. Tnkr by Wegz (February 11)

Being at the top of the game is not as glamorous as it seems, according to Wegz. The rapper, considered a leader in the hip-hop scene, turns up the intensity with a defiant track taking aim at jealous peers and the apathy of the commercial music industry to Egyptian hip-hop.

9. Argeen by Soulja (February 13)

Named after the Sudanese-Egyptian border crossing, Argeen by Sudanese rapper Soulja channels that cross-cultural journey by blending traditional North African rhythms with vocals inspired by Egyptian and Sudanese folk music. Soulja reflects on the pain of displacement and how a sense of stability can be found with family and community.

10. Ana Min by Marilyne Naaman (February 15)

The Lebanese singer took on double duty in Ramadan, performing the theme song Ana Min for the well-received Syrian drama Bil Dam, while also appearing in a supporting role. Translated as 'who am I?', the affecting and sparse ballad echoes the central refrain of the series' main character as she prepares to see her mother for the first time.

11. Ghost Town by 47Soul (February 17)

Known for their punchy mix of dabke and electro-shaabi, Palestinian group 47Soul pull things back with Ghost Town. Sung in Arabic and English, the track reflects on the destruction in Gaza and the journalists documenting it. The sound is more stripped-down than usual - steady reggae-lite grooves than their usual electronic fare. It’s not a protest anthem or a eulogy, but something in between - a song that doesn’t push a message as much as sit in the heaviness of the moment. A sharp left turn, but it lands.

12. Taht Sabe’ Ard by Al Shami (February 26)

In one of the more intriguing musical offerings of Ramadan, Syrian singer Al Shami stays true to his signature sound in the theme song for the hit Levantine police drama Taht Sabe’ Ard. The track blends bold folk melodies with soft-spoken Arabic rapping - an ear-catching fusion that perhaps underscored the series’ broad appeal.

13. Aktar wa Aktar by Sherine (March 1)

Egyptian singer Sherine reminds us of her pedigree with this effervescent song about the importance of family ties. Translated to 'more and more' and released as part of a campaign for a telecoms company, the track is vintage Sherine - blending upbeat, playful instrumentation with her signature vulnerable vocal delivery. The song comes at a time when tabloid headlines about Sherine's personal life have often overshadowed her artistry. Aktar wa Akyar is a testament to the artistic heft and charm that made her a household name.

14. Qulubuna Aqrab by Tamer Hosny (March 1)

Critics of Tamer Hosny are quick to argue that his success relies more on undeniable charisma than artistic risk. While there may be some truth in the idea that Hosny has rarely pushed his vocal limits in the recording booth over the past two decades, when he lands on the right song the results can be near perfect.

This frothy single, also released as part of a promotional campaign for a telecoms company, leans on his signature emotive croon for a sunny take on the ups and downs of family life. Paired with an emotional video tracing a couple’s journey from their wedding day to becoming grandparents, Qulubuna Aqrab is the kind of bittersweet song Hosny can deliver in his sleep - and in this case, we’re all the better for it.

15. Qalbi Fil Madinah by Maher Zain and Harris K (March 9)

A blockbuster pairing, nasheed superstars Maher Zain and Harris J came together for this standout Ramadan release. While many nasheed tracks forgo instrumentation, this one is backed by Mediterranean-infused guitar melodies reminiscent of Amr Diab's work. Yet despite the contemporary flair, the song stays true to its spiritual roots, with both artists trading verses in a heartfelt tribute to the sacred city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia.

16. Colorblind by Postcards (March 28)

An evocative, mysterious and almost mystical track by the veteran Beirut band, this is from their new album Ripe. The lyrics speak to disillusionment and the desire to break free from the expectations of society. Musically, it leans into a dreamy shoegaze feel. Julia Sabra’s vocals are ethereal; they float over gnarly guitars and a hefty, driving rhythm section. The sound is glacial, yet emotionally urgent. It’s another reminder of how this seasoned band has become masterful when it comes to dynamics - being both vulnerable and unflinching. More than a decade into their career, they’re only getting better.

17. Souf by Shkoon (April 10)

The German-Syrian duo has long been known for blending Arabic musical heritage with western electronic sounds - but Souf may be one of their strongest examples yet. It’s a track that merges electronic textures with the deep spirituality of Sufi music. Sparse and meditative, it builds through layers of synths and percussive beats, as well as a steady pulse and throb that carries the song forward. The Sufi chants are haunting but also strangely welcoming. The result is at once otherworldly and grounded, and a reminder that Shkoon’s approach to fusing Arabic melodies with electronic music isn’t surface-level - it’s deliberate, textured and quietly radical.

18. Ma’rafha by Adonis (April 10)

A highlight of Adonis's deeply introspective album Widyan, Ma’rafha - meaning “I don’t know her” - melds a sparse piano motif with minimal electronic beats. Part of a concept album about someone stepping away from society after a traumatic moment, the song sits in the quiet devastation of a breakup. Anthony Khoury, singing in the voice of the protagonist, isn’t focused on the rupture itself - but on the self-protective urge to erase everything attached to it. “If they ask me who’s the beautiful one,” he sings in the refrain, “I tell them I don’t know her. I don’t know her.”

19. Sa7bi by Shabjdeed (April 12)

Phonetically spelt Sahbi - meaning “my friend” - the title plays on a double meaning: a nod to friendship, but also a sharp indictment of fake alliances and the broader political decay surrounding support for the Palestinian cause. It’s a powerful and haunting track - mournful, but fuelled by rage. Rage at personal betrayal and a deeper anger at the world’s abandonment of Palestine. Driven by an urgent trap beat, Shabjdeed’s delivery borders on something manic - tense, sarcastic, furious - yet still held together by a vibrant, tightly controlled flow.

20. Bosakber by Marwan Moussa (April 22)

Taken from his raw new album The Man Who Lost His Heart, Bosakber is a powerful look into Marwan Moussa’s grief over the loss of his mother. The song moves through different aspects of that loss - trauma, emotional detachment, the way each day feels different. It’s part of a growing wave of Arabic hip-hop that’s engaging with mental health in a direct way. There are some striking lines here, such as: “I talk to myself, I am sick” and “The world’s worries made you forget your name”. The production is sparse but layered with beats blended with Sufi chants, folk melodies and subtle electronics. A tense, hypnotic track, this is proof that Moussa isn’t afraid to go deep.

21. Ah Yallila by Ammar 808 (April 29)

Now this is how you celebrate heritage for a new generation. Tunisian producer Ammar 808’s Ah Yallila is a bold fusion of not just genres, but also tradition and futurism. Taken from the new album Club Tounsi, the track reimagines Mezoued - a Tunisian folk genre tied to the working class. The song features haunting folk melodies, evocative ney flutes and the buzzing drone of goatskin bagpipes - all anchored by deep electronic basslines and the producer’s signature rumble of the TR-808 drum machine. Ah Yallila is a track that shows the Arab world has its own language for electronic music.

22. Radiya by Lina Makoul (May 6)

Lina Makoul’s latest single is a quiet, introspective yet club-ready track that centres on the idea of contentment not as fleeting relief, but as a deliberate state of being. There are no dramatic turns or sweeping hooks - and that’s the point. Radiya is about presence, not spectacle. In its clarity and calm, it offers a new emotional language that Arabic pop rarely taps into, and that alone is a notable feat.

23. Shining in the Dark by Fulltone x Parallelle (May 15)

A collaboration between Egyptian electronic producer Fulltone and Amsterdam-based French duo Parallelle, Shining in the Dark is a fun, sun-kissed piece of dance and funk nostalgia. Both acts bring their signature flavours - techno, jazz, soul, funk - to recreate a track that leans into 1980s and 1990s house with thick basslines, bright synths and chirpy hooks. And it just feels fun. The kind of track that would fit just as well in a 1980s action film as in any of Europe’s hottest clubs. It’s refreshing, danceable and played straight with no irony. Shining in the Dark is retro-pop done right.

24. Laini Tani by Nadah El Shazly (June 6)

The title track of Nadah El Shazly’s new album unfolds slowly, with scattered electronics and harp giving her vocal space to roam. Nothing feels hurried in this languid piece, which shows one of the Arab indie scene’s most accomplished experimental artists easing into a lighter touch. Sultry and nourishing, it marks a shift from the density of her earlier work and sets the stage for another arresting album.

25. Ha Wlidi by Jaylann (June 13)

Jaylann delivers a summer-ready anthem. The song features a looping hook that fuses traditional Moroccan percussion and melodies. Fun, rhythmic and propulsive, Jaylann’s vocal are commanding - showing she can move between forceful rapping and delivering a great pop hook. It’s a joyful tribute to a country and a sign of an artist with confidence.

26. Ghanneeli by Rasha Nahas (June 15)

Palestinian singer Rasha Nahas expands on the cinematic and atmospheric qualities that have long shaped her work. Ghanneeli carries a pensive air as it reflects on what it means to find moments of calm in uncertain times. The arrangement is subtle and heavy on ambience, but it is Nahas’s serene vocals that are front and centre, evoking a sense of vulnerability alongside strength. Dreamlike and reflective, the track marks another step forward for the artist, who continues to set her own tone with each release.

27. Warana Eh by Nancy Ajram (June 19)

Nancy Ajram’s three-decade career is full of summer anthems, and Warana Eh joins that sun-soaked pantheon. A breezy, feel-good single, it celebrates the simple joys of the season, blending Arabic pop with touches of Latin rhythms.

This is, of course, just a short list of famous songs that touch the hearts of Moroccans before their ears.

If you’re interested in the latest hits from Morocco and other Arab countries, don’t forget to check out our weekly Arabic Top 20.

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