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Love from Texas for Saudi Arabia

Love from Texas for Saudi Arabia

DJ Mubarak حزين الوقت (Saudi) (2024)

The MENA region, stretching from Morocco to Oman, is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing music markets. This impressive mid-double-digit growth is driven by a predominantly young demographic (60% of Saudi Arabia’s population, for instance, is under 30) and a rapidly expanding, internationally connected middle class, particularly across the Arabian Peninsula.

DJ Mubarak (middle) making a guest appearance on Rap Shar3, a highly popular series highlighting Arab rap talent. Photo courtesy of Rap Shar3

The region's vibrant music scene is also resonating with global audiences, thanks to the power of social media. A standout example is the track “حزين الوقت (Saudi)” by DJ Mubarak, which has garnered international admiration. As one YouTube commenter put it: "You’ve got an old man from Texas snapping his fingers and smiling."

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