Asayel is a Saudi rapper, singer and songwriter from Makkah, now based in Jeddah, who raps in Hejazi Arabic.
Background
Asayel was born and raised in Makkah and lives in Jeddah. She had written in English before MDLBEAST Records encouraged her to write in Arabic to reach her own community. She has said she wants to encourage other women to sing, perform, write and rap, and to help build a female music community in Saudi Arabia.
Releases and milestones
Her debut single “Asliyah” (2024, MDLBEAST Records) was the first song she wrote in Arabic. Its Hejazi slang and playful tone answer her critics, and she describes it as telling a story rather than rapping or singing; the flow sits closer to spoken word. The video was shot on the streets of Jeddah and directed by Ahmed Lebleb. Scene Noise included her in its 2024 breakout artists for the Middle East and North Africa, noting a bold, provocative delivery and commentary on double standards in the music industry.
Where to start
“Asliyah” is the natural starting point: it is her debut and the clearest statement of her voice.
Sources
- Arab News – Saudi rapper Asayel discusses her debut single, “Asliyah”
- Scene Noise – Breakout Artists of the Year, Middle East and North Africa 2024
- Art in the Middle – Saudi rapper Asayel talks culture, musical influences and what’s next
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