The holy month of Ramadan is a special time of spiritual reflection, but it’s also a prime season for television viewing in the Arab world. Each year, the region’s biggest networks unveil their most highly-anticipated new shows timed for this period. Just as important as the dramas and comedies themselves are the catchy theme songs, known as “titrats,” that help make these programs stick in viewers’ minds long after Ramadan ends. This year’s slate of Ramadan TV shows features titrat tracks from some of the biggest names in Arab pop music.
1. Elissa – “Ana Mish Soutak”
Renowned Lebanese singer Elissa lends her emotive vocals to this sweeping ballad. “Ana Mish Soutak” (I Am Not Your Voice) is the theme for the drama series A’a Amal about a famous ballerina navigating relationships. Elissa’s plaintive delivery soars over lush strings and oud instrumentation.
2. Assala – “Al Joker”
The husky-voiced Syrian star Assala takes an introspective turn on “Al Joker,” the haunting piano-driven theme for the Egyptian series Ne’mat El Avvocato. Her resonant vocals convey lovelorn lyrics about missed chances.
3. Nawal El Kuwaitia – “Said El Aqareb”
Veteran Kuwaiti singer Nawal El Kuwaitia brings her seasoned talent to this tender ballad titled “Said El Aqareb” (Scorpion Hunting), the theme for the Egyptian family drama series of the same name.
4. Hamza Namira – “Serr Elahy – Bel Qanoon”
Egyptian singer-songwriter Hamza Namira’s conversational lyrics and acoustic guitar stylings have made the revenge drama theme “Serr Elahy – Bel Qanoon” a solo hit, topping streaming charts.
5. Ahmed El Sakka & Tarek Lotfy – “Al Atwala”
Acting duo Ahmed El Sakka and Tarek Lotfy pull double duty, also singing the heavily auto-tuned but enthusiastic mahraganat theme “Al Atwala” for their Egyptian crime caper series.
6. Wael El Fashny – “Same’t Soutan”
Egyptian folk singer Wael El Fashny’s booming, semi-operatic vocals set the tone for the historical assassination drama Al Hashashin with the rousing theme “Same’t Soutan.”
7. Balqees – “Chkoun Kan Ygoul”
After some underwhelming singles, Emirati-Yemeni pop star Balqees returns to her vocal strengths on the sweeping ballad “Chkoun Kan Ygoul” for the Moroccan series Bayn Al Qosour.
8. Aseel Hameem – “Min Kothr Hobbi Lak”
Following her success on a Kuwaiti drama last year, Iraqi singer Aseel Hameem delivers more breezy Khaleeji pop pathos on “Min Kothr Hobbi Lak” (I Love You So Much) for the Gulf drama of the same name.
9. Medhat Saleh – “Ahlan Ya Esaba”
Veteran Egyptian singer-composer Medhat Saleh showcases his skills on the upbeat “Ahlan Ya Esaba,” the theme for the series Embratoreyet Meem.
10. Perrie – “Lunch Box”
Egyptian rapper Perrie injects some welcome hip-hop energy into this Ramadan’s music lineup with her cool wordplay and attitude on “Lunch Box,” for the Egyptian remake of the U.S. series Good Girls.
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