Saud AlTurki is the founder of Brij Entertainment and he’s on a mission to professionalize the Saudi music industry. From the label he runs, to the music he produces, to his sold out gigs – he’s been a mainstay of the emerging Saudi scene. Who better to ask about the top acts you should be paying attention to in the Kingdom – from established performers to upstarts. We asked him for some names and had to stop him at five. It’s clear he believes in the future of the Saudi music industry.
HAJAJ
Esquire says: You’d be forgiven for thinking Hajaj was part of the Alabama Shakes or Saint Paul and the Broken Bones – his grizzled Americana-tinged soul hits that note. But the better comparison might be Ed Sheeran.
Esquire Pick: High No More
MISHAL TAMER
Esquire says: Funny Saud should have picked Mishal, who was our Spring 2022 cover star. What we said then: Mishaal’s musical influences reflect his mixed background: From Harry Styles, Pink Floyd, and Michael Jackson, to Sherine, Abel Halim Al Hafez, and the legendary Oum Kalthoum, the bi-lingual artist has a legion of diehard Gen Z fans that collectively refer to themselves as the ‘Chicken Gang’.
Esquire Pick: Bruce Lee
NTITLED
Esquire says: Hailing from Riyadh, Ntitled’s rap and production style is organic and raw. He says he’s heavily influenced by the Saudi music scene – a quick glance at his Instagram feed and you’ll see him backstage with Jeed and Saud.
Esquire Pick: Adan
JEED
Esquire says: Jeed has been at the forefront of the hip hop scene since 2010 and has shared the stage with everyone from Nas and Stormzy to Anderson .Paak. Although he raps in English – he throws in the odd bit of Saudi slang as a nod to his roots.
Esquire Pick: From The Sand
GHADA SHERI
Esquire says: Possibly the most early-stage artist on the list in terms of her output – that doesn’t mean Ghada Sheri doesn’t pack a punch. Her soulful Arab Indie sound is heartbreaking and transporting.
Esquire Pick: Afkar Galbi.