Egyptian rising artist ZAD is gaining international recognition after being selected as Spotify RADAR Arabia artist for Q1 2026, marking a major milestone in her growing music career.
The Spotify RADAR Arabia program, part of Spotify’s global initiative, is designed to spotlight emerging artists across the Middle East and North Africa and support their journey to reach wider audiences. ZAD’s inclusion highlights her rapid rise and strong connection with listeners both regionally and globally.
ZAD first captured attention with her breakout track “Ana Meen,” which introduced audiences to her distinctive voice and modern take on Egyptian music. Since then, she has continued to expand her presence, building a growing fanbase across streaming platforms.
Over the past year, ZAD’s success on Spotify has accelerated significantly. Her streams have doubled, while her listener base has grown by 170%. In addition, her music has been featured in nearly 300,000 playlists, reflecting strong engagement and increasing visibility on the platform.
A major highlight in her journey came on March 13, when ZAD appeared on Spotify’s billboard in Times Square, New York. This global exposure represents a significant moment for the Egyptian artist, showcasing her rise beyond regional borders and onto the international music stage.
The feature also underscores Spotify’s role in promoting Arab artists globally, helping talents from the region gain international recognition through initiatives like RADAR Arabia.
Sarah Zaki, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Egypt, described ZAD’s growth as remarkable. She noted that the RADAR Arabia program aims to support artists at key stages in their careers while helping them reach new audiences without compromising their artistic identity.
As part of the program, ZAD also shared insights into her creative journey through a video interview with Spotify Arabia, where she discussed her passion for music, her commitment to authenticity, and how she balances personal experiences with artistic expression.
Reflecting on her journey, ZAD emphasized the importance of staying true to her voice while connecting with audiences through relatable and meaningful stories. She highlighted that her music is rooted in everyday experiences, transformed into something that resonates with listeners.
The Spotify RADAR Arabia initiative continues to play a key role in amplifying emerging talent from the region, offering artists like ZAD the visibility and support needed to grow on a global scale.
As her career continues to evolve, ZAD’s presence in Times Square stands as a powerful milestone — not only for her personally, but also for Egyptian and Arab music reaching new heights worldwide.
