Yet another year has passed, punctuated by COVID-19’s new normal. During those solitary morning runs, those cab rides where masks barriered good conversation, there was one true companion: music. It’s been a trying two years, but good tunes have made misfortune bearable. For the third year running, Spotify has turned up and celebrated Egyptian tastes with yet another Wrapped campaign. With all the drama orbiting Egyptian hip-hop, it’s refreshing to hear that it has topped the charts in Egypt this year, dominating the majority of streamed lists. By adopting elements of American trap and the mahraganat sound, local listeners have enjoyed a good bit of cynical, socio-political party music. So without further ado, here is Egypt’s Spotify wrapped – or: Egypt’s quarantine jockeys. Artists’ All-Timers Hall Wegz, with his distinctive rasp and approachable swagger, topped Egypt’s lists this year and cemented the title of “Most Streamed Artist” for the second year running. He embodies much of the common genres that have gained momentum over the last few years, a cocktail of rap and mahraganat-esque sound. Four of his songs made it into the top ten for 2021, including Asyad El…
