Al Shami
Birth nameAbdulrahman Fawaz
Born (2002-06-01) June 1, 2002 (age 23)
Damascus، Syria Syria
GenresHip hop, trap, alternative rap
Occupation(s)Singer, rapper, songwriter
Years active2018–present
LabelsIndependent / Watary (collaboration)
WebsiteInstagram

Al Shami (Arabic: الشامي), born Abdulrahman Fawaz on June 1, 2002, is a Syrian rapper, singer, and songwriter recognized for his involvement in the Arabic hip-hop movement. Emerging in the early 2020s, he gained attention through reflective lyrics, urban musical style, and collaborations with artists from the Middle East.

His work often addresses themes such as identity, social challenges, and cultural expression, and has attracted a growing youth audience in both the Arab world and parts of Europe. [1]

Early Life

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Al Shami was born on December 11, 2002, in Damascus, Syria. His formative years were shaped by the experience of displacement, personal loss, and the complexities of cultural adaptation following his family's migration. These circumstances played a central role in shaping his artistic identity.

Early on, he began experimenting with music in a modest home studio, channeling emotions of grief and isolation into lyrical compositions. His initial recordings combined autobiographical narratives with broader social themes, laying the foundation for a style that would later resonate with a generation navigating similar struggles. [2] [3]

Career

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Al Shami began his musical career in 2018 with the release of his debut track "Ya Turkey Ya Zeina", performed under his birth name, Abdulrahman Fawaz. The song reflected his early emotional experiences as a refugee and marked his initial entry into the music industry.[2]

His breakthrough came in late 2022 with the release of "Samaytak Sama", followed by the viral hit "Ya Leil W Ya Lain" in 2023, distributed in partnership with the Lebanese label Watary Production.[4]

In 2024, Al Shami released a series of successful singles that expanded his regional and international reach. "Sabran" (February 2024) blended Levantine musical elements with modern production.[5] "Khodni" (May 2024) showcased his melodic style and surpassed 90 million views on YouTube.[6] His July release "Wein" achieved over 100 million views and ranked #28 on the Global Top Music Video chart.[7] In September, "Dowali" trended at #1 on YouTube and became one of the five most-watched music videos globally.[8]

These releases earned Al Shami four Billboard Arabia awards, including Best Levantine Artist and Best Indie Song for "Sabran".[9]

In May 2025, he collaborated with Egyptian pop star Tamer Hosny on "Maleket Gamal El Kon" ("Miss Universe"), a summer anthem co-written and composed by both artists. Directed by Hosny, the song quickly went viral, amassing over 100 million views across platforms.[10]

Al Shami has performed at several major venues and festivals, including: - Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai (November 2024)[11] - Global Village Festival, Dubai (December 2024)[12] - Batroun Festival, Lebanon (July 2024)[13] - Stockholm Concert, Sweden (October 2024)[14] - Moments Events, Germany (2025)[15]

Musical Style and Themes

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and longing.[16] His songs frequently address themes such as exile, resilience, and identity, which have resonated with audiences across the Arab world and among diaspora communities.

Linguistically, Al Shami employs a hybrid register that blends colloquial Arabic with classical phrasing, creating a distinctive lyrical texture.[17] This fusion allows his music to appeal to both popular and literary sensibilities, contributing to his unique voice within the Levantine hip-hop and indie scenes.

Visually, his artistic personality incorporates minimalist fashion, urban aesthetics, and symbolic imagery. These elements are often inspired by motifs from Damascus and broader Levantine heritage, reinforcing his role as both a storyteller and cultural observer.[18]

Reception

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Al Shami has received recognition for his emotional authenticity and lyrical vulnerability. Critics have highlighted his ability to merge personal storytelling with contemporary production, positioning him as a rising figure in alternative Arabic rap.[19]

His music has gained traction across Europe, with several tracks topping streaming charts in countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Austria.[20] His growing fanbase spans the Arab diaspora and international audiences, particularly among younger listeners drawn to his introspective themes and hybrid musical style.

In 2024, Al Shami won four awards at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards held in Riyadh, including Best Levantine Artist and Best Indie Song for "Sabran".[21] He also received the Favorite Song award at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia for "Bafdeeki".[22]

Discography

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Singles

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  • "Ya Turkey Ya Zeina" – 2018
  • "Lessa" – 2021
  • "Yalli Dar" – 2021
  • "Ella" – 2021
  • "Leila" – 2021
  • "Tounsa" – 2021
  • "Talei Miniy" – 2021
  • "Balaki" – 2022
  • "Dameek Ya Ein" (with Mahmoud Kasser) – 2022
  • "Bi Ridak" – 2022
  • "Qurban" – 2022
  • "Samaytak Sama" – 2022
  • "Shayel Zaneb" – 2023
  • "Bafdeeki" – 2023
  • "Ya Leil W Ya Lain" – 2023
  • "Sabra" – 2024
  • "Khodni" – 2024
  • "Wein" – 2024
  • "Dwali" – 2024
  • "Doctor" – 2025[23]
  • "Ela Oyounak Enta" – 2025[24]
  • "Tahet Sabeh Ared" – 2025
  • "Jinak" – 2025
  • "Maleket Gamal El Kon" (with Tamer Hosny) – 2025

Collaborations

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  • "Eisyan" – with Ismaeil Tamr (2022)
  • "La Mobali" – with Ismaeil Tamr (2023)
  • "Shou Badi 3ed Bzalat" – with Mohanad Zaiter (2023)
  • "Samaytak Sama (Remix)" – with Bodyykhaledd (2023)

References

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  1. ^ "الشامي: قصة إنسانية مؤثرة". جوهرة FM. 2024-12-12.
  2. ^ a b من اللجوء إلى العالمية .. القصة الكاملة للشامي (in Arabic). Mr. Aiham. 10 August 2025.
  3. ^ "الشامي: قصة إنسانية مؤثرة.. من ويلات الحروب إلى أضواء الشهرة". جوهرة FM. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  4. ^ "Ya Leil W Ya Lain". Watary. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
  5. ^ "صبراً.. الشامي يطلق أغنية رومانسية جديدة". YouTube. February 2024.
  6. ^ "Al Shami - Khodni (Official Video)". YouTube. May 2024.
  7. ^ "الشامي يتصدر الترند بأغنية "وين"". Ne7na Magazine (in Arabic). July 2024.
  8. ^ "دوالي بين أكثر 5 فيديوهات مشاهدة على الكوكب". Hawacom TV (in Arabic). September 2024.
  9. ^ "الشامي: قصة إنسانية مؤثرة.. من ويلات الحروب إلى أضواء الشهرة". جوهرة FM. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  10. ^ "ملكة جمال الكون.. تعاون بين الشامي وتامر حسني". YouTube. May 2025.
  11. ^ "حفل الشامي المباشر في كوكاكولا أرينا، دبي". Platinumlist (in Arabic). 23 November 2024.
  12. ^ "الشامي يحيي حفلاً جماهيرياً في القرية العالمية". Global Village (in Arabic). 22 December 2024.
  13. ^ "الشامي يشعل مهرجان البترون بأغنية "وين"". Annahar (in Arabic). 7 July 2024.
  14. ^ "Al Shami Live in Stockholm". Ticketmaster Sweden. 13 October 2024.
  15. ^ "الشامي يستعد للحدث الأضخم أوروبياً على الإطلاق". Fuchia (in Arabic). 7 September 2024.
  16. ^ "الشامي في أول حوار له بمصر". Cairo24 (in Arabic). 29 July 2025.
  17. ^ "الشامي". Layalina (in Arabic).
  18. ^ "الشامي نجم غلاف بيلبورد عربية". Billboard Arabia (in Arabic).
  19. ^ "الشامي يتألق في حفلاته بألمانيا والسويد". Billboard Arabia (in Arabic). 15 October 2024.
  20. ^ "الشامي اختتم جولته الأوروبيّة بحفلة مميّزة في السويد". جريدة البلاد (in Arabic). 16 October 2024.
  21. ^ Al Shami - Sabran [Official Music Video] (in Arabic). Al Shami. 2024.
  22. ^ "الشامي يفوز بجائزة أغنية العام في Joy Awards ويتصدر بكلمة مؤثرة". Music Nation (in Arabic). 22 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Al Shami lives love and betrayal in "Doctor"". Fuchsia. 2025.
  24. ^ "Al Shami – Ela Oyounak Enta". TikTok. 2025.
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(https://open.spotify.com/artist/597R32EkdYgLMf1tQcHF8k)