Ramadan is a time of unity, bringing families together—and in the world of entertainment, it also unites some of the biggest names in Arab music and television. For over four decades, one of the signature elements of Ramadan TV dramas has been their theme songs, performed by renowned Arab pop stars.
These theme songs, known as “titrat,” typically last up to five minutes and are more than just catchy tunes. They play a crucial role in setting the emotional backdrop of a series, enhancing its appeal, and serving as a powerful promotional tool. Featuring an iconic singer can draw in new audiences while also introducing the artist’s music to a broader fan base.
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Here’s a look at eight top Arab pop stars contributing to the most unforgettable theme songs of this Ramadan season:
1. Elissa
The celebrated Lebanese pop sensation lends her emotive voice to the Egyptian romantic drama We Tekbel Habib, starring Yasmin Abdul Aziz and Karim Fahmy. Though the song aligns with Elissa’s signature ballad style, it effectively captures the depth and turbulence of a love story in constant flux.
2. Abeer Nehme
Renowned for her deep connection to storytelling through music, Lebanese singer-songwriter Abeer Nehme delivers Ehsasi, the theme for Nafasi. The song mirrors the poignant journey of a blind ballet dancer navigating love and ambition. Nehme’s heartfelt vocals elevate the show’s emotional depth.
3. Marilyne Naaman
This Ramadan, Marilyne Naaman showcases her versatility by performing Ana Min, the theme for the acclaimed Syrian drama Bil Dam, while also appearing in a supporting role. The haunting ballad reflects the inner turmoil of the series’ protagonist as she reunites with her long-lost mother.
4. Mahmoud El Esseily
Capturing the soul of the family drama Kamel Al Adad, seasoned Egyptian artist Mahmoud El Esseily delivers Habibi wa Ibn Habiby, a tender acoustic piece enriched with piano. The song beautifully conveys themes of love, family, and unbreakable bonds.
5. Majid Al Mohandis
A powerhouse in Khaleeji music, Majid Al Mohandis brings his signature folk-pop touch to Layali Al Shumaisi, a Saudi drama centered on a family entangled in a bitter inheritance dispute. His emotive performance enhances the series’ dramatic intensity.
6. Ahmed Saad
For the gripping drama Sayed Al Nass, starring Amr Saad, the production team enlisted Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad to deliver a theme song that embodies the series’ themes of redemption and familial strife. His powerful vocals and evocative lyrics resonate deeply with the protagonist’s struggle.
7. Al Shami
Syrian singer Al Shami infuses his distinctive musical style into Taht Sabe’ Ard, a riveting police drama. Blending bold folk melodies with soft-spoken Arabic rap, the theme song adds to the show’s broad appeal as it follows a policeman unraveling a counterfeit operation involving his own siblings.
8. Rahma Riad
In Al Eshrin, an Iraqi drama centered on soldiers’ sacrifices for their homeland, Rahma Riad’s soulful voice breathes life into a deeply emotional theme song. Over a delicate piano arrangement, she delivers heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate loss, longing, and patriotism:
“I swear to you, come back – even if only for a day. Neither are you coming, nor does sleep come to me. If only you knew what’s happened without you. My hair has turned white, and my clothes are black in mourning.”
The Power of Ramadan Theme Songs
With Ramadan TV dramas fiercely competing for audience attention, a compelling theme song can make all the difference. These titrat not only enhance storytelling but also serve as musical masterpieces that live on beyond the season, further cementing the legacy of both the artists and the dramas they represent.
