Photo Credit: IFPI
IFPI launches ‘The Official MENA Chart’ spanning 13 countries, bringing definitive ranking to the region across all major streaming platforms.
IFPI has announced the launch of The Official MENA Chart, the first regional music streaming chart, and the first official chart in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The new singles chart, supported by IFPI, includes music streaming data across Anghami, Apple, Deezer, Spotify, and YouTube.
The first MENA #1 track following the launch of the Official MENA Chart is “Calm Down” by Nigerian artist Rema. The song was released earlier this year and topped charts worldwide, with a remixed version featuring Selena Gomez further boosting its popularity in August 2022.
“I’d like to thank all of my fans across the region who streamed ‘Calm Down’ and helped it to become the first ever Official MENA Chart #1,” says Rema. “I am so happy that you are enjoying the song and very proud to be the first artist to reach #1. Thanks also to the team at my label for their support.”
“I’d like to congratulate Rema on becoming the first ever MENA #1,” says IFPI CEO Frances Moore. “‘Calm Down’ is a song which has clearly captured the imagination of fans across the region.”
“The launch of the Official MENA Chart represents a great step forward for this vibrant and growing music market,” Moore continues. “Music fans can celebrate the performance of their favorite artists and songs in a chart which captures music listening across all major streaming platforms and markets within the region using IFPI’s unique and accurate charts methodology.”
Music enthusiasts will be able to celebrate the top streaming tracks every week, with the top 20 announced every Tuesday. Fans can follow their favorite artists and keep up to date with the biggest hits across the region on the Official MENA Chart website or through their social media presence.
Other artists in the Official MENA Chart Top 10 include Egyptian talents Farid, Ahmed Saad, Wegz, and Saudi artist Ayed. Two songs from the FIFA World Cup official tournament soundtrack in Qatar appear on the list: Ozuna, GIMS, and RedOne’s “Arhbo” and Jung Kook’s “Dreamers.”
The chart will be prepared weekly by the charts compiler BMAT, under IFPI’s global charts principles and methodologies. Music fans in the region can also look forward to a wealth of engaging articles and artist content as the official hub of music in MENA.