Soundstripe, PopArabia launch MENA songwriting camps in Abu Dhabi

The first camp was held in Abu Dhabi in October and brought together artists from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, Lebanon and Sudan. Further camps are planned in Abu Dhabi over the next two years, with potential expansion to other locations in the region.

The initiative is intended to expand Soundstripe’s catalogue with original music reflecting regional genres and sounds, which the company says are seeing growing global demand. Soundstripe chief executive Jeff Perkins said interest in Arabic and MENA-originated music had increased on the platform.

“Arabic music and music from the MENA region is rapidly gaining popularity, and we’ve seen an uptick in requests on Soundstripe,” Perkins said. He added that the company sought to expand its catalogue “in the most artist-friendly way possible”, describing PopArabia as “the perfect partner”.

During the Abu Dhabi camp, participating artists worked in pairs and small groups over several days, creating 23 new tracks that will be added to Soundstripe’s catalogue. Artists were given creative prompts designed to have broad appeal while encouraging the incorporation of local cultural influences.

Assouad, one half of the duo ISSA & ASSOUAD, described the camp as a productive collaborative experience. “The talent, focus, and collaborative spirit were exceptional, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.

PopArabia founder and chief executive Hussain ‘Spek’ Yoosuf said the project aligned with the company’s wider objectives and reflected broader growth in the regional music sector. “The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, and we’re witnessing the emergence of a vibrant regional sound that is resonating with global creatives and agencies,” he said. Yoosuf added that the camps supported PopArabia’s mission to develop opportunities for artists in the UAE and across the wider region. The initiative has received support from Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority.

Soundstripe’s vice-president of music, Josh Collum, said the camps reinforced the company’s emphasis on original, artist-created work. “Human-made music has never been more essential, and the world, including its music, is more connected than ever,” he said, adding that the company remained focused on working directly with musicians.

Founded in Nashville in 2016, Soundstripe operates a subscription-based music licensing platform serving creators, production companies and advertisers worldwide. PopArabia, established in 2011 and based in Abu Dhabi, operates as a label, publisher and licensing company representing international and regional music catalogues across the MENA region.