This week, the YUNG Selects spotlight shines on the audacious and multilingual Swedish-Iraqi rapper, Nayomi (Instagram). Known for her linguistic prowess and ability to seamlessly blend Arabic, English, and Swedish in her verses, Nayomi brings us a playlist that’s as diverse as it is powerful.
Her latest anthem, ‘Wuhda Bel Million,’ marks a new era of catchy, head-bopping tunes for the Iraqi powerhouse, teasing us with a tantalizing preview of her upcoming album, ‘Aura’. After making waves with ‘Wuhda Bel Million,’ Nayomi rounded up an all-female ensemble of Middle Eastern rappers for a hard-hitting remix of the original track, with Felukah, Frizzy, Taffy and Dareen hopping on to create the ultimate sizzling summer banger.
Nayomi’s YUNG Selects playlist is a multilingual mosaic of hip-hop, a homage to the diverse voices that shape her sound. It spotlights the raw talent of female artists like Blue Fiefer, whose soulful melodies echo through ‘Nazele Big Champagne,’ and Nadine El Roubi, whose haunting voice weaves a spell in ‘The Woods’.
But Nayomi’s musical influences don’t stop at the borders of the MENA region. She spices it up with a dash of UK hip-hop, featuring the gritty ‘Gorilla’ by Little Simz and the pulsating ‘Sprinter’ by Central Cee and Dave. She also pays homage to her early influences with Moroccan rapper Snor’s ‘Dawk Lya’, Marwan Pablo’s ‘Folklor’ and Narcy’s ‘Iraq Forever.’ The playlist also sneaks in a nostalgic nod to Algerian artist Mazouni’s classic ‘Daag dagui’.
Nayomi’s journey in the music industry is a tale of tenacity and innovation. From her early days with Swedish rap group, LVT, to her solo career with State Crown, and her bold leap into independence, Nayomi has shattered language barriers and stereotypes, rapping in Arabic, English, and Swedish, and infusing her music with a distinct Iraqi flavor.
Nayomi’s YUNG Selects playlist is more than a collection of songs—it’s a narrative of empowerment and a celebration of diversity.
If Nayomi’s global hip-hop fusion has your ears perked up, delve deeper into our music coverage here.
