Move over, Ibiza– Riyadh’s homegrown music scene just got louder.
Hunna, translating to the plural “she” in Arabic, is the women-led initiative redefining what it means to be a woman in the MENA music industry. This month, they’ve launched their 2025 Mentorship Program alongside a series of workshops. Now in its third year, the program gives women across the region the tools, connections, and, most importantly, the confidence to thrive in the music world. This is a career-boosting sisterhood that connects rising talent with some of the industry’s biggest names.
With more than 120 members across a community of artists, producers, DJs, managers, and all-around disruptors from Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and beyond, Hunna has become one of the most vital platforms for women in music. This year, six handpicked mentees will spend the next six months in one-on-one mentorships, working on tailored development plans, and preparing to showcase their talent at the much-anticipated Hunna Gathering during XP Music Futures in December in Riyadh.
But mentorship is only half the magic. Starting August 20, Hunna is rolling out monthly workshops at Riyadh’s Beast House, beginning with an Introduction to Music Production hosted by UK rapper Laughta and Saudi trailblazer Cosmicat. A week later, Lina El Sahli of MDLBEAST Records will lead a virtual masterclass on planning music releases. From now until November, workshops will cover everything from live performance to global positioning, because for Hunna, knowledge-sharing is just as crucial as beat-making. And if you’re craving a little creative getaway, there’s even a Listening Circle happening in Marrakech this fall. Sisterhood, skill-building, and a side of sightseeing? Yes, please.
This October, the initiative is heading to Marrakech as part the XCHANGE series. The Hunna Listening Circle will bring together voices like Moroccan superstar Manal Benchlikha, cultural entrepreneur Nassereddine Akel, and music executive Mattieu Corosine.
“Through Hunna, we are creating spaces where women in music feel supported, visible, and empowered,” said Nada Alhelabi, General Manager of the MDLBEAST Foundation. and Marrakech’s scenery doubles as the perfect backdrop.
Where: The Source Hotel, Marrakech
When: 9th and 10 October 2025
The multi-event, multi- month program will wrap with the Hunna Gathering at XP Music Futures stretching over December 4 to December 6, one of the region’s most influential music conferences. It’s where mentors, mentees, and the wider Hunna community come together IRL to connect, perform, and celebrate.
Hunna’s mission is simple but powerful: professionalise, amplify, and connect women in music so their voices, whether sung, mixed, or produced, resonate far beyond borders. The future of MENA’s music scene? Female, fearless, and absolutely ready to headline.
Looking for more female artists to listen to? We’ve got your back- check them out here.