Doha Film Festival 2026 Unveils Dynamic Music Programme of Regional Voices and Global Sounds

Doha, Qatar; 2 November 2026: Doha Film Festival (DFF), presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), has unveiled a dynamic music programme, taking place from 19 to 27 November 2026. Bringing together an exciting mix of regional trailblazers, international artists and emerging voices, the programme reflects the diversity and creative energy of today’s global music landscape.

Spanning hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, Afrobeat, contemporary Arabic sounds and experimental performance, the programme celebrates music’s power to transcend borders, amplify underrepresented voices and create shared cultural experiences. From Palestinian hip-hop pioneers and fresh Sudanese voices to acclaimed international artists and a landmark collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, music is an essential part of the festival’s wider celebration of creativity, identity and cultural exchange.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute and Director of Doha Film Festival, said: “Music is one of the most powerful art forms that bring people together, across borders, languages and culture in experiences that resonate with us all. Across the Arab world, a new generation of artists are using music not only to innovate and redefine contemporary sounds, but also to express identity, lived experiences and social and cultural issues. We are proud to bring these artists to DFF audiences to experience how music can bring us closer together.”

Showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage with new influences and fearless experimentation, DFF Music extends the festival experience beyond cinema into the wider creative landscape.

Among the highlights is Grammy-nominated Australian artist RY X, renowned for his atmospheric, emotionally resonant sound and collaborations with international artists including Drake, Diplo and John Legend. RY X will perform with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, to unite contemporary songwriting with the emotional ambience of a symphonic performance.

Regional hip-hop takes centre stage through a diverse line-up of established innovators and emerging performers. Pioneering Palestinian hip-hop group DAM, whose music has become a defining Arab hip-hop voice. Known for compelling social lyricism, DAM is leading a generation of artists using music to explore identity and belonging. JUNO-nominated Iraqi Canadian rapper, academic and cultural entrepreneur NARCY, brings his distinctive perspective on hip-hop and contemporary Arab individuality.

Qatar’s own SaaD and Swaydee represent the growing local rap and DJ scene, and EZ9, a Sudanese rapper based in Qatar, shows the country’s evolving music landscape.

Sudanese Saudi rapper Dafencii blends contemporary hip-hop with Arabic sounds, while the duo of Maz Mars and Seido Simba that make up Marsimba, fuses Sudanese musical influences with Afrobeat and contemporary rhythms. Nadine El Roubi, Sudanese rapper and singer, brings together hip-hop, R&B and neo-soul to reflect the fluidity of musical expression. Sudanese British singer Elmiene is known for his expressive vocals, introspective song writing and contemporary approach to modern soul music.

A new generation of regional artists also takes the spotlight. Jordanian singer, songwriter and producer Dana Salah, brings her distinctive contemporary sound to the programme. TÄRA, a Palestinian Italian singer-songwriter, represents a new wave of artists building audiences across cultures and platforms.

UK-based Yemeni producer Intibint, explore the intersections of downtempo, alternative R&B and hip-hop, while emerging Saudi-based singer Mishaal Tamer moves between Arabic, English and Spanish in a truly global sound.

The international line-up expands to include Yuna, the Malaysian singer-songwriter whose hit “Crush” with Usher made her an international sensation.

Completing the programme is Doha’s Brava Dance Studio, which is dedicated to training local performers in dance and aerial arts.

These artists are part of a vibrant mosaic of contemporary music: rooted in place and experience, shaped by cultural exchange, and united by sound, rhythm and storytelling.

Key Partners of Doha Film Festival include Katara, Media City Qatar I Film Committee and Visit Qatar. Taking place from 19–27 November 2026, Doha Film Festival brings together filmmakers, audiences and industry voices from the region and beyond to honour original storytelling and important voices in film. For more information, visit www.dohafilm.com.