Music by Elissa, Amr Diab and other Arab stars on TikTok after Rotana deal

Licensing agreement allows social media platform's users to access an extensive catalogue of songs

Lebanese singer Najwa Karam's work with Rotana Music Group is now available to use on TikTok. AFP

TikTok fans can now make viral videos soundtracked by some of the Arab world’s biggest pop stars.

As part of a new licensing agreement between the social media platform and major label Rotana Music Group, TikTok users now have access to the Saudi-owned company’s extensive catalogue of tracks featuring hits by regional superstars including Elissa, Amir Diab, Najwa Karam and Mohammed Abdo.

These tracks were previously not available and unauthorised uploads were swiftly deleted from the platform.

Rotana Music Group chief executive Salem Al Hendi said the move will reveal the Middle East and North Africa's vibrant music scene to the world.

"We at Rotana are very thrilled with this licensing agreement, which will facilitate Arab music reach into the Mena music industry and young communities,” he said.

“The creative culture in Mena is so vibrant and diverse, and this agreement will enhance the exchange of music content, while promoting and supporting local artists on a proven leading platform for short-form videos.”

Hari Nair, TikTok head of music for Middle East, said the deal increases the diversity of the music catalogue from which content creators can choose.

“As TikTok continues to grow across the Middle East and North Africa, becoming a cultural force in the region, we’re delighted to bring the biggest independent catalogue to our platform,” he said.

“TikTok is committed to licensing and ensuring a broad, diverse range of sounds in our library for our global community to enjoy.”

What songs are now available?

Formed in 1993, Rotana Music Group is one of the Arab world's largest record labels, with more than 100 artists signed in genres ranging from pop and classical Arabic music to the spiritual sounds of nasheed.

With the agreement, TikTok users will now have a treasure trove of hits to choose from.

Some of the big tracks now accessible include Mohamed Ramadan’s Corona Virus and Dawsha, Tamer Hosny’s Mabatalnash Ehsas, Assala’s Ghalban and Karam's Maloun Abou L Echeq.

Diab fans can now also upload some of the Egyptian superstar's earliest hits exclusively recorded for Rotana, including 2009's Wayah and 2013's El Leilah.

Those looking to create some wholesome and Ramadan-inspired content can dip into key nasheed tracks by Kuwaiti singer Mashary Rashed El Afasi.

Those looking for new sounds from the label should look for tracks by Iraqi singer Majid Al Mohandis (Basrawi Talaganah), Lebanon's Fares Karam (Hallah Ya Deni) and Saudi singer Naseer Naif (Wetha Yanni), all released this week.

Songs turning 20 in 2023, from 'Crazy in Love' to 'In Da Club'

Aussie band Jet announced themselves with 'Are You Gonna be my Girl?' in 2003. Getty Images

Pharrell Williams with Snoop Dogg won a 2003 BET Best Collaboration Award for their hit 'Beautiful'. Getty Images

Evanescence singer Amy Lee's vocal is the winning feature of the hit 'Bring me Back to Life'. Getty Image

'Calling All Angels' by US rock band Train exudes a hymn-like quality. Getty Images

The Red Hot Chili Peppers went back to basics with the funky 'Can't Stop'. Getty Images

Coldplay singer Chris Martin at the V Festival in the UK in 2003, the year the group scored a UK number one hit with 'Clocks'. Getty Images

Robbie Williams bares his anguish with the epic ballad 'Come Undone'. Getty Images

Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles collaborated on the massive hit 'Crazy in Love'. Getty Images

Fast Food Rockers scored an unlikely hit with novelty track 'Fast Food Song'. Getty Images

3 Doors Down were dominant in 2003 with the power ballad 'Here without You’. Getty Images

Outkast, featuring rappers Big Boi, left, and Andre 3000, won big at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards for 'Hey Ya'. Getty Images

Avril Lavigne showed she is not just a snotty teen with the power ballad 'I'm With You'. Getty Images

Linkin Park perfected their sound with the pulsating track 'Faint'. AFP

Christina Aguilera sounded fierce with the powerful track 'Fighter'. AFP

Sean Paul brought dancehall music to the world with catchy track 'Get Busy'. AFP

Singer 50 Cent slayed the charts with debut single 'In Da Club'. Getty Images

Kelis left with rapper and former husband Nas. She released one of the songs of 2003 with 'Milkshake'. AFP

Justin Timberlake was well on his way to solo pop-stardom with 2003 hit 'Rock Your Body'. Getty Images

The White Stripes reached arena status with their global hit 'Seven Nation Army'. AFP

Australian singer Kylie Minogue scored a hit with the hypnotic dance track 'Slow'. AFP

Rock band Fountains of Wayne hit the mainstream with 'Stacy's Mom'. AFP

'Times Like These' was one of the Foo Fighters most life-affirming tracks. AFP

With 'Where is the Love', the Black Eyed Peas embarked on a new career chapter. AFP