The question that captivated the Arabic music industry in 2024 was, ?What?s the story behind Al Shami?? Those who had not followed his extraordinary rise in the previous four years suddenly found themselves mesmerized by the whirlwind of his success last year. This period was characterized by a series of hit releases, record-breaking achievements, electrifying live performances, and a remarkable collection of awards. As industry observers witnessed Al Shami?s YouTube channel skyrocket to a staggering billion views with just five tracks, the focus on his journey intensified, transforming his rapid ascent into a compelling case study of success that not only intrigued his peers but also seasoned artists in the field.

Billboard Arabia first recognized the young star during the summer of 2023, which led to an extensive interview at the start of 2024. In the span between these two events, Al Shami?s rise accelerated dramatically, showcasing record-breaking numbers and artistic milestones that kept fans and industry insiders engaged week after week. At just 22 years old, he emerged as one of the most talked-about artists of the year, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances and innovative sound that blends traditional and modern elements.

Remarkable Achievements of Al Shami in 2024

Al Shami achieved a significant milestone by topping the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 with his summer hit ?Wein.? This remarkable achievement led to the headline, ?Al Shami did it and became the youngest artist to top the charts.? Throughout the year, his songs consistently remained within the top five of both the Billboard Arabia main charts?Hot 100 and Top 100 Artists. Additionally, he frequently dominated the Top 50 Levantine Songs chart, showcasing his widespread appeal and the resonance of his music. By the end of the year, he garnered four prestigious awards at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards, including Top Levantine Song and Top Indie Arab Song for his track ?Sabra,? along with Best Levantine Artist and Artist of the Year ? Levantine Dialect, solidifying his status as one of the most celebrated artists of the evening, alongside stars like Sherine Abdel Wahab.

In addition to these significant achievements, 2024 marked an important turning point for Al Shami as he took the stage for his very first live performance, officially launching his career in this new realm. While this may appear routine for seasoned musicians, it symbolizes a pivotal shift in today?s rapidly evolving music landscape. It highlights the distinction between certain Gen Z artists who achieve fame primarily through platforms like TikTok and streaming services, contrasting with previous generations that established their careers through traditional paths. For emerging artists like Al Shami, the ability to perform live and engage with an audience represents a critical moment. It reveals whether their artistic expression, creative process, and collaboration with their teams can successfully translate into the live music arena or remain confined to digital platforms and online success.

This significant transition in Al Shami?s artistic journey saw him evolve from preparing for his debut concerts in Beirut, as he shared in our initial interview, to completing an extensive global tour that took him beyond the Arab world to Europe, America, and Canada. Throughout this journey, we witnessed his remarkable growth, highlighted by a memorable joint concert in Dubai with the Levantine music icon George Wassouf. During our conversation, we revisited a clip from his previous interview and asked for his reflections. Al Shami expressed, ?Today, after roughly 12 months, I?ve done 30 or more concerts around the world, and so many incredible things have happened. When I performed in Dubai at the Global Village, I was standing before almost 35,000 people, trying to comprehend the enormity of the crowd, thinking about how just a year ago, I was anxious about my first concert! What?s happening?? He continued: ?Sometimes, while I?m singing, I freeze, reflecting on how this year has been surreal. After performing ?Ya Leil W Yal Ein,? I think about how I don?t want to be remembered as just a one-hit artist, but rather aspire for my music to become a distinct identity and genre in itself.?

Collaborations on the Horizon with Music Legends

Although his 2023 release, ?Ya Leil W Yal Ein,? was not his debut song, it was the track that officially launched Al Shami into the spotlight. Prior to this breakthrough, he was merely experimenting with friends, fusing rap and pop in tracks he shared on YouTube. He gradually built a devoted fanbase among his generation through TikTok, where he maintained a close connection with fans by frequently going live, sharing his music, and discussing his aspirations. Today, he commands a passionate and loyal following, reminiscent of global pop and K-pop icons in recent years. His rise serves as a testament to how the new generation of artists is redefining success?using social media to cultivate a dedicated following before stepping into the traditional industry spotlight.

As with any new artistic phenomenon, there exist voices of criticism alongside those of celebration and support. However, in Al Shami?s case, the balance seems to lean more toward appreciation. Numerous established artists have lauded his journey, with some even choosing to collaborate with him. Recently, Al Shami was seen in the studio with Melhem Zein, recording a new duet that Al Shami wrote and composed himself. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for both artists. Melhem Zein, a prominent voice of the Millennial generation and one of the top talents from the Levant in the past two decades, opted to embrace the new wave of artists instead of competing with them or sidelining them. Al Shami reflected on this partnership, stating, ?He was open to the kind of music I create and even encouraged me to write and compose something for us. That?s a bold move on his part because he comes from a different background.? For Al Shami, this collaboration was a meaningful acknowledgment of his artistry.

Al Shami also hinted at the exciting possibility of collaborating on a new duet with the superstar Tamer Hosny, which has sparked considerable excitement among fans after a photo of the two surfaced following a private family gathering, accompanied by some intriguing discussions. Should this collaboration materialize, it would undoubtedly be a dream come true for countless young fans across Egypt and the Levant. Nearly two decades prior to Al Shami?s rise, Tamer Hosny was the quintessential youth icon, seamlessly merging music and cinema, earning the affectionate title ?Star of the Generation? from his dedicated audience. Al Shami shared his enthusiasm about the meeting, saying, ?I never appear in the media with people I don?t genuinely admire. For me, it?s essential to feel a real connection and admiration for an artist before expressing excitement about working together, whether it?s through writing or composing. And Tamer Hosny is certainly one of those artists I deeply respect,? he added, reminiscing about how he had been a fan of Tamer since his early days, often displaying his picture on the wardrobe in his childhood home.