Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 22 September 2024. To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Billboard Arabia has used AI technology to bring Etab’s voice back, with a fresh take on her tribute to Saudi song, ‘Ya Saudi’. The track has been remastered and recreated by Saudi producers for today’s listeners while preserving the timeless essence of Etab’s classic Arab artistry.
Etab’s legacy, as Saudi Arabia’s first female singer and a trailblazer in Gulf music, continues to shape Arab music and culture. She broke down barriers in a male-dominated industry and paved the way for generations of Arab women. Her songs are deeply rooted in Bedouin cultural heritage which still resonate today.
While many know Etab’s famous hits, ‘Ya Saudi’ has not received the same level of recognition. Billboard Arabia aims to change that by using advanced AI and smart technology to remaster her performance and give new life to the track. The song, updated with modern elements, is designed to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners, acting as a bridge between generations. Etab’s story and music is a reminder that cultural authenticity has the power to connect across borders, and this initiative brings her artistry into the digital age for a new generation to discover.
Rami M. Zeidan, Managing Director of Billboard Arabia, said: “At Billboard Arabia, our goal is to spotlight Arab voices and MENA’s growing music industry, providing a platform and infrastructure to help both established and new artists reach wider audiences. It was only befitting to celebrate Saudi sensation Etab. She was more than just a singer; she was a cultural icon. Her music reflects the rich culture of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, and her fearlessness as a female artist in a male-dominated industry continues to inspire generations of Arab women in music. By using AI to revive ‘Ya Saudi’, we are not only celebrating her legacy but also highlighting modern Saudi Arabia – where tradition and innovation come together in harmony.”
In celebration of the 94thSaudi National Day, Billboard Arabia has reimagined Etab’s iconic tribute song ‘Ya Saudi’, giving it life through AI technology
The remastered song was featured in the latest episode of Billboard Arabia’s exclusive ‘Jalsat’ studio session series. The ultimate goal is to share it far and wide and drive it to the top of the Billboard Arabia’s flagship charts. It is also available across all major streaming platforms including Apple, Anghami, Spotify and YouTube Music.
Billboard Arabia is a music, culture and entertainment platform that was launched in June 2023 as part of a partnership between SRMG and Billboard. Its mission is to spotlight Arab artists and their stories on a global stage. It has introduced several iconic Billboard franchises to the MENA region, including Billboard Arabia News, Women in Music and its iconic Charts. It has recently announced the Billboard Arabia Music Awards (BBAMAs), taking place December 11, 2024, at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.
The awards show is part of the first-ever Riyadh Music Week, an initiative bringing together the global music community for a series of music festivals and events. As the ultimate destination to discover Arab music, the BBAMAs show will honor trailblazers and rising stars with awards across a wide range of categories, including Top Artist, Female Artist, Male Artist, along with the year's hottest songs and much more.
The recreated track, featured in the latest episode of Billboard Arabia’s exclusive ‘Jalsat’ series, combines nostalgia with cutting-edge AI technology, paying homage to Saudi Arabia’s past while embracing its digital future
SRMG has been transforming the MENA industry since 1972 and is the region’s largest integrated media group with over 30 leading titles. Across TV, digital, print and film, SRMG delivers top tier content in seven languages across four continents. With an ever-evolving consumer landscape, SRMG has launched seven business verticals. SRMG has enhanced its portfolio by developing significant partnerships with major international media brands such as Bloomberg Media, Warner Bros. Discovery, The Independent, Billboard, Penske Media Corporation and Shueisha. Through its network, SRMG brings the very best global content, high-quality production expertise, and premium entertainment to local audiences.
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
Billboard Arabia, a pioneering platform at the intersection of culture and music, takes center stage as it celebrates the extraordinary artistry and diversity of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Launched as a partnership between SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, and Billboard, the world’s most influential music media brand, its mission is to redefine the global music landscape. Billboard Arabia is a testament to the collaboration of expertise and resources, driven by a commitment to provide a platform that spotlights and empowers Arabic artists on the global stage.
Billboard Arabia has introduced several iconic Billboard franchises to the MENA market, including Charts, Women in Music, and much more. Beyond its flagship Charts, Billboard Arabia is the ultimate destination for audiences to engage with Arabic music, bringing the latest releases, insightful reviews and exclusive interviews, special coverage of events, original photography and video content in one centralized location.