IFPI launches Official MENA chart, with Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ named as first No.1

Global Recorded Music Authority IFPI launched the ‘Official MENA Leaderboard’, known as the first official Middle East and North Africa (MENA) chart.

New single graph includes music streaming data from English, Apple, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube. IFPI says that the chart captures music streams from 13 markets across the MENA region, from Morocco in the West to the United Arab Emirates in the East – covering more than 300 million people.

Traces Calm by Nigerian artist Rema reached #1 on the MENA Chart for the first time.

Based on IFPI, has recorded a 35% increase in music market revenue in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2021 – the fastest growing region in the world.

The figures also show that streaming accounts for about 95.3% of recorded music revenue in the region in 2021.

Following the chart’s launch today, the top 20 songs in the region will be announced every Tuesday.

Elsewhere in the first chart, Egyptian artists Farid, Ahmed Saad and Wegz and Saudi artist Ayed entered the MENA region’s first Top 10.

Meanwhile, two songs from the official FIFA World Cup soundtrack (RedOne’s Ozuna, GIMS and Arhbo, and Jungkook’s Dreamers) also feature in the top 10.

The scriptures of Shakira Waka Waka (This time for Africa) – originally released for the 2010 World Cup – ranked at 9th and Tukoh Taka by Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares in 11th place.

The chart will be prepared every week by the chart compiler BMATconsistent with the IFPI global charting principles and methods.

As well as weekly chart updates, music fans in the region can look forward to a range of engaging articles and exclusive artist content at the official music hub in MENA.

Rema said: “I want to thank all of my fans across the region for streaming Calm Down and helping it reach #1 on the first official MENA Leaderboard.

“I’m so glad you guys are enjoying the song and so proud to be the first artist to reach No.1. Also thank the team at my agency for their support.”

“The launch of the official MENA Chart represents a huge step forward for this vibrant and growing music market.”

French MooreIFPI

Celebrating the launch of the rankings IFPI CEO Frances Moore said: “I want to congratulate Rema on being the first MENA No. Calm is a song that has clearly captured the imaginations of fans across the region.

“The launch of the official MENA Chart represents a huge step forward for this vibrant and growing music market. Music fans can celebrate performances by their favorite artists and songs in a chart that records music playback across all major markets and streaming platforms in the region by using IFPI’s unique and precise charting method.

“We look forward to celebrating the amazing artists that will feature in the top 20 every week and continue to grow the charts in this exciting region.”

The official launch of the rankings follows the IFPI news from June that it has Signed a Joint Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy (MoE) committed to “support the continued growth of the United Arab Emirates’ recorded music business” .

According to IFPI, the “landmark agreement” is a “regional first” that outlines a number of ways in which the MoE, IFPI and record companies operating in the UAE will collaborate.Global Music Business