Noureen Arabeen: The metalhead shaping the electric future of Egypt

The Thin White Duke is back, and it’s not who you’d expect. If your TikTok ‘for you’ page likes you enough, you might stumble upon a young Hijabi woman in Cairo wielding a cherry-red electric guitar plastered with stickers shredding an Umm Kalthoum cover like she’s the spawn of Hendrix. Meet Noureen Arabeen, the 21-year-old electric guitarist, vocalist, and composer who is proving punk-rock never died in SWANA.

From her bedroom in Cairo—every corner of which is as eclectically collaged as her guitar—Noureen has carved out an impressive space for herself in the digital world, with nearly 50K followers on TikTok tuning in to witness her electrifying performances. Whether she’s resurrecting Arab classics with electric guitar solos or thrashing to Korn in her razor-sharp eyeliner (if her commentators aren’t pleading for a song request, they’re begging for a makeup tutorial), she’s exuding insane talent. Hoping to inspire other women raised in conservative environments to pursue their creative passions, Noureen speaks with Dazed MENA about her own journey with her craft.

What inspired you to start doing what you do?

My passion for music started at home with my parents’ cassette tapes and radio. I spent hours discovering new music online, focusing on the instruments in songs by Abdel Wahab, David Bowie and Queen, which was the band that introduced me to rock music. These influences ignited my desire to create and share music.

Defining moment in your career so far? 

The defining moment in my career was when I stopped doubting myself, thanks to someone who made me believe that I am talented enough. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to embrace my identity as a musician. It was then that I realized my passion for music could truly resonate with others. The support I received, especially from friends who said my music helped them through dark times, confirmed that I could make a meaningful impact. This moment shifted my focus from self-doubt to how I could use my music to touch people’s hearts.

What change are you hoping to drive with your work? 

I hope to inspire others, especially young women in conservative environments, to explore and express themselves through music or whatever they’re passionate about. My goal is to create an inclusive space where diverse voices can be heard and appreciated, breaking down societal barriers and fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage through art.

How does your work engage with local culture in the SWANA region? 

My work engages with local culture in the MENA region by blending traditional musical elements with contemporary sounds. I draw inspiration from iconic artists like Omar Khorshid and Adam Jones and incorporate our heritage with oriental sounds while also infusing rock and metal influences. This fusion allows me to celebrate our rich cultural identity and create music that resonates with both local and global audiences.

What fuels your creative process? 

My creative process is fueled by my love for music and the emotions it evokes. I draw inspiration from nature and the stories of people, which help me connect deeply to my work. Additionally, the desire to share the joy of music and encourage others to explore their creativity motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in my art.

How do you hope to see SWANA’s creative and cultural scene evolve in the next few years? 

I hope to see South West Asia and North Africa’s creative and cultural scene become more inclusive and diverse, with artists collaborating across various backgrounds and genres. It’s essential for the region to embrace its cultural richness and allow for the free expression of ideas. I envision a vibrant artistic community that celebrates our heritage while innovating for the future, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape

What would you like to see yourself ultimately achieving with your practice? 

I want to create a space where music becomes a bridge for connection and understanding. Ultimately, I hope to empower others to express themselves through art, reshaping perceptions around music in conservative environments. By doing so, I aim to inspire a new generation to embrace their voices and celebrate their identities.

What upcoming projects are you working on? 

I’m currently working on my first album, where I aim to express my emotions and explore my sound. My goal is to touch people’s hearts, as I believe that’s what art is all about. I’m also looking to collaborate with other musicians in the region to create a dynamic and diverse sound.