Best of 2025 | Albums | Guestlists | Irish Albums | Irish songs |
Jamal Sul has been making Irish Arabic electronic music as Moving Still since 2016. His productions link his Arabic heritage, with his love of synthesizers, dance music and buzzy bangers.
We chatted earlier this year on the Nialler9 Podcast.
Here are 10 tunes he loved this year.
1.
Elmiene – Someday
This is a gorgeous soul & RnB cut that I play daily in the car with the kiddos. Elmiene has such an effortless voice, and just a feel good song. It’s just the right level of emotions.
2.
Vaticanjail – Angel
I have to say this has been a favourite and I think Vaticanjail is really doing something special. Very cinematic energy with the right level of pop! If you haven’t heard their Jingle cover then you must go see them.
3.
Khaled Al Sheikh – Ya Mʿalaq
Khaled Al Sheikh is a Gulf legend. ‘Ya Mʿalaq’ is theatrical, poetic, and beautifully arranged.
Plus there is some sections that could potentially be a sick hip-hop beat!
4.
Nourine – Paris
I think this song is such a sick vibe, from the beat itself to the Egyptian Mahraganat-styled lyrics. It’s a really fun one that I’ve been thinking of doing a sneaky edit of.
5.
Elusive Assassin – Sale Arabe
This is such a fun little disco slammer with all the right maqam type melody. It’s a right blend of different styles and just a fun track overall. I’ve played this in sets and it always goes down well.
6.
Sally Oldfield – Blue Water
I ve been listening to this song over the years and I just keep coming back to it. It just has a breezy feel to it and almost nostalgic. Wait till the end when there is a little fast paced breakdown. Probably my favourite car song!
7.
Aamir Zaki – Mera Pyar
There is a few songs that I constantly revisit and this is definitely one. Pakistani singer Aamir Zaki does this track in both English and Pakistani. I personally prefer the Pakistani version, I feel it works way better lyrically with that beat. Its honestly a stunning song and I just always find myself driven towards it, almost like when you listen to a song repeatedly as a teenager.
It’s Pakistani rock royalty. The guitar solo alone could make a grown man cry.
8.
System 7 – Habibi
A 90s gem that blends trance, psychedelic rock, and SWANA vocal.
There’s something incredibly charming about the “Habibi” hook playful and weirdly euphoric. Totally timeless and one of those good warm up songs.
9.
Ebla – Aiwa Aiwa (Dish Dash/ Misty remix)
This is an interesting one, I had been listening to Ebla for a while and posted her song up. Misty got wind of it and ended up connecting with her and making a remix with Dish Dash and holy god its such a little cracker! Always in the bag!
10.
Kazdoura – Khayal
This song is constantly getting played at home, just a lovely song. You can definitely hear some inspiration from “Wicked Game” but not exactly a cover. I think musically they are so sick and worth checking out their other stuff.
Best of 2025 | Albums | Guestlists | Irish Albums | Irish songs |
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
