For Abdullah, 2024 was a landmark year marked by significant accolades at the inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards in Riyadh. Held at the prestigious King Fahad Cultural Center on December 11, this milestone event celebrated Abdullah's unparalleled contributions to the world of Khaleeji music. He was honored with multiple awards, including artist of the year in the Khaleeji dialect genre, top male artist in the Khaleeji dialect, and a lifetime achievement award. These recognitions underscore his profound impact on both the Arab music industry and the cultural fabric of the region.
The Billboard Arabia Music Awards not only highlighted Abdullah’s achievements but also showcased the rich diversity of Arabic music. The event featured winners from various subgenres, such as Khaleeji, Egyptian, Moroccan, and Levantine music. It also spotlighted emerging genres like Mahraganat, which blends traditional Egyptian shaabi music with contemporary elements, and Shelat, a modern iteration of tribal chants that has transformed Khaleeji music. Additionally, the rise of Arabic hip-hop and indie sounds demonstrated how global influences are merging seamlessly with Arabic lyricism, creating a vibrant fusion that reflects the evolving regional landscape.
This celebration of diversity underscores the dynamic nature of Arabic music, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. Artists like Sherine Abdel Wahab, who was named artist of the year, exemplify the global reach and influence of Arabic musicians. Her recognition as a Global Force honoree at Billboard’s Women in Music event further highlights the growing prominence of women in the industry, driving change and setting new standards.
Since the launch of the Billboard Arabia charts in December 2023, Abdullah has consistently featured on both the Hot 100 and Artist 100 charts. His track "Ya Ibn Al Awadam" from the 2021 album Aam Mouazy marked his debut on the charts, remaining there for nine weeks. Later in the year, songs from his latest album, including “Haki Wajid” and “Ya Meniti,” along with the pre-album single “Lak Saqni Al Rab,” continued to chart. Throughout 2024, his presence on the Artist 100 chart was particularly remarkable, missing only one week and solidifying his status as a dominant force in Arabic music.
The introduction of Billboard Arabia’s subgenre charts in August further elevated Abdullah’s profile. In the Khaleeji category, he secured 11 songs on the Top 50 Khaleeji dialect chart in its first week, peaking at 12 songs in a single week. This consistency and dominance earned him the artist of the year - Khaleeji dialect award for 2024. His songs span four different decades, from the 1990s track “Sahit Jamra” to his most recent album Abdul Majeed Abdullah 2024. This wide-ranging success showcases his enduring relevance and ability to innovate within his genre.
Abdul Majeed Abdullah’s career is defined by his artistic excellence and profound influence on the cultural consciousness of the Arab world. Over four decades, he has remained influential, continuously releasing music and performing to sold-out audiences. His most recent album, Abdul Majeed Abdullah 2024, achieved widespread popularity and further cemented his legacy. The lifetime achievement award recognized not only his artistic prowess but also his lasting impact on the Khaleeji and Arabic music landscape.
Abdul Majeed Abdullah’s journey is a testament to the power of music to bridge generations and transcend boundaries. His ability to innovate while staying true to his roots has made him an enduring symbol of Khaleeji music. As he continues to captivate audiences, Abdullah’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists and shape the future of Arabic music.