The charismatic Ahlam Alshamsi has been breaking boundaries throughout her music career. Early releases like 1997’s Maa Al Slama enveloped her powerful, richly mellifluous vocals in punchy percussive rhythms, sweeping orchestral flourishes and backing harmonies, spreading her Emirati sound—and fame—throughout the Arab world. With a catalogue that embraces everything from Arabic pop to classical and sunny electronic beats to touching romantic laments, Ahlam elevates every song.