Since breaking through in 2011, Iraq’s Saif Nabeel has established himself as a talent in popular Arabic music. Singles such as “Galy Anta” and “Hay Alsaneh” feature his charming, swaying voice and knack for crafting hooks atop traditional folk rhythms. His prior experiences as a young rapper before he made the leap to pop help shape the poetic nature of his lyrics—which come alive with grand metaphorical passages expressing his passion for romance as well as his country.