Eddy Maroun: Revolutionizing Arab Music Through Anghami
In a region where music is an essential part of culture and daily life, few figures have made as profound an impact as Eddy Maroun. As the co-founder and co-CEO of Anghami, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) first legal music streaming platform, Maroun has reshaped how millions of people listen to, share, and celebrate Arabic and international music. His journey from a passionate music lover in Lebanon to a global tech entrepreneur is a testament to innovation, resilience, and vision.
Early Life and Education
Eddy Maroun was born and raised in Lebanon, a country known for its rich musical heritage and artistic diversity. Growing up in Beirut, he was deeply influenced by the fusion of Arabic and Western cultures that shaped Lebanon’s modern identity. From an early age, Maroun developed a passion for both technology and music—a combination that would later define his career.
After completing his secondary education in Lebanon, he pursued higher studies in business and management, gaining an understanding of how technology could transform industries. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, and he became involved in digital and mobile ventures before founding Anghami.
Maroun’s early exposure to the challenges of the Arab entertainment industry—especially the lack of accessible, legal digital music options—sparked his desire to create something transformative.
The Birth of Anghami
The idea for Anghami (Arabic for “My Tunes”) was born in 2011 during a ski trip in Lebanon. Maroun, along with his business partner Elie Habib, realized how difficult it was to legally stream or download music in the Middle East. Piracy was rampant, and global platforms like iTunes and Spotify were either unavailable or inaccessible to most users in the region.
Recognizing this massive gap, Maroun and Habib decided to create a homegrown digital music platform that would cater to the cultural tastes and linguistic diversity of the Arab world while respecting artists’ rights.
They envisioned a service that offered unlimited access to licensed Arabic and international songs, available on mobile devices even in areas with limited internet connectivity. The idea was revolutionary for the time, especially in a region where digital music infrastructure was nearly nonexistent.
In 2012, after a year of development, Anghami officially launched, becoming the first legal music streaming service in the Middle East.
Building the Platform
Launching a startup in Lebanon was no easy feat. The country’s economic instability, limited investment environment, and frequent infrastructure challenges made things even more difficult. Yet, Maroun and Habib pushed forward.
They secured early partnerships with major record labels such as Universal, Sony, and Warner Music, as well as leading Arabic labels like Rotana and Platinum Records. This ensured that users could enjoy both global hits and beloved Arabic classics on the same platform.
To make streaming accessible in the region, Anghami introduced offline listening, data-saving features, and telecom partnerships that allowed users to subscribe via mobile carriers. These strategies were critical in expanding the company’s reach across the Middle East and North Africa.
By 2015, Anghami had millions of users and had established itself as the Spotify of the Arab world—a regional giant that bridged the gap between culture, technology, and music.
Anghami’s Growth and Global Recognition
Under Eddy Maroun’s leadership, Anghami grew exponentially. The app offered over 70 million licensed songs in Arabic and other languages, catering to listeners from Morocco to Saudi Arabia and beyond.
One of the platform’s strongest assets was its deep understanding of regional tastes. Anghami’s algorithms and editorial teams curated playlists that celebrated Arabic pop, Gulf music, Egyptian hits, and Levantine classics, alongside international genres.
Eddy Maroun also prioritized collaboration with emerging artists, helping to promote local talent and introduce them to a global audience. Many young Arab singers got their first major exposure through Anghami’s platform.
By 2021, Anghami had achieved a milestone by becoming the first Arab tech company to list on NASDAQ in New York, following a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The listing marked a historic moment for the region’s tech ecosystem and positioned Anghami as a pioneer in digital entertainment from the Middle East.
Vision and Leadership Style
Eddy Maroun’s leadership is characterized by innovation, adaptability, and cultural pride. He has consistently emphasized the importance of creating technology that reflects the region’s identity rather than merely importing Western models.
In interviews, Maroun often highlights the mission of Anghami as more than just a music platform—it’s a cultural movement. By digitizing Arabic music and making it accessible to millions, he aims to preserve and promote the Arab world’s artistic legacy in a modern digital form.
He also advocates for entrepreneurial resilience. In the face of economic crises, political instability, and global competition, Maroun has maintained his focus on innovation. His philosophy centers on solving regional problems with regional solutions, a mindset that has inspired many young Arab entrepreneurs.
Technological Innovation and Expansion
Under Maroun’s direction, Anghami has evolved far beyond a music streaming service. The company expanded into podcasts, live concerts, and music videos, and launched initiatives supporting independent artists.
In 2022, Anghami introduced “Anghami Labs”, a space for artist collaboration, music production, and digital content creation in Dubai. This initiative reflects Maroun’s belief in empowering the region’s creative ecosystem and connecting artists directly with audiences.
The platform also embraced AI and data-driven personalization, offering listeners tailored recommendations based on their moods, language preferences, and listening habits.
Challenges and Resilience
Eddy Maroun’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without challenges. Operating in a region marked by economic fluctuations, currency instability, and political tension, Anghami has had to constantly adapt.
Competition from international giants like Spotify and Apple Music also posed a threat. Yet, Maroun’s deep understanding of the Arab audience allowed Anghami to retain its unique position. The platform’s ability to blend Arabic cultural identity with modern technology remains its key differentiator.
Even during Lebanon’s severe economic crisis, Maroun remained committed to supporting the country’s tech ecosystem, encouraging startups and mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Social Impact and Cultural Contribution
Beyond business success, Eddy Maroun’s work has had a profound cultural impact. Anghami has played a major role in combating music piracy in the Arab world, ensuring that artists and producers are fairly compensated for their work.
It has also served as a bridge between generations and cultures, bringing together traditional Arabic music lovers and young fans of global pop and hip-hop.
Through initiatives like Anghami Originals, Maroun has supported the growth of local content and given new artists a platform to be heard. The service has become a cultural archive, preserving decades of Arab music heritage while embracing modern trends.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Eddy Maroun is known for his humility and passion for creativity. Despite Anghami’s global recognition, he often emphasizes teamwork, gratitude, and purpose. He is an advocate for building from within the region rather than relying on imported innovation.
He frequently speaks at technology and entrepreneurship conferences, sharing insights about digital transformation, startup growth, and innovation in emerging markets.
Maroun also promotes a message of hope and resilience—encouraging young Arabs to dream big despite the challenges of their environment. His story embodies the potential of the Middle East’s new generation of entrepreneurs.
Legacy and Future Vision
Today, Eddy Maroun stands as one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs in the Arab world. Under his leadership, Anghami continues to expand across the Middle East, North Africa, and even into Western markets, where it connects Arab communities abroad with their cultural roots.
His long-term vision is to transform Anghami into a holistic digital entertainment ecosystem—a hub for music, podcasts, live events, and artist development.
Eddy Maroun’s journey proves that innovation can thrive in the Middle East when guided by passion, purpose, and cultural authenticity.
Conclusion
Eddy Maroun’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and creativity. From his early beginnings in Lebanon to leading a NASDAQ-listed company, he has become a symbol of modern Arab entrepreneurship.
By merging technology with culture, Maroun not only revolutionized how the region listens to music but also inspired a generation to reimagine what’s possible in the Arab world. Through Anghami, he has shown that success can emerge from resilience and that Middle Eastern innovation can compete—and lead—on the global stage.
Published: 21th November 2025
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