Voices Iraqis Love the Most – Iraq’s Favorite Singers (2024 Survey data)
Voices Iraqis Love the Most
Iraq’s Favorite Singers (2024 Survey data)
By: Mohammad Al-Shawi
Introduction
Between November and December 2024, our team at IIACSS conducted a nationwide quantitative survey capturing the opinions of 3,170 Iraqis across all 18 governorates. Among the wide range of social and cultural topics covered, we asked a simple yet revealing question: “Who is your favorite singer?” While 25% of respondents said they do not listen to music, 2,337 did, offering a fascinating glimpse into Iraq’s diverse musical landscape. Though the question may appear light-hearted, it provides meaningful insight into how Iraqis connect with culture. Music often reflects generational values, regional identity, and shifting social dynamics. Understanding who people listen to helps us understand what they relate to, how they see themselves, and what voices they trust in both quiet moments and turbulent times.
Top Singers Across Iraq
At the national level, Kadhim Al Saher leads by a wide margin, receiving 19% of all mentions. His popularity is remarkably consistent across age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and governorates. He is followed by Hatem Al Iraqi and Yas Khodor, who received 7% and 6% of responses, respectively. While a few names from the broader Arab music scene appear in the rankings, Iraqis clearly show a strong preference for local artists, indicating a deep cultural affinity for voices that reflect their national identity and musical heritage.
Below are the top 10 favorite singers in Iraq based on total favorability mentions:
| Rank | Singer | % of Responses |
| 1 | Kadhim Al Saher | 19% |
| 2 | Hatem Al Iraqi | 7% |
| 3 | Yas Khodor | 6% |
| 4 | Haitham Yousef | 4% |
| 5 | Majed Al Muhandes | 3% |
| 6 | Hussam Al Rassam | 3% |
| 7 | Mohamed Al Salim | 3% |
| 8 | Aseel Hamim | 3% |
| 9 | Saif Nabil | 2% |
| 10 | Asala Nasri | 2% |
Gender Differences in Music Taste
| Singer | Male Percentage | Female Percentage |
| Kadhim Al Saher | 21% | 16% |
| Hatem Al Iraqi | 4% | 10% |
| Yas Khodor | 8% | 4% |
| Haitham Yousef | 3% | 4% |
| Majed Al Muhandes | 3% | 4% |
Generational Preferences
| Singer | 18-24 | 25-34 | 35-44 | 45-54 | 55-64 | 64+ |
| Kadhim Al Saher | 17% | 21% | 20% | 16% | 8% | 35% |
| Hatem Al Iraqi | 5% | 8% | 8% | 8% | 4% | 6% |
| Yas Khodor | 5% | 6% | 8% | 6% | 9% | 12% |
| Haitham Yousef | 4% | 4% | 4% | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| Majed Al Muhandes | 5% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 0% | 0% |
Conclusion
The results of the 2024 IIACSS survey provide more than just a popularity chart, they reflect how Iraqis connect with music as a part of their personal and cultural identity.
The diversity of responses illustrates a country that values both its musical heritage and its evolving tastes.
As Iraqi music continues to grow and diversify, tracking these trends can help us understand broader social dynamics from youth culture and gender expression to national pride and nostalgia.