Who Is the Rising Palestinian Star, Elyanna?
By: Ruqyah Sweidan/Arab America Contributing Writer
Palestinian-Chilean singer, Elyanna, is one of the Arab world’s rising stars at just eighteen years old. Her sultry voice has been compared to that of Rihanna; hence, Elyanna is also known as the “Arab Rihanna.” Her appearance has also captured attention. Her head is covered in blond curls, and her blue eyes eclipse her audience. A resident of Los Angeles, Elyanna sings mostly in Arabic. This is her way of bridging the miles that separate her from her birthplace, Nazareth.
The Dream Begins
Beginning her career modestly from her hometown, Elyanna would record herself singing covers and share them on Soundcloud. She discovered that she could sing when she was seven years old. She would perform with her brother, who played the piano. The family was supportive of the pair, and they continue creating music together.
With an extraordinary ability to vary her vocals from deep and soulful to soft and whispery, she captivated the attention of a fellow Arab singer, Massari from Lebanon. The pair went on to collaborate for her latest track ‘Ana Lahali’. Massari also serves as a mentor to Elyanna, advising her to, “start by really dedicating yourself to reach your goals. Practice singing daily, share content on social media, and believe in what you’re trying to accomplish and achieve.” Elyanna, hence maintains her discipline and patience, making music that is influenced by a blend of Arab and American cultures.
Expanding Her Talent
Additionally, Elyanna has become a fashion icon with her bold looks and support of Arab brands, most recently sporting Egyptian label Okhtein and UAE-based brand Love Closely. The young singer also relishes any opportunity that she gets to praise her homeland on social media. Since the start of the pandemic, Elyanna has taken an active role in advising people to stay home and be safe.
Elyanna also kept producing her art to help people stay positive and feel connected. She has also dropped her eponymous EP with El Mar Music/Empire. The songs featured explore identity from a raw prism in a haunting voice with Arabic lyrics. EP “Elyanna” was especially significant because it is her first solo project which she began at age fifteen. Through the piece, she expanded her vocal range. Elyanna considers the music to have been her journey of creative and emotional growth.
Community of Singers
Elyanna names several artists as her inspirations: Fayrouz, Beyonce, Freddie Mercury, The Weeknd, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and Lana Del Rey. Each have a distinguished voice. Elyanna grew up singing Jazz and R&B, so she may sing in English in the future. Nevertheless, she loves singing in Arabic, as it is the style of music that keeps her grounded to her identity.
Moreover, Elyanna is managed by a company founded by a Lebanese Canadian, Wassim Slaiby. Elyanna had known about Slaiby while still living in Palestine and met him at Nasri’s studio. Elyanna sang to Slaiby, and she was given a contract to join his Sal & Co agency. Each song is unique to Elyanna. One that is more special, though, is “Oululee Leh,” which translates to “tell me why.” It reflects the immigration experience of Elyanna’s family.
The Future Ahead
Most recently, Elyanna made the cover of GQ Magazine. At such an early age, this is merely the beginning of her fame. Elyanna is constantly working on a new tune, new lyrics or a new ensemble. Especially during a pandemic, Elyanna emphasizes the bliss that music provides people. Above all, she continues to be un-apologetically Palestinian, expressing her roots through her art.
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