Palestinian-Chilean Sensation, Singer And Songwriter
Elyanna
DIVAZ x ELYANNA
If you do not know her by now, you're missing out a lot! Meet Elyanna, a trailblazing Palestinian-Chilean artist redefining musical boundaries.
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, there are certain artists who possess an extraordinary ability to push boundaries and defy conventional norms, paving the way for a new era of creative expression. Elyanna is undeniably one such artist. With her soul-stirring vocals and an unapologetic commitment to her cultural roots, Elyanna is making waves on the global stage, captivating audiences and critics alike.
In one of the powerful statements that Elyanna seems to be constantly making, she performed her entire set in Arabic at the iconic Coachella festival that made the internet go crazy and almost everyone was talking about it, on and off socials.
Her artistic journey is a tapestry woven with threads of passion, resilience, and a profound love for her roots. Breaking away from the mainstream and often daring to challenge societal expectations, she sets her sights on reshaping the musical landscape for the better. With that, Divaz sat down with the undeniable sensation to track the journey of Elyanna, from where it's been to where it's going.
Credits:
Production DIVAZ OF ARABIA
Strategy Temple Artists
Creative Director Ämr Ezzeldinn
Art Director Yahia Bedeir
Article Aya Nassar
What inspired you to pursue a career in music? What’s your earliest musical memory?
I believe it all started with my passion for music and art. Throughout my journey, I have always had a strong drive and a strong belief in my abilities. I have vivid memories of singing at home and participating in talent shows in Nazareth. Watching live performances by artists I admired was a significant source of inspiration for me. I would challenge myself to master difficult vocal runs and spend hours dancing in front of the mirror, wearing my mother’s high heels shoes.
My background and culture have played a huge role in shaping my artistic identity. Both Palestine and Chile have had a profound influence on my musical tastes and artistic expression. Additionally, my family serves as a constant source of inspiration, motivating me every day to push boundaries and create something unique. Whether it's in music, creative direction, writing or fashion, I find endless inspiration from my loved ones.
I am fully aware that there is still much to learn and explore in my artistic journey. I embrace this process of growth wholeheartedly and find joy in every step of the way.
Your performance at Coachella was historic and groundbreaking. Can you tell us about your experience performing at Coachella and the significance of your Arabic set? What was the process and preparation like and the final moment?
Coachella was a very inspiring experience! I had the amazing opportunity to sing all of my songs in Arabic and showcase my culture and world at the biggest festival on the planet. It felt incredibly validating and like a major milestone in my career. The process involved many steps and I absolutely loved working on every little creative detail. When I put on a show, I want it to be a real SHOW!
I always try my best to make sure that everything fits together smoothly. As a first step, my brother and I had to come up with the show-set, which then inspired us to work on the visuals, choreography and of course, the clothes. I rehearsed for long hours on a daily basis in order to bring the show to life. It was a huge learning experience that pushed me to my limits. Of course, there was stress and challenges along the way but I believe that's all part of the growth and the journey. Now, I am excited to release my album, videos and this project that is sort of experimental and that knows no boundaries or rules. I can't wait to explore and discover more layers of myself.
Yes, We’re almost at the release of your new album, Congratulations! What can we expect from your new album?
This album represented a significant artistic experiment for me. It introduced a fresh perspective to both the Arab and American music scene. Discovering my true identity and who I represent required a lot of brainstorming and ideas’ exchange. The album is very honest in every aspect from lyrics to production and melodies. It reflects the authentic and genuine essence of who I am as an artist. I have never felt more connected to myself.
How long have you been working on it and do you have any personal favorite track?
The process as I mentioned involved a lot of brainstorming, late-night sessions and mixed emotions. I dedicated a significant amount of time (a year and a half) working on this album to make sure it achieved its purpose. I was mainly looking for a unique and distinctive sound. Consequently, I took all the time I needed in order to convey the right messages and use the proper elements, including melodies and sounds. It's a meticulous process that requires patience. As an artist, if a song doesn't resonate with me or if I don't believe in it, I simply stop working on it. It's essential for me to genuinely feel and connect with the music in order to give it life. As for my personal favorite track, I invite you to explore the album and discover which track resonates with me the most.
With your unique blend of Arabic and pop music, how do you hope to bridge cultural gaps and connect with diverse audiences around the world?
I hope to bridge the cultural gaps by staying true to myself. Living in LA while being an Arab somehow connects these two worlds. The rest lies within the music, waiting for the world to recognize and embrace it.
Can you share any memorable moments or interactions you've had with fans who have connected deeply with you and your music?
Regarding my interactions with fans, there is something about me-I have a talent for recognizing faces-I am particularly skilled at remembering faces and names, often recalling people when I see them again and even remembering their names. This ability allows me to form a deeper connection with my fans as I can easily recall our previous encounters. In another memorable incident, while performing at an event, I lost my ring onstage. Three hours later, a little girl came to me and joyfully told me that she had found my ring. It was an incredibly heartwarming and adorable moment that has stuck with me.
In your journey so far, what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I had to face is singing in Arabic while living in the USA, having the vision to embrace both cultures. Moreover, creating my album was a huge challenge as it took me completely out of my comfort zone. I really had to push my boundaries and do something I had never done before. However, this experience made me grow and taught me valuable lessons. I really believe that stepping out of one's comfort zone is a sign that we are moving forward and expanding our horizons.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those who come from multicultural backgrounds?
I would encourage multicultural artists to embrace and explore their background, culture and personal identity without fear.. Many people tend to avoid embracing their culture but I believe there is a great value in exploring and sharing the rich history and unique aspects of every culture. There are countless opportunities to introduce the world to new perspectives and bridge the gaps between different cultures. This would be my advice and I strongly believe that there is always room for more creativity and innovation. You cannot be unique unless you think out of the box and defy your limits.
Tell us three DIVAZ that have inspired you throughout your journey.
Throughout my journey, three DIVAZ have been a great source of inspiration for me: Dalida, Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey. These extraordinary artists truly embody their strengths and stand as empowering women leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.
