IN CONVERSATION WITH ELYANNA
interview MAREK BARTEK
Singer, songwriter, and performer Elyanna effortlessly bridges hearts across the globe with her soul-stirring blend of experimental Arab-pop, steeped with traditional authentic Arabic music influenced by enriching Latin American rhythms. She just released her debut album ‘Woledto’, which follows her groundbreaking performance at Coachella, where she made history as the first artist to perform in Arabic at the renowned festival, as well as her recently sold-out debut North American tour, which showcased her blend of belly dancing.
jacket 1/OFF PARIS
shirt MYGLER
tie NINAMOUNAH
Growing up in Nazareth, you were surrounded by music—from your grandfather’s zajal poetry to your father introducing you to Julio Iglesias and Sabah Fakhry. What was the first moment you truly felt music was your calling?
I’ve always felt it, ever since I was a kid. I would receive random signs that made me believe this was what I was meant to do. Even as I became an adult, that inner knowing stayed with me. There has always been a calling from music, and I feel a strong sense of purpose in doing it.
I know I’m meant to be doing exactly what I’m doing right now. Since I was a young girl in Nazareth, it was my dream to make a career out of being an artist. And it feels like the stars just aligned for it to happen. I’m very blessed to have been surrounded by singers, writers, and creatives in my family, and to have been born and raised in Palestine, with Chile as my second home. I love my cultural influences deeply—each of these elements helped me do what I love for a living.
Your brother, Feras, was the first to recognise your talent, and your mother has been involved in your songwriting. How has having such a creatively supportive family influenced your development as an artist?
We do everything in-house, right from our living room. There’s a certain commitment and creative flow we have that feels so authentic and genuine. We understand each other very well, and it shows in the music we create. We complement and complete each other’s ideas. Our creative process has its ups and downs, but once we land on the concept and the sound, it’s the best feeling ever. We’re all so passionate and on the same page. We all want to learn and grow every day, which is why our process takes time. We’re patient with every detail to create something that feels timeless.
Your music blends Arabic, Latin, jazz, and pop elements. How do you approach combining these influences while still creating something that is uniquely yours?
When you grow up around different cultures and use the sounds you loved from each, you naturally create your own genre. Music allows me to incorporate all of my childhood inspirations into beautiful projects. These things happen naturally—just by being authentic and having good taste in music, haha. My appreciation for art, my culture, and everything that feels odd or interesting also plays a role. The beauty of it is that we’re free to interpret everything in our own way and in our own lane.
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jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES
corset and skirt FLORENCE KING
bodysuit and shoes SAMMY LOU
nails SAMMY DOES
right
jacket 1/OFF PARIS
shirt MYGLER
tie NINAMOUNAH
shoes SAMMY LOU
‘Woledto’ means “I am born,” and you’ve described it as both a debut and a rebirth. What experiences shaped this album, and what story are you telling through it?
It’s the first project where we took full control of both the music and the storytelling. I started with my two EPs, which were just me discovering my sound, having fun, and learning from the people around me. I was getting inspiration from the world and combining it with Middle Eastern sounds. The birth of my fan base came once I understood my mission for our community, discovered what my musical purpose was, and figured out how to narrate my own story.
Your grandfather’s poetry is featured in ‘Sad In Pali’, adding a deeply personal and historical layer to your music. What inspired you to include his voice, and how does poetry influence your songwriting?
I have very strong memories of my grandpa performing zajal at all these Palestinian weddings. Having his voice be part of the album, especially in a song like ‘Sad in Pali’, and him being the only feature, is very emotional for me.
You made history as the first artist to perform in Arabic at Coachella. What did that moment feel like, and what do you hope it represents for Arab artists in global music?
It felt like opening a door for our community. I wanted to make sure I put on a memorable show that introduced Coachella to the beauty of our culture, so that they continue including our people. And they are, which makes me feel very proud.
Dance is a major part of your performances, incorporating belly dancing, dabke, and Latin influences. How do you see movement as an extension of your music?
I’m always inspired by amazing artists and performers. My music is cinematic—I need dancing and drama in my performances! When I make music, I automatically think about choreography. It’s one of my favourite parts of the creative process because it elevates the performance. It’s like producing or writing a song. I love working with my choreographers, who come from different backgrounds. We share so much vision and passion. Embracing my culture through movement, bringing together styles from different places in the region, feels like uniting them through all these different elements.
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jacket 1/OFF PARIS
shirt MYGLER
tie NINAMOUNAH
shoes SAMMY LOU
right
jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES
corset and skirt FLORENCE KING
bodysuit and shoes SAMMY LOU
nails SAMMY DOES
You’ve mentioned that your live shows feel like a community, with fans embracing the culture through their outfits and energy. How do you cultivate that bond, and how does it impact your performances?
My fans and I simply inspire each other. The universe we’ve created has its own dress code and attitude, which they fully understand. It’s like a cult in the best way. If you see them walking down the street, you’ll know exactly which show they’re going to. My main goal is for them to feel free, creative, and proud when expressing themselves through fashion. Our community has been craving this. I want us all to support each other and be one. I’m there for them, and they’re there for me.
You’ve worked with major figures like Nasri Atweh and Wassim “Sal” Slaiby. What’s the best advice they’ve given you about navigating the music industry?
I’ve learned so much from my team and mentors like Nasri, Massari, and my manager Sal. We met when I was about 15 years old, so it’s really special that I’ve grown with them, and that we all share the same goal of making Arabic music internationally recognised. They constantly guide and advise me, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
You’ve received critical acclaim from major outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard. How do you handle the growing spotlight while ensuring your music remains authentic?
I’m so grateful for the love and support I receive, it keeps me going. But I try not to rely on validation. I never want to be distracted from the things I truly believe in or the essence of why I’m doing music.
With over 100 million streams and a growing influence, how do you hope your success inspires the next generation of Arab and Latin artists?
This is what I push for the most. I know we still have many walls to break through. Our culture has so much to offer, and the world needs to see it.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ELYANNA
creative direction ZOE BAB & THIRZA KING
photography MICHELLE HELENA JANSSEN
creative production ZOE BAB supported by ALPHA INDUSTRIES EUROPE
production MAX ALAN
production coordinator TAAHAA
production assistant DENIZ TARKAN
production company MARVELLOUS LAST NIGHT
makeup THIRZA KING using CHARLOTTE TILBURY
hair ELDRIDGE MULLENHOF
lighting ALEX JOSE
lighting assistant BELLA ARMORA
art direction KENECHI AMAMGBO
production design SAM ALAN
styling JOZEF WRIGHT
styling assistants ENZO KEUNING and SAMMY LOU
digital art SAMMY HOEVER
BTS video HELENA CEBRIAN
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
