Elyanna On Her Sold-Out Debut Concert and Breaking New Ground In The Global Music Scene

From making history at Coachella to being named a rising star by Rolling Stone, the 21-year-old is not only a mesmerizing musical sensation but also a cultural powerhouse, propelling Arab culture into the mainstream…

Following Elyanna’s sold-out debut concert at the El Rey Theater in LA, the renowned artist speaks with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia delving into the creative vision behind her debut performance, the impact of her newest chart-topping track Mama Eh, insights on collaborations in the Arab music scene, and hints at what fans can expect next.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): How did it feel selling out your debut concert last Monday at the El Rey Theater in LA?

Elyanna (E): My first concert ever was initially scheduled at the Roxy Theater. It quickly sold out within a few days of the announcement, so we moved to the El Rey Theater, a larger venue that was also filled to capacity. It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect with my fans and witness them singing along to my songs. Inspired by Mama Eh, attendees arrived wearing bandanas, hoops, kuffiye scarves, lots of coins, and henna hand art!

HBA: What was the creative vision?

E: Collaborating with my brother Feras, known as Fairdose, who served as the creative director, added to the beauty of preparing for the show. We wanted to create a futuristic Arabic atmosphere in the music and visually, highlighting the Arabic culture for our audience and those curious to know more about it.

HBA: Did you have any surprises or unreleased tracks during the show?

E: The concert included samples from iconic Arabic tracks by legends like George Wassouf, Abdel Halim Hafez and Amr Diab. Dance performances were inspired by belly dancing and we incorporated a modernized dabkeh routine featuring an unreleased song, Sad in Pali, with samples of my grandpa’s singing from Palestine. I was honoured to share the stage with Massari, a big brother figure to me, as we performed Ana Lahali and his iconic track Real Love.

HBA: Mama Eh soared to #1 in Lebanon and the music video has amassed over 6 million views. How do you think the music video conveys the message behind the track?

E: I  believe the beauty of Mama Eh lies in its unique theme and world. The video was intentionally crafted with a focus on fashion and looks that align with the lyrics of the song. The video gives a glimpse into who Elyanna is and her vision for the future of the Arabic culture. The song itself is straightforward yet impactful, blending urban Arabic production and lyrics.

HBA: What’s your favourite lyric from the song?

E: My favourite lyric would be “ياما تنازلنا حتى نوصل النجوم”

HBA: Who was in the music video?

E: In the music video, I was joined by my friends, sister and the Egyptian rapper Felukah, collectively representing girl power.

HBA: With DJ Habibi Beats opening your concert and Felukah making an appearance in the Mama Eh music video, it’s clear that collaborations are a recurring theme in your work. Could you shed light on your perspective regarding collaborating with fellow artists from the Arab music scene? Can we expect a track collaboration between you and Felukah in the future?

Elyanna: I attended one of his [DJ Habibi Beats] performances some time ago and I felt he would be an ideal fit for my show. He’s very talented and dedicated to promoting our culture. Our messages align well. And of course, I’m always open to collaborations with Arab female artists I would love to see that!

HBA: As you continue to break new ground in the global music scene, you’ve been recognised as one of Rolling Stone‘s 2023 ‘25 Best New Rising Artists.’ How does this acclaim impact your creative process, and do you feel any additional pressure as your fan base expands?

E: As an Arab artist, it was truly an honour for me to be recognised by Rolling Stone. This really motivates me and I can see that all my efforts are leading to a harmonious outcome. I just have to remain focused and surround myself with the people who understand my vision. I don’t think of it as pressure. Instead, it feels exciting to find out what more I can do and accomplish. I look at it like a big canvas where I can make any world I imagine become real. I love what I do and it comes from the heart.

HBA: Looking ahead, what can we expect from Elyanna next?

E: I’m currently working on a new album that I’m looking forward to share with all my fans. I constantly put effort into enhancing every small aspect of my art, music, style and vision for my performances. My journey includes both good and tough times, which keeps me down-to-earth and helps me see my path in a realistic way.

HBA: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

E: My advice would be to follow your own path. Everyone has their own journey towards something they’re good at. If you focus on your strengths, you can become excellent at what you do. Be patient and passionate, work hard and continuously strive to learn and improve.

Photographs by Yasmine Kateb (Images Supplied.)