In brief
In a significant leap for young artists, Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna is making waves in the music scene, driven by her pride in her heritage. Balancing a burgeoning career with advocacy for her homeland, Elyanna's European tour and recent collaboration with Coldplay spotlight her message of hope and resilience amidst challenges faced by her community.
Elyanna, a vibrant 22-year-old Palestinian-Chilean singer, is captivating audiences globally while embodying her rich cultural heritage. With millions of views on YouTube and a collaboration with Coldplay, she is on her first European tour, committed to amplifying the message of her homeland "through music and art." Born in Nazareth, Elyanna identifies deeply with her Palestinian roots, reflecting on her experiences as an Israeli Arab descendant of Palestinians who became citizens in 1948. After moving to California in 2017, her connection to Palestine remains strong. In April 2023, she made history at Coachella, performing an entire set in Arabic. However, her musical journey has been shadowed by recent political turmoil, including Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October and the ongoing military response.Elyanna, who suspended her tour last year out of solidarity with those affected by violence in Gaza, draws inspiration from her people’s resilience. Her song "Olive Branch," co-written with her family, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the struggles faced by the Palestinian community. "They've been going through so much for so long," she notes.As a Palestinian artist, she feels empowered to share and celebrate her identity, saying, "I feel like that’s my mission as an artist." Her passion to inspire her peers is evident as she encourages young people to embrace their backgrounds. According to Elyanna, she feels no external pressure to speak on current events because of her unwavering pride in her identity.With her debut album "Woledto," Elyanna combines genres like Arab pop, R&B, and EDM to convey deep feelings of love, loss, and longing. Performing alongside global legends Coldplay—and other artists—during a recent Glastonbury set marked a dream come true, sparking her desire to inspire others in the same way she has been inspired by artists throughout her life.Reflecting on her journey, she expresses the importance of patience and trusting the process, urging aspiring artists to believe in their dreams. "I always wanted to feel inspired by artists, especially when they're performing live," Elyanna shares, conveying her commitment to uplifting others through her art.As her tours resume, she cherishes connecting with fellow Arabs at her concerts, proud to promote cultural exchange and recognition. "I’m always surprised and inspired that they’re all here to listen to Arabic music," she says, underscoring the universal draw of her roots and message. As she continues to shine a light on her Palestinian heritage, Elyanna remains a beacon of hope and resilience in uncertain times.
