Singer Elyanna on Palestinian identity, Coldplay and 'trusting the process'

Elyanna, a talented Palestinian-Chilean singer, is making a significant impact in the music industry. At just 22 years old, she has already performed at various international venues and collaborated with the renowned band Coldplay. Elyanna emphasizes the importance of expressing her identity through her art, stating, 'When you are showing your identity, you shine all the time. ' With millions of views on YouTube, she is eager to share the story of her homeland through her music. Born in Nazareth, an Arab city in northern Israel, Elyanna moved to California with her family in 2017. Despite living in a different country, she maintains a strong connection to her Palestinian roots. In April 2023, she made history by being the first artist to perform an entire set in Arabic at the Coachella music festival, marking a significant milestone for Arabic music in the United States. The situation in the Middle East has been tense, especially after the Hamas group launched an unprecedented attack on Israel in October. Elyanna has been vocal about her support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. She wrote a song titled 'Olive Branch' with her brother and mother, which pays tribute to the resilience of the Palestinian people. 'They've been going through so much for so long,' she reflects. Elyanna takes pride in representing her Palestinian heritage and aims to highlight the beauty of her culture through her music. She believes it is essential for young artists to embrace their backgrounds and share their stories. 'I feel like that's my mission as an artist. It gives me so much purpose,' she explains. Elyanna's music blends various genres, including Arab pop, R&B, EDM, and jazz, allowing her to convey complex emotions such as love, loss, and longing. This year, she had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Coldplay, alongside other artists like Burna Boy and Little Simz. For Elyanna, working with Coldplay was a dream come true. She recalls attending their concert at the age of 15 and feeling inspired by their performance. 'I told my sister: One day I feel like I'm going to perform with them,' she reminisces. Now, with nearly 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, she is living her dream. Elyanna describes her experience with Coldplay as a perfect blend of inspiration and support. She admires their humility and the positive messages they promote through their music. As she embarks on her tour, Elyanna has learned valuable lessons about patience and trusting the process. She aspires to inspire others in the same way that her favorite artists, such as Amy Winehouse and Freddie Mercury, inspired her. 'As a little girl, I always wanted to feel inspired by artists, especially when they're performing live,' she shares. 'So I feel like I need to give that to other people, inspire them, give them hope. ' Elyanna enjoys performing in the UK and is delighted to see many Arab fans at her concerts. She believes that there is a growing interest in Arabic music and culture among diverse audiences. 'I'm always so surprised and inspired that they're all here to listen to Arabic music,' she says. Elyanna is dedicated to spreading her message and connecting with people through her powerful music.