Elyanna's Melodic Narrative: Embracing Palestinian Heritage through Music

Elyanna, a rising star in the music industry, speaks about her journey as a Palestinian-Chilean artist, her love for her roots, and the lessons learned from her experiences.

Elyanna, the 22-year-old Palestinian-Chilean singer, has captivated audiences worldwide with her vibrant music and powerful message. Having amassed millions of views on YouTube and collaborated with the legendary band Coldplay, Elyanna is now embarking on her first European tour. In a recent interview with BBC Newsbeat, she emphasized the importance of showcasing her Palestinian identity through her art.

Born in Nazareth—a historically Arab city in northern Israel—Elyanna comes from a lineage of Israeli Arabs who identify strongly as Palestinians. After her family relocated to California in 2017, Elyanna remained fiercely connected to her roots. “I feel as a young Palestinian artist, if I have a voice and a platform, I can shine a light on where I come from, celebrating the beauty of my homeland," she said.

Elyanna gained significant recognition in April 2023 at the iconic Coachella music festival, making history as the first artist to perform an entire set in Arabic. This comes amidst escalating conflict in the region, notably following the cross-border assault by Hamas and Israel's ongoing military response. Despite the turmoil, Elyanna has remained resilient, postponing her tour last year in solidarity with those affected in Gaza and extending prayers for peace.

One of Elyanna's moving tracks, "Olive Branch," co-written with her family, resonates with themes of empathy and solidarity toward Palestinians enduring hardship. “They've faced so much for so long,” she stated in a poignant remark about her dedication to the song.

Unlike many artists who might feel constrained by societal expectations to lend their voices to global conflicts, Elyanna expressed pride in her cultural identity, stating, “I want young people and artists to embrace where they come from. That’s my mission." She is passionate about inspiring others to express their truths freely.

Musically, Elyanna experiments across genres, integrating elements of Arab pop, R&B, EDM, and jazz, exploring the nuanced themes of love and longing. Collaborating with Coldplay at Glastonbury was a career dream for Elyanna, having first seen the band perform when she was just 15 years old. Working alongside such esteemed artists was—according to her—"the perfect environment to grow."

Having resumed her touring schedule, Elyanna reflects on her experiences, infusing her performances with patience and purpose. "It's a process, and you have to trust it," she remarked, drawing inspiration from icons like Amy Winehouse and Freddie Mercury. She aspires to ignite the same spark of hope in her audience that she once felt as a young girl.

Elyanna's concerts in the UK have proven to be heartwarming experiences, with fellow Arabs supporting her artistic endeavors. She has found joy in sharing her culture with diverse audiences and is continuously inspired by the united interest in Arabic music. "It feels amazing to see so many come to celebrate our culture," she enthused.

With her unwavering commitment to her heritage and a bright future ahead, Elyanna stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young artists.