**Elyanna, a 22-year-old Palestinian-Chilean artist, is harnessing her platform to celebrate her cultural heritage while addressing significant social issues through her music.**
**Elyanna: A Global Voice for Palestinian Identity Through Music**
**Elyanna: A Global Voice for Palestinian Identity Through Music**
**The Palestinian-Chilean singer discusses her journey, collaboration with Coldplay, and the significance of artistic expression.**
Elyanna, a 22-year-old singer of Palestinian-Chilean descent, has emerged as a prominent voice in the music industry, captivating audiences globally. With millions of views on YouTube and a notable collaboration with Coldplay, she is launching her first European tour, eager to share the richness of her Palestinian identity through her art.
Born in Nazareth, an Arab city in northern Israel, Elyanna's roots run deep in the Palestinian experience, having moved to California with her family in 2017. Despite the geographical shift, her connection to Palestine remains strong. "I feel as a young Palestinian artist, if I have a voice and I have a platform, I can talk about where I come from," she states, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the beauty of her homeland amidst adversity.
In April 2023, Elyanna made headlines at Coachella, becoming the first artist to perform an entire set in Arabic at the renowned Californian music festival. This groundbreaking achievement came shortly before the onset of a major military conflict in the region, emphasizing the critical role of cultural expression during challenging times. Last year, she publicly expressed her concern for Gaza and postponed her tour to stand in solidarity with those affected by the violence.
Her song "Olive Branch," co-written with her family, encapsulates her dedication to the Palestinian people, aiming to raise awareness about their struggles. Despite facing market pressures, Elyanna asserts her pride in her background, stating, "I don’t feel like there’s any pressure because I am very proud of where I come from."
Musically, Elyanna deftly blends genres, utilizing elements of Arab pop, R&B, EDM, and jazz to explore themes of love and longing. Collaborating with Coldplay was a pivotal moment in her young career, marking a childhood dream realized. "I watched their show when I was 15 years old... I told my sister: 'One day I feel like I'm going to perform with them,'" she recalls, highlighting the inspiration drawn from the group.
Reflecting on her experiences, Elyanna notes the patience she gained while navigating the delays in her touring schedule due to the ongoing conflict. "It’s a process, and it’s just like you have to learn how to trust the process," she says, aiming to inspire others in the same way that iconic artists like Amy Winehouse and Fairuz inspired her.
Elyanna cherishes the connections formed with audiences, particularly those of Arab descent, who strive to share their culture through her music. This sentiment fuels her ongoing mission to inspire hope and pride in her heritage, asserting, "I want to give that to other people." With an audience approaching ten million monthly listeners on Spotify, Elyanna's commitment to her craft and cultural representation is a beacon for young artists navigating their identities in the world today.