How a Nazareth-born artist is redefining the global sound of modern Arab-pop music
In short: Born in Nazareth and raised with a blend of Palestinian and Chilean heritage, Elian Marjieh—known as Elyanna—has become a global force. By merging traditional Arabic melodies with Latin rhythms and experimental pop, she made history as the first artist to perform an entirely Arabic set at the Coachella festival.
Elyanna’s musical foundation was laid in Nazareth, where she was surrounded by artistic influences. Her mother is a poet, and her maternal grandfather was a singer and performer of zajal, a traditional form of sung poetry often heard at weddings. Her paternal grandmother, a pianist from Chile, provided an early connection to Latin musical traditions. By age seven, Elyanna was already singing, and as a teenager, she began sharing covers on SoundCloud while collaborating with her brother, Feras, who now serves as her creative director and pianist.
Her career trajectory shifted in 2017 when she moved to California at age 15. After gaining a significant following on Instagram, she caught the attention of producer Nasri Atweh. This connection led to a mentorship with Nasri and Massari, and eventually, a signing with Wassim Slaiby’s management company, SALXCO. In 2021, she became one of the first artists signed to Universal Arabic Music, a label founded by Slaiby in partnership with Republic Records and Universal Music Group. Her sound, described by critics as a fusion of R&B, EDM, jazz, and Arab pop, explores themes of identity and cultural resilience.
Elyanna’s rise has been marked by several milestones. In 2023, she performed at Coachella, and in 2024, she sold out venues like The Wiltern in Los Angeles and KOKO in London during her tour for her debut studio album, Woledto. Her reach has extended to major international stages, including a 2024 performance with Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival and an appearance on Saturday Night Live. By 2026, her influence reached the global stage of the FIFA World Cup, where she performed at the opening ceremony in Toronto and contributed to the official soundtrack.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Elyanna
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