Singer Elyanna on Palestinian identity, Coldplay and 'trusting the process'
Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna says she is keen to showcase her identity in her music.
Elian Marjieh, known professionally as Elyanna, is a Palestinian singer-songwriter of Chilean ancestry, merging Arabic music with Latin rhythms to create an experimental Arab-pop sound that has captured a global audience. Born in Nazareth, her musical talents were nurtured by her family, with early influences including iconic figures like Julio Iglesias and Sabah Fakhri, Elyanna's career took a significant turn when she was discovered at age 15 by Grammy-winner Nasri Atweh. She has released two EPs: Elyanna (2020) and Elyanna II (2022), and one studio album: Woledto (2024). She is currently signed to Universal Arabic Music. Her singles "Ana Lahale", "Ghareeb Alay", "Ala Bali", and "Mama Eh" have all charted on The Official Lebanese Top 20. Elyanna is the first artist to sing in Arabic on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She recently sold out The Wiltern in Los Angeles and KOKO in London.
Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna says she is keen to showcase her identity in her music.