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Meet Elyanna, who played with Coldplay at Glastonbury: the Palestinian-Chilean singer performed a Coachella set entirely in Arabic in 2023 and just released her debut album, Woledto

Elyanna, a 22-year-old singer, joined Coldplay onstage during Glastonbury. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram
The 22-year-old started singing at age seven, per ABC News, and draws inspiration from legends like Etta James and Amy Winehouse. Her special performance highlighted the band’s desire to make a statement amid ongoing global issues.
Friends joining Elyanna onstage to celebrate Arab heritage month. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

Here’s what else we know about the rising singer.

Elyanna is Palestinian-Chilean

Elyanna was born Elian Margieh, in Nazareth. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

Elyanna, whose real name is Elian Margieh, was born in Nazareth, per Vogue Arabia. At 22, she’s already made a big splash in the music world. Her journey began early, influenced by a rich family heritage in the arts; her mother and grandfather are published poets. Her unique musical style blends Arabic music with Latin rhythms and modern pop elements.

She moved to California to get her career started

Elyanna comes from an artistic family. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram
Her brother Feras was the first to notice her talent when he heard her singing Adele songs. Excited, he called their mum over to listen. “He was like, ‘Oh, my God, you know, you can sing,’ she told Nylon in 2023. “He told my mum to come over so she could hear me,” she remembers.” Once it happened, once I actually started to sing out loud, I couldn’t shut up. I would sing all the time.”

According to ABC News, the family then moved to California to support her career. Elyanna moved to San Diego, California and began posting covers on her Instagram page until Grammy-winner singer and producer Nasri Atweh eventually discovered her. She quickly gained attention and is now signed with Universal Arabic Music, headed by Wassim “Sal” Slaiby, who also manages The Weeknd, per Nylon.

Her whole family is involved in her music

“I am a Palestinian with a heart full of tears for all my people,” Elyanna wrote in 2020. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

In a Grammy.com interview earlier this year, Elyanna shared that she dreamed of becoming an artist from a young age, and her whole family was always involved in that dream. “My brother is the one who discovered my talent – he’s a pianist,” she shared. Her mum writes my music with her. Even her sister Tali is part of it all: “She’s always been very good with fashion and is my stylist,” she said.

She made history at Coachella in 2023

Elyanna performed a full set in Arabic at Coachella in 2023. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

In 2023, Elyanna made history by becoming the first artist to perform an entire set in Arabic at Coachella, according to ABC News. “Coachella is huge. Even back home, I knew about it. Performing here is unbelievable,” she told the outlet.

Elyanna’s music has been described by Pitchfork as blending elements of Arab pop, R&B, EDM and jazz. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

Aware of the significance, she added, “It’s a big responsibility. I’m representing my culture, but I’m really working very hard.”

Elyanna released her debut album in April

The cover of Elyanna’s album, Woledto. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

In February, Elyanna shared with Vogue Arabia that she’d been hard at work on a new album. “I’ve been working on it for two years, and it’s very different. It’s free, and the whole album is a ride – intense and sweet. I even sampled my grandpa in it, which is beautiful,” she said.

Elyanna sampled her grandfather on her album. Photo: @elyanna/Instagram

After releasing two EPs – Elyanna (2020) and Elyanna II (2022) – this past April, she released her much-awaited debut album, Woledto, which means “I am born” in Arabic. This project showcases her cultural heritage and personal growth by blending traditional and modern sounds to honour her Palestinian and Chilean roots.


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