Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna is set to make history at Coachella on Saturday as the first female artist to perform a set entirely in Arabic at the popular music festival in Indio, California.
I’m so excited, everyone knows Coachella, Elyanna said in an interview with ABC.
It’s a big responsibility, she said. I represent my culture, but I work hard.
The 21-year-old singer, known for songs like “Gharib Ali” and “I Am Lehal,” blends genres and cultures into music that she says stays true to her roots.
Her performances on April 15 and April 22 at Coachella also coincide with National Arab American Heritage Month in the United States.
Elyanna said she thought she would also sing in English growing up, so when her producer encouraged her to sing in Arabic, Elyanna said she was nervous.
And while she always spoke Arabic, Elyanna did not sing much in Arabic.
“But as soon as I was listening to the music we were making and it was in Arabic I knew I had to do something with a purpose, she said. “It is who I am, so I do it naturally.
The 21-year-old singer, whose legal name is Elyanna Marguet, grew up in Nazareth, Palestine and Chile, but after her brother discovered her vocal talent, Elyanna said she and her family moved to Los Angeles, where her career catapulted her to a new stage of fame.
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