Breaking into the music industry is a dream that many aspire to, but few achieve because it requires raw talent, relentless hard work, and the ability to stand out in a highly competitive environment. The path to success is often fraught with challenges, from securing funding for quality productions to navigating industry gatekeepers to building a loyal fan base in a world dominated by algorithms and ever-changing trends. For emerging artists, cultural barriers, lack of representation and limited access to global platforms can make their journey even more difficult. However, one artist who overcame the odds and left a major mark on the global music scene is the Palestinian-Chilean singer Illyana. Known for her captivating voice and unique blend of Arabic and Western musical influences, Elyanna has captivated audiences around the world, proving that authenticity and cultural pride can resonate universally.
The world became aware of her astonishing vocal prowess in June 2024 when COLDPLAY summoned her to the stage during their Glastonbury performance. Elyanna didn’t miss the opportunity and put on a powerful performance by mixing Arabic music with Latin beats. Singers and pop bands come together to perform “Arabesque” On stage, her range and voice blew everyone away. After that show, there was no looking back and continued working with COLDPLAY on their tracks “We pray”. Today, Elyanna is on the Music of the Spheres world tour with the aforementioned band and has steadily built a loyal fan base with her soulful voice, unique blend of Arabic and Western sounds, and magnetic stage presence. Whether it is in the UAE or India, her brilliant performances leave a deep impression whenever she takes to the stage.
But how did she start her career, and what set her on this path? Here’s what we know about the talented 23-year-old musician.
Image source: @elyanna/instagram)
She started singing at the age of 7
It’s often said that pursuing a career as a musician or athlete requires preparation from an early age, and Ileana is a perfect example of that. The musician noted in an April 2023 interview with ABC News that she began singing at age 7 and listened to songs by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Amy Winehouse.
Elyanna, whose real name is Elian Margieh, has always been inclined toward the arts thanks to her parents. Her mother was a published poet, and her maternal grandfather was a Palestinian poet and singer. Her grandmother, on the other hand, was a pianist from Chile. So, Elyanna followed in their footsteps and began her career in the music field. As a beginner, she covered a few songs and posted them on Soundcloud. Soon, her voice began to be recognized and she began her journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional musician.
Her family moved to the United States to start her career
Elyanna’s brother Feras was the first to discover her singing prowess and relentlessly encouraged her to continue her passion. To ensure her career got off to a good start, Elyanna’s family moved to the United States and she began posting covers of her songs on Instagram. Soon, 300,000 people were listening to the musician on social media platforms. It was then that Grammy-winning producer Nasri Atwi discovered her and began working with her.
Nasri later introduced Elyanna to Wassim “Sal” Slaiby, who manages The Weeknd and co-founded the record label XO with the singer. After the meeting, Sal signed Ileana to his agency SALXCO and began working in music. In February 2020, she released her first EP titled ‘Illyana’. The EP continued to be a hit, with songs such as “Shee”, “Oululee Leh” and “Ana Lahale” reaching the top ten on multiple charts across the Middle East. On the other hand, her second EP, “Illyana II” It proved more successful.
Elyanna makes history at Coachella 2023
Coachella has long provided opportunities for young artists to showcase their talents, and in 2023, Elyanna had the opportunity to showcase her talents to the world. In 2023, she became the first artist to perform an entire routine in Arabic at this prestigious event. During her routine, she sang lines such as “Al Kahn Jani Mock,” This is an Arabic cover of a famous French song “La Vie en Rose”. On the contrary, she also showed “Ana Lahale”, “Janene Orre” (Drive Me Crazy), As well as several tracks from her first two EPs.
The musician’s performance won universal acclaim and led to the belief that Elyanna was a shining star in the music industry.
Elyanna performs at the Gobi Tent during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 14, 2023 in Indio, California.
Monica Speer/Getty ImagesCoachella
Her family is an important part of her music career
Elyanna’s family moved to the United States so she could start her career, but that wasn’t the only way her family helped her over the years. her brother, Ferrasis a pianist whom she often shares the stage with whenever she performs live. Recently, the brother and sister performed a beautiful song “olive branch” In January 2024, COLDPLAY will open in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, the singer’s sister Tali is her stylist and is with her at all times.
Tali, Elyanna’s sister and stylist, has a unique process when styling her sister for each show. during an interview Arab Edition of “Vogue”Tali said that the two always arrive at Elyanna’s performance location early. This allows them to explore the city and immerse themselves in its atmosphere, culture and energy. The city’s vibe plays a vital role in influencing Elyanna’s wardrobe, and Tali carefully tailors each look to reflect the essence of the surrounding environment while complementing Elyanna’s artistic persona. Whether it’s a bustling metropolis or a quiet coastal town, the character of the city becomes the canvas for Tali’s creativity, ensuring that Elyanna’s style resonates with the audience and the spirit of the place.
She releases her first studio album in April 2024
The success of two EPs—— ‘Illyana’ and “Elena II” – paved the way for her first studio album, titled “Voleto” (English translation: “I Am Born”) will be released in April 2024. The album is a perfect blend of Arabic pop, R&B and jazz. Additionally, the album showcases Elyanna’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly interweaving traditional Arabic melodies with contemporary beats and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners around the world. Tracks such as ‘Mom eh’ and ‘Ganeni’ Gained worldwide recognition for its beautiful beats and lyrics.
In 2024, Elyanna won two awards at the Arabian Billboard Music Awards: Best New Artist and Best Arab Independent Female Artist.
Image source: @elyanna/instagram)
Ileana performed with Coldplay on their “Music of the Spheres” tour
In January 2024, Grammy-winning band COLDPLAY performed in Abu Dhabi and India as part of their “Music of the Spheres” tour. At each stop on the tour, a mystery guest opens for the band. For the UAE and India leg, the band announced that Elyanna will be one of the musicians performing before the stage. This opportunity gives Elyanna a huge platform to shine again, introducing her music to thousands of new listeners and solidifying her status as a rising star around the world. Performing with world-renowned bands such as Coldplay has allowed her to showcase her unique blend of Arab and Western influences on the international stage, earning her accolades for her captivating vocals and stage presence.
They also performed “We pray” On stage, the song features Ileana as one of the guest artists. At one point, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin liked her verse so much that he stopped the performance and asked Illiana to sing her verse again, dubbing her a “rising star” in music.
After hearing her speak in Abu Dhabi and India, I believe she is indeed one of the voices people should definitely be paying attention to.
