Elyanna Craves Rebirth in Upcoming Debut Album 'Woledto'
Emerging Palestinian-Chilean pop sensation Elyanna is the future of Arab pop, and she is ready to continue her ascent by unveiling her highly anticipated debut album, Woledto, scheduled for release on April 12. The album signifies a new stage in the artist's career, with the title meaning "I am born" in Arabic. Though it is her first album, she envisions it as much a rebirth as it is a beginning, an unveiling of who she is in her journey to international fame.
Elyanna's debut album boasts a unique cultural experience inspired mainly by her mixed heritage. Blending Spanish-styled elements with Arabic and tribal styles, which includes a song alongside her grandfather, a Zajal singer and poet, Elyanna's vision for her album is extraordinarily intentional and personal. It is intended to be a "journey through identity, love, rage, and feminism." According to her, it's a project she's wanted to do for a long time but only feels ready now.
"This album is my debut, and it lives in its own world," she shared with Rolling Stone. "Despite being my first, it is a rebirth of myself while serving as the unveiling of Elyanna. I've never heard it, yet it feels nostalgic... How beautiful it is to combine traditions and culture with the modern world," she says. "There are so many elements of my home, Nazareth, Palestine, that represent me as an artist and are a part of me showing through in my music, shows, and fashion sense."
The album announcement follows the release of her recent singles, "Olive Branch" and "Good Torture," alongside fellow Middle Eastern musician Sevdaliza. She also dropped her hit songs "Mama Eh" and "Sokkar" last year and released a 7-track EP titled Elyanna 2 in 2022.
In celebration of Arab Heritage Month, Elyanna will headline a special show at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on April 27, followed by a headlining show at KOKO in London on May 6. These upcoming shows promise to be immersive experiences, where Elyanna's mesmerizing performances will pay homage to her cultural heritage by seamlessly integrating Arabic elements such as traditional instruments, belly dancing, dabke, and more. By portraying the beauty of Middle Eastern culture, Elyanna will give her fans the ultimate experience.