Elyanna’s Electrifying Celebration of Palestinian Joy Takes Toronto by Storm
- Carla Haddad
- Nov 4, 2024
- 2 min read
A flurry of silky garments and warm white lights pool onto the stage of Toronto’s REBEL nightclub on a Monday night. Arabic pop princess Elyanna strides towards center stage, her piercing gaze framed in kohl, to the cheers of a roaring crowd. With every strobe of light comes a blur of curly hair and the jingling of coin jewelry. Glancing around, you see a sea of keffiyehs, Palestinian flags, and dance moves that could be found at any Arab wedding, performed by proud uncles and aunts alike.
The Nazareth-born Palestinian-Chilean singer breathes fresh life into pop—a genre that desperately needs it in its current state. With a fully Arabic repertoire, each track is an energetic blend of 2000s pop infused with classical Arab instrumentation, Latin beats, and R&B. Her set is a bundle of Palestinian joy, a celebration of femininity seen through an unapologetically woman-of-color lens. The combination of her fierce stage presence, undeniable connection with her audience, and powerful vocals speaks to her prowess as a performer.
Her magnetizing stage presence is an ode to her homeland, bridging cultures by bringing her roots to a broader audience while resonating deeply with those who share her heritage. Elyanna navigates a range of emotions that mirror the Arab experience—from the fiery, sassy, and sensual “Ganeni” to the hauntingly beautiful “Al Sham.” Performing “Olive Branch” alongside her brother, she dedicates the ballad to all those hurting in the SWANA region, delivering an intimate rendition of the original song.
With a keffiyeh held high above her head in proud defiance, Elyanna concludes the show, spinning joyfully with the embroidered scarf to an audience mirroring her movements. The WOLEDTO tour is an electrifying, high-energy experience that captivates everyone from casual listeners to dedicated fans.
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