The Palestinian-American singer has already transformed the landscape for Arabic-speaking artists in the West. As she looks towards 2025, she aims to welcome the entire world into her music.
Lana Lubany can identify the exact moment she discovered her authentic voice as an artist. This turning point occurred in late 2021, during a challenging time for the Palestinian-American songwriter, who had spent much of her life grappling with her true identity. “I was really not in a good place, feeling very depressed and desperate for my art to resonate because it hadn't for a long time,” she shares with DIY from her temporary tour location in Istanbul. “I wrote an unreleased song with some Arabic lyrics in the verses, and when those lines came up, something felt different. It was like a gateway, and it changed everything for me.” It was no accident that the next song she created was the viral sensation 'THE SNAKE'; a significant moment for Arabic music, this bilingual ballad seamlessly connected both cultures, resulting in an immersive experience. Set against a dreamy acoustic guitar backdrop, the anthem evolves into a captivating piece of alt-pop as she weaves between Arabic and English: “Bright yellow eyes / Staring into my soul / Singing sweet lullabies / While they measure my skull.” Since that transformative moment, Lubany has continued to draw listeners into her vibrant world, establishing herself as a pioneering voice in Western-Arabic music. Having grown up in Palestine and then moving to London to study music in her early twenties, she reflects on the lengthy journey to becoming so open and at ease. “I grew up without any representation,” she explains. “I never meant to be so vulnerable in my music. It was frightening, but I needed to become the person I lacked during my upbringing.” Lubany acknowledges that her journey encountered its own challenges. “You have to really dig deep and introspect to access something you fear,” she adds. “Once I wrote a song that included Arabic, everything fell into place. It helped me embrace myself after a long search for identity.” With Lubany at the forefront, it seems there is a surge of Arab artists achieving global recognition. After opening for her friend and viral rapper Saint Levant on a series of sold-out shows across Europe earlier this year, she is asked if she senses a shift in the narrative. “I definitely think there are more people out there providing representation for individuals like me,” she states. “That region is being explored more through the arts, which is fantastic; there are exciting things emerging from the Middle East and its diaspora. I’m unsure where it will lead, but I believe it will go far, and it’s a privilege to be part of it.” She also sees parallels with other breakthrough artists in Western culture, highlighting her notable moment in 2024 when she supported The Last Dinner Party. “I learned a great deal from watching them perform every night; they’re incredibly inspiring. I adore artists who create immersive worlds, and it was exhilarating to perform on large stages in front of audiences who might not have known me.”
Having spent considerable time on the road this year, Lubany has witnessed the influence her music has had on the Arab diaspora firsthand. “I’ve had people come up to me and say that, because of my music, they now feel proud to be Arab,” she reflects. “That was incredibly beautiful and a true privilege. I’ve had many tell me they wish to learn Arabic through my music, which is really special.”
Due to the gravity of the ongoing crisis in her homeland, it’s understandable that the turmoil from the Middle East initially caused her to pause creatively at the year's start. “I took a little break; I was quite shaken by everything happening, so I couldn’t create in my usual manner and struggled to focus,” Lana admits. However, after taking some time to reflect, she recognized that her art serves as a form of resistance. “I now understand it’s more crucial than ever to concentrate on art and share my story,” she nods. “That’s my means of communication, and it’s my purpose.”
There is a palpable sense of pride and freedom in her latest EP 'YAFA': a heartfelt tribute to her home and Palestinian culture. The EP serves as a beacon of hope, celebrating the authentic Palestine and its people. “It’s vital to share the stories of what I’ve witnessed,” she remarks. “I cherish the culture and the people, and I want to convey that representation. Real stories need to be told because we aren’t just numbers. In the news, we lack humanity, and art can profoundly humanize people.” The most direct way Lubany conveys these stories is by drawing on her own family heritage. In the meditative and ethereal title track of 'YAFA,' she samples an emotional recording of her late grandmother speaking about her home, complemented by dramatic synths. “It was really important for me to intertwine
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The Palestinian-American singer has transformed the landscape for Arabic-speaking artists in the West. As she approaches 2025, she aims to welcome the entire world.