RIYADH: Lebanese-Canadian singer, songwriter, and genre-defying performer Maya Waked is celebrated for her evocative reinterpretations of classic songs and emotionally rich originals, blending nostalgia with modernity in a voice shaped by her multicultural heritage. Ahead of her anticipated performance at Dubai’s Zabeel Theatre this November, she spoke to Arab News about her creative journey and cultural identity.
“I take pride in taking the road less travelled by. I’ve always taken an unconventional approach within my art and like to challenge social boundaries,” Waked said, noting that genre-defying music allows her to explore sounds and themes without limits.
Her songs capture the joie de vivre — the joy of life — even when tinged with nostalgia. “I express love, longing, and hope, especially from the perspective of someone living in a multicultural city like Dubai.” She envisions her upcoming show as “a warm, emotional celebration,” adding: “I hope the audience laughs, cries, sings, and dances, just like we do at any Lebanese gathering.”
Being trilingual shapes her music deeply. “Arabic adds depth and poetry, French lends romance, and English gives a modern edge.”
She began her career by reinterpreting 1980s Lebanese songs she loved, aiming to give them fresh life. “I’m also drawn to timeless melodies — anything that people hum as soon as the first note plays.”
Her audience is primarily aged 30 to 50, often Lebanese and Middle Eastern expats, although her music also resonates with non-Arabic speakers. “Despite the challenges of balancing my personal and artistic life, I’ve learned that adversity often fuels meaningful art.”
Looking ahead, Waked hopes to keep performing and producing, and dreams of singing in Beirut — the heart of her song “Helmi Ghanilak Bi Beirut.”
