Elyanna
Just a few months ago, I caught a glimpse of Elyanna’s magic during her set at Outside Lands. Even though I only saw the first half, it was enough to pull me into her world. Luckily, she brought her Woledto Tour back to the Bay, giving me—and a packed house at Oakland’s Fox Theater—the chance to experience her artistry in full.
Fans arrived in style, channeling Elyanna’s signature dreamy aesthetic. Flowing, draped silhouettes dominated the crowd, and keffiyehs were proudly worn—a nod to the cultural pride Elyanna inspires. It was clear before the show even began that her impact extends beyond music.
For those who haven’t seen Elyanna live, her concerts are more than just a performance. They’re a journey, a deliberate walk through her artistry and identity. Even as a non-Arabic speaker, I felt deeply immersed in her vision. Her music transcends language, painting a world you can feel your way through.
The night began with “Al Sham,” an evocative opener that set the mood with sweeping melodies and atmospheric arrangements. From there, she dove into “Yalla Ya,” a buoyant, high-energy track that had the crowd moving. The transitions were seamless, and her ability to shift from haunting introspection to pure celebration highlighted her versatility as both a performer and a vocalist.
Tracks like “Ganeni” and “Ya Waylak” showed off her pop sensibilities, making it clear she has all the makings of a global star. But it was “Olive Branch” that continues to stand out in my memory. The ballad is a heartfelt ode to her homeland and a direct response to the ongoing war in Gaza. Since debuting the song at the 6th El-Gouna Film Festival in December 2023, over 44,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, with thousands still unaccounted for.
The performance of “Olive Branch” was a defining moment. It was a reminder of resilience and the enduring power of identity. Elyanna’s voice carried the weight of those words: “No matter where we go, we can never lose our identity. We can never lose this.”
Through every note, Elyanna proved that she’s more than an emerging star—she’s a voice for a generation navigating identity, heritage, and the complexities of a global stage.