The Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna reimagines the familiar form of a traditional wedding chant, turning it into a declaration of independence, self-love, and personal freedom.
Elyanna is returning with a new sound rooted in cultural memory and personal expression. Her latest single, “Ghazali,” brings the energy of traditional wedding chants into contemporary Arabic pop.
Released on November 6, the track draws inspiration from the structure of a traditional wedding chant. However, Elyanna gives the familiar form a different perspective. Rather than placing women within traditional expectations, she uses the song to celebrate independence, confidence, and self-determination.
The title refers to the Arabic word for gazelle, an animal often associated with beauty, grace, and freedom. This imagery becomes central to the accompanying music video, which develops the song’s ideas through movement and visual storytelling.
A traditional chant with a different message
Produced by her brother, Feras, “Ghazali” combines lively rhythmic production with backing vocals from family members and close friends. The result connects a familiar communal sound with Elyanna’s contemporary musical identity.
The singer first previewed the track in September 2025. She performed it at Wembley Stadium while opening for Coldplay during their Music of the Spheres World Tour.
The song’s journey from that performance to its official release reflects its place within Elyanna’s evolving creative direction. It also continues her interest in bringing Arabic musical influences into international pop.
A visual journey through culture and symbolism
The accompanying music video expands on the gazelle metaphor. It follows a young woman who recognizes herself in the animal and reimagines the traditional relationship between hunter and hunted.
Through this reversal, the visual explores agency and the freedom to define one’s own identity.
Filmed in Uzbekistan, the video uses colorful artwork and theatrical settings created by Franco-Uzbek painters Daima and Maxime Vardanian. Iranian director Naghmeh Pour leads the visual production, while choreographer Charm La’Donna shapes its movement.
The setting also introduces another layer to the project. Located along the historic Silk Road, Uzbekistan provides a meeting point for cultural references from Central Asia, East Asia, and the Arab world.
This approach reflects Elyanna’s Palestinian-Chilean background and her interest in bringing different influences together. The result feels connected to tradition without remaining confined by it.
Elyanna continues to expand Arabic pop’s reach
“Ghazali” follows a series of international milestones for the singer. In 2023, she became the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at Coachella.
Her debut album, Woledto, arrived in 2024 and helped establish her international profile. She has also collaborated with Coldplay, Little Simz, TINI, Burna Boy, and Jessie Reyez.
Her appearance on Coldplay’s “WE PRAY” marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. More recently, she collaborated with Jessie Reyez on “ILLUMINATE,” part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack.
With “Ghazali,” Elyanna continues to explore how Arabic traditions can inform contemporary global music. More importantly, she places a woman’s independence at the center of a form traditionally associated with collective celebration.
It is a reminder that cultural heritage can evolve without losing its emotional connection.
