You know you’re at an Elyanna concert when the crowd is adorned with keffiyehs—a symbol of Palestinian identity, nationalism, and now solidarity in support of her heritage.
The night at House of Blues Houston kicked off with high energy as DJ Zainab Hasnain DiStasio, a close friend of Elyanna’s, warmed up the crowd. Zainab seamlessly fused classic Arabic songs with R&B and 90s and 2000s pop throwbacks, twirling a keffiyeh in her hand like a handkerchief, as one does during traditional Arab line dances like Dabke. The crowd was ready and eager for Elyanna to take the stage.
As the curtains rose, dim orange lights and desert-inspired sound effects of wind and sand set a mystical atmosphere. Elyanna, along with four female dancers, began with an interpretive dance to Middle Eastern instrumentals, which flowed seamlessly into her opening song, “Woledto”—the first track on her new album and the tour’s namesake, meaning “I am born” in Arabic. Elyanna and her dancers were dressed in white, flowy, long-sleeve dresses styled by her older sister and personal stylist, Tali. Elyanna’s dress stood out with puffed chiffon shoulders, coins woven into her hair and the front of her dress, and two slits embroidered with the Palestinian tatreez pattern—a tribute to Palestinian heritage.
Throughout the night, Elyanna performed fan favorites like “Ganeni,” “Al Sham,” “Mama Eh,” and other hits from her discography, including “Sokkar” and “Ghareeb Alay.” Towards the end, emotions ran high when Elyanna and her brother Feras (known as “Fairdose”) performed “Olive Branch,” a tribute to their Palestinian roots in Nazareth. While Feras played the keyboard, Elyanna delivered breathtakingly emotional vocals that nearly moved the audience to tears. Old projector slides of Palestinians enduring the ongoing hardships of war at home played in the background as the crowd chanted, “Free, free Palestine.” The emotions on stage and throughout the whole venue were tangible.
Elyanna’s performance transcended mere singing and vocal talent. Her show was a seamless blend of dance, emotion, and artistry. Every detail felt meticulously crafted to reflect her heritage and roots. Elyanna pours her heart and soul into each song, leaving everything she has on the stage and in her art.
Her commitment to her heritage was also exemplified through her collaboration with HEAL, a nonprofit organization that supports refugees with shelter and medical care in the U.S. Elyanna and her sister Tali arranged for Gaza refugees to attend the Houston concert and meet her afterward—a powerful gesture of solidarity and support.
As a final gift to her fans, Elyanna ended the night with an exclusive meet-and-greet. Houston was, without a doubt, touched by an angel—Elyanna herself.
Photo Gallery by Zena Kashat:
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