Alya, a 21-year-old Emirati-British singer, is setting her sights on winning a Grammy as she pursues an international music career. Speaking from Gulf News studios in Dubai, Alya expressed confidence in her goal, describing a clear vision for herself as a global pop artist while maintaining her cultural roots.
Her latest single, "Lemonade," combines elements of pop, R&B, K-Pop, and traditional Arabic rhythms. Alya explained that although the song draws heavily from contemporary global sounds, listeners can still detect Arabic percussion woven into the track. She sees her music as a reflection of her dual heritage, proudly identifying as both Emirati and British, and represents a new generation of artists from the UAE seeking to innovate beyond conventional expectations.
Alya’s engagement with music began early, writing songs since age 14 and continuously refining her craft over seven years. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and developing the right mindset to navigate the competitive music industry. Her family played a supportive role from the outset, with a musical environment at home encouraging her talents rather than stifling them.
The singer recently filmed a visualizer for "Lemonade" in a New York studio with a team of dancers, undertaking intensive rehearsals to perfect choreography. While Alya cites Beyoncé as a key influence, she describes her style as "genre free," blending various musical influences without adhering to one specific category. Alongside Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, she also draws inspiration from K-Pop artists like Blackpink’s Lisa, noting the genre’s strong appeal among younger audiences, including her own younger sister.
A notable development in Alya’s career is her collaboration with regional rapper Flipperachi, who features on a remix of "Lemonade." She praised his skillful integration of Arabic and English lyrics, highlighting a trend among Middle Eastern artists to experiment with diverse sounds such as Afrobeat, Brazilian funk, and Egyptian music.
Despite aspiring to achieve fame and recognition, Alya downplays fame as a primary motivator. She focuses instead on the fulfillment derived from creating and performing music professionally. She acknowledges the significance of social media platforms in enabling independent artists to build audiences without traditional label support, though she is also aware of the scrutiny that comes with public visibility.
Alya credits Dubai’s multicultural environment for preparing her to engage with diverse audiences internationally. She has studied behind-the-scenes documentary footage of artists like Ariana Grande and Beyoncé to understand the demands of a music career beyond the stage.
Currently, Alya plans to release an EP and hopes to attend major industry events such as the MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Awards. When asked if she prefers commercial success or winning a Grammy, she confidently responded that the Grammy will come in time, signaling her long-term commitment to her ambitions.